Sample Guide Specifications for Construction of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil-Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS)

SECTION 1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1. GUIDELINES FOR USING THIS DOCUMENT

The following notes shall be considered when using this document:

• This guide serves as a technical basis for agency-developed standard specifications. Therefore, it may be subject to modifications for agencies in order to complement and integrate with their current practices and construction and material specifications.
  
  
• This is a basic quality assurance (QA) specification wherein the contractor is responsible for controlling the quality of materials and workmanship, and the agency is responsible for accepting the completed work based on the measured quality.
  
  
• Local experience and practice shall be incorporated as applicable.
  
  
• Items in this document that may require further input, modifications, or edits by the agency are underlined. Additionally, “XXX” indicates missing information that needs to be filled in by the agency.
  
  
• The guidance outlined here applies specifically to geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) abutments built with concrete masonry unit (CMU) blocks facing element. However, this guide can be adapted to other GRS structures built with different facing systems.
  
  
• If a different facing element other than CMU (e.g., concrete, timber, metal, gabion baskets, etc.) is used, special design considerations shall apply.
  
  
• Refer to the Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System Interim Implementation Guide for terminology used in this document.⁽¹⁾

1.2. QA RESPONSIBILITIES

• QA is defined by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) R10-06.⁽²⁾ It is an umbrella term, wherein the responsibility for assuring quality is shared by both the contractor and the agency. The six core elements of an agency’s QA program include contractor quality control (QC), agency acceptance, agency independent assurance, dispute resolution, qualified laboratories, and qualified personnel.
  
  
• The contractor is responsible for providing an appropriate QC system that includes QC inspection, sampling, and testing in accordance with these specifications and the contractor’s QC plan.
  
  
• The XXX Department of Transportation will monitor the adequacy of the contractor’s QC activities and will perform acceptance inspection, sampling, and testing. The agency’s acceptance information will be utilized in the final acceptance determination for each lot of material produced and placed.

1.3. STANDARD REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Standard reference documents include the following:

• Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System Interim Implementation Guide.⁽¹⁾
  
  
• XXX Department of Transportation standard material and construction specifications for roads and bridges.
  
  
• Any contract special provisions for the specific project.

1.4. DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This work consists of furnishing materials and constructing geosynthetic reinforced soil-integrated bridge systems (GRS-IBSs) to the lines and grades designated in the plan drawings and approved shop drawings.