Feasibility framework for jointless bridge adoption across Nepal’s physiographic regions

Expansion joints remain a persistent source of deterioration, high maintenance costs, and seismic vulnerability in Nepal’s rapidly expanding bridge network. This study examines the status, feasibility, and adoption potential of jointless bridges across Nepal’s diverse physiography, combining a review of international design practices with a case study of two fully integral abutment bridges under construction on the Gorusinghe-Chanauta section in Kapilbastu district. Structural configuration, foundation and subsoil conditions, and seismic design parameters were compiled from Detailed Project Report documents and cross-verified against structural drawings; as-built cost data were unavailable, so a quantitative comparison with conventional bridges is left for follow-up work. The case study grounds findings empirically only for the Terai region, while recommendations for the remaining zones—Siwalik, Middle Hills, Higher Himalaya, and Trans-Himalaya draw on international literature and require site-specific validation. A physiographic feasibility framework links soil conditions and seismic hazard to indicative span ranges and bridge types: fully integral abutments suit short-to-medium spans on stiff soils or rock in hill and mountain regions, while semi-integral configurations suit liquefiable Terai–Siwalik deposits, given granular backfill and adequate pile penetration. Modelled soil-structure interaction can help such bridges reduce maintenance burdens and improve seismic performance, underscoring the need for Nepal-specific guidelines and further study.