Numerical Analyses on the Behavior of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil: Integral Bridge and Integrated Bridge System

Geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) technology has been used worldwide since the 1970s. An extension to its development is application as a bridge abutment, which was initially developed by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in United States, called GRS—integrated system (GRS-IBS). Now, there are several variations of this technology, includes GRS Integral Bridge (GRS-IB) Japan 2000s. In study, GRS-IB and GRS-IBS examined. The former uses abutment with staged-construction full height rigid (FHR) facing integrated continuous girder on top FHR facings. latter block-faced that supports girders without bearings. addition, conventional integral (IB) considered for comparison. numerical analyses three bridges using Plaxis 2D under static dynamic loadings presented. results showed exhibited least lateral displacement (almost zero) at wall vertical displacements increments compared those IB. presence reinforcements reduced 4.7 1.3 times (max) IB after applied general traffic railway loads, respectively. revealed curves response load. Generally, performed ahead both considering internal external behavior loading.