Versatile bridge abutment solutions, built with durability in mind
Bridge abutments don’t just support the bridge deck; they also retain the embankment, resist lateral forces, and accommodate movement such as thermal expansion. Geoquest offer complete MSE (Mechanically Stabilised Earth) solutions suitable for different types of bridge abutments. These provide reduced material and labour costs, fast builds in confined or high-traffic areas, flexiblity to different bridge forms and loads, as well as the option to customise the facing element with different architectural finishes.
Core Solutions
Reinforced Earth® MSE walls combine engineered backfill with reinforcements (geosynthetics or steel) and a choice of facing elements (concrete, steel, or wire mesh).
T-Wall® precast modular walls are “T”-shaped concrete units with granular backfill, providing internal stability and pullout resistance against lateral earth pressures.
TechWall™ precast counterfort walls with counterforts acting as cantilever beams. The counterforts minimise panel moments, allowing thinner, full-height concrete facings.
“True” or “Pure” abutments
The primary bridge structure is founded on a spread footing directly supported by a reinforced soil retaining structure.
Mixed Abutments
The bridge structure is founded on a footing on piles with the reinforced soil retaining structure providing earth retention only.
Integral Abutments
An integral bridge abutment is modelled as a monolithic structure. The support beams and abutment are joint-free, without bearings to support the bridge deck, resulting in maintenance cost savings.
“I have worked with Geoquest on two previous projects and both times have exceeded my expectation. I find the product easy to work with, quick for construction and a good final product, looking the part. There is a good turn around time from the Geoquest team and always have answered any queries I have had. I would definitely use them again.”
“Excellent Service, system and simple to build – would always recommend”
“The design and materials supplied by Geoquest for the new Velindre Cancer Centre bridge was excellent, providing a high-quality product at a competitive price. The technical assistance with both the design and installation was highly commendable leading to a very high standard structure upon completion.
We would thoroughly recommend Geoquest for any retained earth projects and will recommend early engagement on future projects to utilise their vast technical knowledge for value engineering.”
“Having used Geoquest for the provision of a reinforced earth wall system on a new highway scheme I found them to be very helpful and easy to work with in the run up to construction and also throughout the construction. The quality of the final product was very good and looks well now that the work is complete and open to traffic.”
“Osborne Infrastructure selected Geoquest due to their reputation and expertise. They delivered on both. They provided both the design and the fabrication of the reinforced earth abutments for the M27 Romsey Road bridge on time and within budget. Design changes due to unforeseen site conditions were dealt with efficiently with expert advice on hand to ensure we produced the right solution for our client Highways England.
I would be more than happy to recommend Geoquest and would make them my go to specialist for this type of work.”
Engineering expertise and 120 years or more of service life
Geoquest offers unrivalled engineering expertise to provide you with the best design and supply package, coupled to commercial excellence that will make your next road development project a success.
Guaranteeing long-term life duration and minimum necessity for maintenance of the infrastructure is of outmost importance, and our designs are optimised based on the service life that is required.
Speak to our team about your next project
