ABSTRACT
Geosynthetic reinforced soil-integrated bridge system (GRS-IBS) offers a seamless alternative to conventional bridges, eliminating the need for expansion joints and bearings, unlike traditional bridges, which require frequent maintenance. Additionally, GRS-IBS also provides improved stability by mitigating differential settlement issues. This study considers a 5-mhigh GRS-IBS abutment with segmental face blocks, reinforced using geosynthetic material placed at vertical spacing of 0.2m. To evaluate the behavior of this structure, a finite element analysis using ABAQUS software was conducted, utilizing constitutive soil models and simulating complex interactions between various components of the GRS-IBS. The study examined the effects of both compaction-induced distributed loads and surcharge loads on lateral earth pressures and abutment displacements. The results indicate that applying a compaction-induced distributed load consisting of either 8kPa at the top or 63kPa at the top and bottom of each backfill soil layer yields satisfactory outcomes. In contrast, a compaction-induced distributed load of 55kPa at the top of the backfill soil tends to overestimate the results.
