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Modern technologies for the construction of reinforced soil abutments in bridge engineering and their design features

https://doi.org/10.52170/1815-9265_2026_81_63

Abstract

The article examines modern technologies for the construction of geosynthetic reinforced-soil (GRS) bridge abutments and analyzes their structural features. With the rapid development of transport infrastructure and increasing traffic intensity, there is a growing need for effective engineering solutions that can reduce construction time while maintaining the reliability and durability of bridge structures. One of the promising approaches in this field is the use of reinforced-soil technology, which is formed through layer-by-layer compaction of soil combined with geosynthetic reinforcement elements. The interaction between the soil mass and reinforcing materials significantly improves the stability and load-bearing capacity of the structure. 
The purpose of this study is to analyze modern technologies for the construction of geosynthetic reinforced-soil bridge abutments and to identify their structural characteristics. To achieve this objective, existing structural schemes of reinforced-soil abutments were analyzed and international experience in their application in bridge construction was reviewed. 
The paper considers the main types of reinforced-soil abutments used in modern engineering practice, including abutments with separated functions, seat-type abutments, and integral reinforced-soil abutments. For each type, structural characteristics, operational principles, and application areas are examined. Particular attention is given to international experience in the implementation of reinforced-soil technologies in both highway and railway bridge construction, including examples from European countries and Japan. 
The conducted analysis demonstrates that the use of reinforced-soil technologies allows for a reduction in the volume of reinforced concrete structures, improves construction efficiency, and ensures more uniform structural performance during operation. The results confirm the potential of using reinforced-soil abutments in the construction and reconstruction of transportation infrastructure facilities. 

About the Authors

S. S. Khasenov
ALT University
Kazakhstan

Serik S. Khasenov – Professor

Almaty



A. V. Kuznetsova
Soterra Engineering LLC
Russian Federation

Anna V. Kuznetsova – Lead Engineer

Saint Petersburg



S. S. Park
AsiaGeoCentre-kz LLP
Kazakhstan

Svetlana S. Park – Lead Engineer

Almaty



E. A. Orlov
AsiaGeoCentre-kz LLP
Kazakhstan

Evgeniy A. Orlov – Technical Director

Almaty



S. I. Gerasimov
Siberian Transport University
Russian Federation

Sergey I. Gerasimov – Doctor of Engineering, Professor, Head of the Construction Mechanics Department

Novosibirsk



References

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Review

For citations:


Khasenov S.S., Kuznetsova A.V., Park S.S., Orlov E.A., Gerasimov S.I. Modern technologies for the construction of reinforced soil abutments in bridge engineering and their design features. Bulletin of Siberian State University of Transport. 2026;80(4):63-71. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.52170/1815-9265_2026_81_63

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ISSN 1815-9265 (Print)