Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil-Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS) Construction

Dodge County was looking for an innovative, cost-effective way to replace two deteriorating bridges that were at the end of their useful life. With infrastructure funding becoming scarcer every year, Dodge County chose to implement a new technology known as geosynthetic reinforced soil-integrated bridge system (GRS-IBS). Funded with a federal grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), this new technology is part of FHWAs Every Day Counts initiative. GRS-IBS is an efficient, cost-effective and safe method for constructing bridges. At the time of this project, only one other bridge in Wisconsin had been constructed with this technology, and with great success.

raSmith’s construction services staff oversaw all construction operations and worked with the contractor to ensure completion in a compressed timeframe of 35 working days which included several days of inclement weather. Construction methods and materials were adjusted in the field to accommodate unforeseen site conditions. Dodge County plans to train county staff in the use of this technology on future bridge projects as a cost saving alternative to hiring a contractor.