Abstract
A large number of bridges are constructed between tunnels. This co-existence can be developed in order to reduce the seismic actions of bridges, as their end parts can be restrained by the tunnels. This restrain requires the accommodation of the resulting serviceability problems, which are possible to be arranged by means of appropriate approach elements and expansion joints. In the present study, an appropriately configured approach element is proposed with which a semi-connection of the bridge with both tunnels is achieved. This approach slab is designed in a manner to accommodate both serviceability and earthquake resistance of the bridge. The proposed semi-connection of the bridge with the neighborhooding tunnels was proven to be efficient as the parametric investigation showed that the interaction of the bridge with the stiff tunnels can lead to reductions in the seismic actions of the bridge.