Application and Advantages of Lime Stabilized Backfill MSE Retaining Structures

The long-term performance of any construction project is influenced by the underlying soil properties. Unstable soils can create significant problems for pavements, structures and slopes. Soil can be stabilized by using a wide range of materials, such as cement, lime, fly ash, and others. When lime and water are mixed with a clay soil, modification of the soil properties and stabilization reactions begin. These reactions occur in the highly alkaline environment (pH >12 for a short period of time). This paper presents a solution to the corrosion of steel reinforcements in alkaline environment through the use of planar high tenacity polyester strips LLDPE coated as MSE walls with concrete facing panels reinforcement. Case studies are referenced with particular focus on the soil parameters, on lime percentage in the reinforced backfill, on the behavior and the durability of the LLDPE coated reinforcement, and on the installation procedure.