Soil-structure interaction for the seismic design of integral abutment bridges. From advanced numerical modelling to simplified procedures

Winner of the Competition “Prize for PhD Thesis 2023” arranged by Sapienza University Press. Integral abutment bridges are bridges characterised by a monolithic connection between the deck and the abutments. Therefore, their behaviour during a seismic event is controlled by the interaction of the entire structure with the surrounding soil, and markedly with the approach embankment. Despite becoming a popular design due to low maintenance requirements, seismic design procedures still face uncertainties due to limited understanding of the dynamic soil-structure response.