Wall Synthesis
Synthesized current MSE wall practice indicated both successful and failed walls
The objective of National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 24-22 was to develop selection guidelines, soil parameters, testing methods, and construction specifications that will allow the use of a wider range of reinforced fill materials within the reinforced zone of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls.
Geocomp’s survey of MSE wall practice indicated that there are records of both successful and failed walls constructed using “high fines” and/ or “high plasticity” soils in the reinforced zone. Those walls with stability problems appeared to have high water pressures in the reinforced zone that led to excessive deformation or collapse. Our survey of state transportation agencies indicated that with only a few exceptions, they currently conform with AASHTO requirements regarding material type and properties of reinforced fill for MSE walls.