For approximately 35 years, Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls have become increasingly popular in the development of transportation and other projects. The first U.S. MSE wall was constructed in California in theearly 70’s. Since that time MSE walls have become generally accepted asa standard wall type on America’s Highways. MSE walls regularly reach heights in excess of 12-meters and can be technically and economically feasible to heights in excess of 30-meters. Very few MSE walls fail completely,but there are many walls which haven’t performed as well as intended. Inorder to address this issue, several transportation departments have completed or are in the process of reviewing their design and construction practices in order to improve the overall performance of their MSE walls. Ten typical problems identified by these reviews are related to geometry andwall layout, obstructions, wall embedment, surface drainage, contractor experience, claims, backfill placement and compaction, panel joints, leveling pad, durability of facing. Furthermore, asset management techniques arerecommended as a tool to help optimally manage and maintain MSE and otherwall types.
Abstract