Integral abutment bridges (IABs) derive multiple benefits from the absence of deck expansion joints, including increased redundancy, resilience, and lower construction and maintenance costs. Nevertheless, thermally induced contraction and expansion of IABs’ superstructure results in the cyclic soil structure interaction that is largely responsible for developing detrimental bridge approach settlement. This study delves into the complexities of the soil-structure interaction by physically testing a downscaled model of the existing integral bridge, subjecting it to 100 cycles of thermal loading, and using digital imaging correlation (DIC), a technique originating in fluid mechanics to capture the evolution of the underlying deformation mechanisms that develop in the backfill soil behind the IABs’ abutments. The results of this study directly contribute to advancing the knowledge of thermally-induced soil structure interaction in IABs by emphasizing the relevance of the underlying granular soil failure and collapse for devising engineering solutions for improved performance of IABs.