Bridge Oprit Modelling with Soft Soil Embankment Behaviour Using Finite Element Method Hendry (a), Annisa Khoerani (b), Dewi Amalia (c*)
a), b), c)Civil Engineering Department, Politeknik Negeri Bandung
*dewi.amalia[at]polban.ac.id
Abstract
Bridge oprit, or the embankment soil behind a bridge abutment, must be densely compacted to prevent settlement and ensure the stability of the pavement and abutment connection structure. In Indonesia, bridge abutments often face issues, particularly when the subgrade consists of soft soil, leading to excessive horizontal movement or landslides. Soft soils, characterized by low shear strength and high compressibility, can cause significant instability and settlement problems if not properly managed. Approximately 20 million hectares of Indonesia^s land area, especially in Kalimantan, Sumatra, Papua, and the northern coast of Java, are covered with soft soil, posing challenges for infrastructure development. This research aims to model embankments on bridge oprit using soft soil, highlighting the importance of soil improvement or reinforcement. The study employs finite element analysis with Plaxis 3D to achieve results closer to actual field conditions. The analysis shows a significant settlement of 0.1156 meters (11.56 centimeters) for bridge abutments on soft soil, exceeding the acceptable criterion of 2.54 centimeters. This highlights urgent issues. Additionally, the safety factor (SF) of 1.938, though stable, is near the minimum safe limit. Measures like soil stabilization, reinforcement, drainage improvement, load management, and thorough maintenance are crucial for long-term stability and performance enhancement.
Keywords: Soft soil- Bridge oprit- Embankment- Plaxis 3D
