Advantages of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSE)
Mechanically stabilized earth(MSE) walls have replaced traditional concrete retaining walls over the last 20 years. Mechanically stabilized earth walls have plenty of advantages when compared to conventional reinforce concrete walls. Their ease of installation along with the quick construction of the mechanically stabilized earth(MSE) walls are among the most important factors that contractors get when choosing these types of wall instead of traditional concrete walls.Application of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls
The selection of mechanically stabilized earth walls will vary from one site to another but can be used in these situations:- As temporary structures for highway projects.
- Use as soil retention structures or dikes.
- As containment structures around oil tanks.
- Containment structures around gas storage tanks.
- Dams constructions and levees additional height increase capacity.
- For creating storage areas.
- At construction sites with poor soil conditions.
- On areas of high seismic activity.
- Bridge Abutments
- On wing walls.
Benefits When Using Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls
Contractors and builders tend to choose these types of systems due to their great economic and constructive benefits. Some of them are:- Simple construction.
- The use of heavy equipment is reduced.
- More land is available for construction.
- Faster construction than traditional concrete walls.
- Do not require specialized labor.
- Reduces the need for wall finishing'.
- Less site prep is needed.
- Can be built in confined areas or areas where a concrete wall is almost impossible to be constructed.
- Reduces the need for additional land acquisition process.
- Mechanically Stabilized Earth walls are susceptible to elastic deformation.
- High seismic load resistance.
- MSE walls can be used as tall structures, exceeding more than 60 feet of wall height.
- Can be combined with other products.
- Various shapes and forms can be made.
- Excavation works for footings are reduced.
- Can be built on poor soil areas.
Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls Facing
There are several facing systems used with mechanically stabilized earth systems. Below is a list of most common facing options:- Segmental precast concrete panels- Precast panels in the form of square, rectangle, diamond or hexagon, connected with shear pins.
- Modular block wall – Solid or with cores filled with aggregates during their installation. Usually name Keystone®, Versa-Lok®, etc.
- Metallic Facings – lighter facing finished, made of galvanized steel split into half cylinders.
- Gabion Facing- can be connected to the wall systems.
- Geosynthetic Facing- Geotextile reinforcement, forming the face of the retaining wall. They can be exposed to vandalism, weather inclemency and other types of surfacing problems.
- Post construction Facing – Shot Crete, cast-in place, spray on, plastering or other techniques can also be used as a compliment facing for the mechanically stabilized earth wall facing. It adds some cost to the construction but will provide an aesthetic finish surface for the MSE walls.
