Instrumentation and monitoring of GRS–IBS bridge

76-page “Rustic Road Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS)–Integrated Bridge System (IBS)” prepared for the Missouri Department of Transportation by Andrew Boeckmann, Eric Lindsey, Sam Runge, and J. Erik Loehr (University of Missouri Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering)

The Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Integrated Bridge System (IBS) is a technology developed and promoted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to deliver accelerated bridge construction economically, primarily for relatively small bridges.

The technology harnesses the stiffness of GRS to eliminate the need for piling or other conventional foundation systems. Eliminating piling typically results in cost and schedule benefits.

The reinforced soil provides a continuous foundation for both the superstructure and the integral approach. The integration reduces the likelihood of the “bump at the end of the bridge” that is often associated with pile foundations. Eliminating the “bump” is another benefit that is frequently cited by GRS–IBS proponents.

Source: Transportation Resource Board (TRB)