First permanent geosynthetic reinforced bridge abutments for Motorway spanning in Germany

HUESKER Synthetic GmbH, Fabrikstraße 13-15, 48712 Gescher, Germany E-mail: Hangen@HUESKER.de, web page: https://www.HUESKER.eosyntheticssociety.org/

Abstract

The constant increase in traffic volume and the dilapidated condition of many existing infrastructure requires constant maintenance, modernisation, and reconstruction. Bridge structures play a particularly important role in this context. The use of geosynthetics can help to overcome this challenge in a more cost-effective and sustainable way compared to established technologies. Due to this reason the regional road administration of North Rhine-Westphalia (Straßen NRW) decided to allow for the construction of a “Pilot Bridge” with geogrid reinforced soil (GRS) abutment structures. Although comparable structures had been built in neighbouring countries for several years already this technology was considered too risky for a permanent structure in Germany. This contribution shows how bridge designers as well federal administration entirely focused on classical construction methods could be convinced that geogrid reinforced soil can be a serious alternative even for permanent bridge abutments.