AIL Geotextile Reinforced Soil (GRS) Bridges

GRS technology puts the dirt to work in ​buried arch bridge solutions.

AIL’s GRS technology is a patented buried arch bridge system originally developed for the forestry and resource industry sectors. It uses steel anchor rods to connect a Super-Cor structural steel plate arch to the backfill/geotextile composite and transfers the loads into the surrounding GRS mass.

How GRS buried arch bridge technology works
GRS corrugated metal bridges are a soil-steel-bridge geotextile composite structure. The bridge’s dead and live loads are supported by the reinforced soil, structure and natural or improved subgrade soils.

1. Anchor Rods –​ The soil arch structure is connected to the GRS soil mass composite with soil anchor rods. The anchor rods ensure the soil bridge structure maintains shape during backfilling.
2. GRS –​ Closely spaced geotextile between layers of compacted backfill act to confine the soil particles.
3. Boulder layer foundation –​ Used in lieu of conventional strip footings or pile foundations.

Fish- and wildlife-friendly corrugated steel bridges
GRS buried arch bridges maintain the original streambed, thus reducing the impact on fish and wildlife. Where the streambed does not exist, streambed reconstruction is part of the soil-steel bridge design. Corrugated metal bridge structures can be sized wider than the natural streambed to permit passage of other wildlife. Flexible headwall designs help to minimize the footprint of the soil arch bridge.

Rapid buried arch bridge installation
AIL’s GRS corrugated steel bridges are excellent alternatives to beam bridges, truss bridges or concrete culverts. Their prepared boulder foundations eliminate the need for concrete footings and, in many cases, pile foundations. The corrugated metal and other components ship on a single truck to be installed with conventional road-building equipment and local labour in only a matter of days. Boulder foundations and backfill materials are typically sourced locally, reducing hauling costs and accelerating bridge construction in regions with limited infrastructure.

Recommended for remote bridge construction applications
AIL’s GRS solutions make very efficient soil arch bridge solutions for resource-road crossings, stream crossings and fish passages in remote locations and environmentally sensitive areas.

AIL Geotextiles are also available for your GRS projects
We offer three increasing strengths of AIL High-Performance Woven Geotextiles that are recommended for GRS projects: AIL90, AIL100 and AIL120. Learn more about our complete line of Geotextile and Silt Fence products and download Technical Data Sheets here, or talk to one of our GRS experts at: 1-877-245-7473.

Discover the many benefits of buried arch bridges
Structural Plate Bridges or Buried Metal Bridges offer many advantages over concrete equivalents and traditional site-built beam bridges.
Visit our Buried Bridge Benefits page to learn more >>

Bring enhanced aesthetics to your buried arch bridges
From interior finishes and lighting to exterior end treatments and even urban greenways on top, take a look at the full range of possibilities in our Design Ideas Gallery.
Visit our Design Ideas Gallery to learn more >>