Foundation Design Methods for Building Structures

Some assume the ______ acts as a rigid plate, distributing weight equally to all support points (piles).

Others treat it as a flexible ______ on pin supports, calculating the load on each pile based on beam theory.

Abutments can be complicated to ______.

Some prefer a single row of reinforcing and detail the connection as a ______, sometimes with other provisions such as the use of bond-breaker materials.

The designer is simply advised to study the provided ______ joint details carefully and to detail the abutment appropriately to adequately accommodate and anchor the expansion joint.

Different owner agencies have different details for the connection of approach ______ to abutments.

Pier caps can be various shapes, from square to ______-shaped.

Traditionally, pier caps were built on-site using ______, but prefabricated caps are becoming increasingly common.

The ______ supports of a pier transfer the weight of the structure down to the foundation.

Concrete columns were traditionally ______ on-site, but prefabricated columns are becoming increasingly popular.

______ beams act like braces and connect the vertical supports (columns) of the pier to improve their stability.

Pier ______ can come in various forms, like X-braces or concrete walls between columns.

In short, the surrounding environment and potential impact risks play a role in choosing the right pier ______.

Pier design involves a number of important ______.

While this list isn't exhaustive, some key factors include: the various ways a pier can be ______ by forces and ground movement.

Taller piers experience greater forces, including shear and bending ______.

Slender columns can have significantly reduced capacity due to both lower axial strength and magnified bending ______.

Codes provide guidelines for when to consider these effects based on a ______ ratio.

The placement of foundation elements can be directly below the wingwall or within a concrete protrusion, often referred to as a '______,' located on the wall's side.

PIERS (BENTS) Interior supports for bridges (away from abutments/end bents) go by the title 'pier' or '______.'

For the sake of consistency within this chapter, the term 'pier' will be used throughout, and is meant to refer to any structure which supports the superstructure at intermediate points between end ______.

Pier Caps – pier cap is a flat or horizontal element that supports the weight above it. It's essentially the topmost part of a pier, which is a vertical column that holds up a ______.

There is a nearly limitless range of pier types. In some ways, it is easier to categorize pier types in terms of various combinations of a few basic pier elements, rather than trying to enumerate all the possible combinations ______.

The basic pier elements can be classified as ______: Pier Caps.

To address this, designers should incorporate features that allow for on-site adjustments during construction, such as weldable bearing sole plates or ______ for bearing seats.

An inverted-tee pier cap is a concrete bridge support shaped like an ______ T.

This design allows for a shallow profile beneath the girders it supports, improving ______ and clearance.

The T-shape requires careful consideration of the concrete's ______ capacity, especially in areas experiencing downward bending forces.

For the proper design process, using Strut-and______ Modeling (STM) methods is recommended, as exemplified in the NHI Course 130126 resources.

The offset bearing centerlines of supported spans create a ______ on the cap, especially with uneven loads.