Reinforced Earth Case Histories in New York State

Three projects which used earth reinforcement concepts are described from design through construction. Reinforced earth (RE) was used for two of the projects. One of these was a long high expressway ramp contained within two RE walls which crossed an alluvial flood plain. Geotechnical studies were necessary for pile drag on a nearby existing structure as well as ramp settlement and stability. The other RE project involved stabilizing a very old unsafe dam with a downstream buttress treatment consisting of RE slope panels and rock fill. Both RE projects were cost effective and are performing well. The third project discusses two retaining walls built of granular material and geotextile to stabilize sidehill shear failures. Construction went well and performance, thusfar, is satisfactory based on a limited monitoring program. However, the cost for this type of wall was much higher than expected.