Transition Effects in Bridge Structures and Their Possible Reduction Using Recycled Materials

This article serves as a review of the current challenges in bridge engineering, specifically addressing the transition effect and the utilization of recycled materials. It aims to identify research gaps and propose innovative approaches, paving the way for future experimental studies. As a review article, the authors critically analyze the existing literature on the transition effects in bridge construction, their causes, and their negative impacts. Integral bridges are discussed as a solution designed to work in conjunction with road or rail embankments to transfer loads, minimizing maintenance and construction costs while increasing durability. Particular attention is given to the potential use of modified plastic composites as an alternative material in integral bridge structures. This concept not only addresses the issue of plastic waste but also promotes the long-term use of recycled materials, a key consideration given recycling limitations. This article highlights the importance of the connection between the embankment and the abutment and provides examples of polymer applications in bridge engineering. By outlining the state of the art, this review identifies future development paths in this niche, but promising, field. Almost 240 literature items were analyzed in detail, and works containing 475 different key words contained in about 3500 individual works were used for scientometric analysis. The results of the analysis clearly indicate the novelty of the presented subject matter.