What Voids a Retaining Wall’s Stability?

The project’s objective was to investigate and remediate distressed MSE walls at a highway interchange system with multiple direct connectors supported by MSE walls. The contract scope was to develop the construction plans, specifications and engineer’s estimate and provide engineering support during construction. The investigation utilized advanced in-situ testing, laboratory testing, and detailed modeling/analysis to determine the root cause of distress for walls as well as secondary distress features that have contributed to the walls degraded performance. Remediation alternatives presented to the client with their cost and value helped develop the comprehensive repair plans. The holistic design approach addressed structural, drainage, paving, geotechnical, roadway, and environmental problem areas. This presentation will discuss major design items such as void remediation within the reinforced zone of the MSE wall, installation of underdrains in an existing wall, and restoration of flexibility to the MSE wall system. Additionally, the presentation will highlight construction issues encountered and lessons learned for construction plan development and communication with the different teams involved in the construction.