Geosynthetic - Reinforced soil bridge abutments

The technology of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) systems has been widely used in transportation to support the self-weight of backfill soil, roadway structures, and traffic loads. The increased use and acceptance of soil reinforcement is due to several factors including cost savings, aesthetics, simple and fast construction techniques, good seismic performance, and the ability to tolerate large differential settlement without structural distress. This article describes the comparatively new use of GRS systems as an integral structural component of bridge abutments and piers. The focus is on the Founders/Meadows Parkway Bridge, which crosses U.S. Interstate 25 approximately 20 miles south of downtown Denver, Colorado, and was recently opened to traffic.