J-U-B Showcases Innovative Technology

The use of GRS-IBS technology for new bridges was demonstrated by J-U-B in a workshop presented in conjunction with LHTAC and FHWA to representatives from ITD, regional Native American Tribes, and a mix of Idaho cities, counties, highway districts, and other consultants. The 300 N over the S-Canal Bridge located north of Jerome is 28 feet wide with a span of 52 feet.

The engineering and construction methods were first discussed in the classroom. After the class, participants visited the bridge construction site to see this new technology and construction methods in practice.

GRS-IBS (Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil-Integrated Bridge System) accelerates bridge construction time, reduces cost and less sensitive to weather conditions during construction compared to other bridge types. The design is flexible and easily modified in the field. Additionally, bridge design and construction costs are usually less than conventional bridges.

The S-Canal Bridge substructure and approaches were constructed of reinforced granular soil supporting precast concrete voided slabs with an asphalt wearing surface. Removing the existing bridge to setting the new bridge beams was completed in five weeks. This project site involved no cast-in-place concrete, no concrete formwork, and negligible reinforcement, which was placed in the CMU, blocks as vertical dowels.

J-U-B completed the design and prepared standard example drawings, which are available to local agencies and consultants through LHTAC for use on future GRS-IBS bridges in Idaho.