Bridge Approach Slab Settlement Solutions

Bridge approach slab settlement is a common problem routinely faced by transportation engineers.

These slabs, which form the transition from a roadway to the bridge deck are susceptible to settlement due to consolidation of underlying natural foundation soils or local loss and settlement of fill materials. The Bridge Approach Slab Settlement is experienced by the characteristic “bump” felt when traveling across this transition in a motor vehicle.

The reasons for settlement can include erosion, failure of drainage systems, failure of earth stabilization systems (MSE walls), vibration-related compaction and several other causation factors. Left unchecked, the condition may cause critical failure of the approach slab and any structural appurtenances, damage to the bridge structure and deck, damage to vehicles transiting the area and possible risk of motor vehicle incidents. Traditional repair or replacement is costly, time consuming and can seriously disrupt ensuing traffic flow.

Ground Works Solutions offers an innovative time-tested rapid repair program that permanently treats both the symptom (settlement) and the cause of settlement (weak foundation soils). Our Bridge Approach Slab Settlement program involves injection of a rigid structural geotechnical polymer into weak foundation soils, creating a high-density sub base which easily meets original design density, followed up with injection just below the approach slab to lift and realign it to the original surface profile. The entire process is usually completed in just one work shift, which can be performed during off-peak travel periods to reduce impact to travelers. The polymers cure rapidly and heavy traffic loads can be immediately restored.

The entire bridge approach slab settlement program is cost-effective, fast, non-invasive, requires no excavation, and rehabilitative repairs are permanent. Our program is the solution of choice for transportation engineers in many successful installations for the Florida Department of Transportation and other city, county and other municipal transportation authorities.