Differential Settlement at Bridge Approaches’ in Bangladesh

Abstract—Differential settlement at the roadway/bridge interface typically results in an abrupt grade change, causing driver discomfort, impairing driver safety, and exerting a potentially excessive impact traffic loading on the abutment. Bridge approach slabs are used to keep the effects of this differential settlement within tolerable limits. In many cases, the final magnitude of settlement exceeds the working range of an approach slab, necessitating costly roadway and slab repairs. The potential causes for this problem purely site specific. Hence this settlement problem may not have a unique solution. The purpose of this study was to investigate differential settlement at bridge approaches and give possible solutions of this problem using available materials and manpower in the context of Bangladesh. In most cases the differential settlement occurs at mid portion. This can be said to be the most critical location.