MSE or mechanically-stabilised earth walls are increasingly replacing the more traditional concrete structures when it comes to the creation of retaining walls, and it isn’t hard to see why. After all, they boast advantages over their conventional counterparts, mainly because of their ease of installation and quicker assembly.
These retaining walls are generally made up of granular soil used for backfill, reinforcing strips or mesh, and precast concrete blocks assembled to form an interlocking gravity wall. They can be made to build high, shaped, or curved walls, which is an ideal approach when there are many utilities around the surrounding area, and there isn’t an option for bringing heavy equipment into the location.
Applications of MSE walls
While the selection of an earth or soil retaining wall may vary based on one site’s needs to another, it’s possible to use the structure in the following situations:
- Temporary structures to be used for projects on the highway
- Dikes and other structures for soil retention
- Containment structures for oil tanks
- Creation of storage areas
- Construction sites that have poor conditions for soil
- Locations with great seismic activities
- Wing walls
Considerations when using soil retaining walls
Before you begin using this earth retention system, you must first address these aspects:
- Make sure that the foundation remains properly level and compact.
- Inspect the soil reinforcement and panel before the wall’s placement.
- Verify that the soil to be used as a backfill is tested and approved.
- Ensure all corners have panels.
- Regularly check the panel batters and adjust when needed.
- Don’t cut into soil-geotextiles so you can avoid obstructions like drainage systems.
- Never excavate at the wall’s front when construction has already begun.
Advantages of using MSE retaining walls
Builders and contractors alike tend to favour MSE retaining walls for their constructive and economic benefits, including but not limited to:
- Simplicity in construction
- Reduction in the use of heavy equipment
- More land availability for construction
- Quicker construction
- Doesn’t need specialised labour
- Keeps wall finishing needs at a minimum
- Requires less site preparation
- Possibility to build in more confined areas
- Greater resistance to seismic load
- Can be formed into various shapes
Facing types
MSE retaining walls use several types of facing systems. Listed below are some of the most common options:
- Precast segmental concrete panels. These are precast panels that are formed in the shape of squares, rectangles, diamonds, and hexagons and are connected using shear pins.
- Modular block walls. These are either solid or have cores that are usually filled up with aggregates when installed.
- Metallic facings. They tend to be made from galvanised steel split into cylinders.
- Gabion facing. They can be joined with the desired wall system.
- Geosynthetic facing. Geotextile reinforcement that forms the wall’s face.
Conclusion
With all of their applications and benefits, it’s not surprising that many prefer MSE when it comes to retaining walls. However, keep in mind that the quality of the product will still determine whether or not it fulfils its intended purpose. So be sure to do your due diligence before selecting a supplier.
