Design and Performance of a 46-m-High MSE Wall
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 136, Issue 6
Abstract
This paper focuses on the design and performance of a very tall mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall. Expansion of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport called for the construction of a third runway west of the two existing runways. A significant volume of compacted earth fill was required to raise the grade as much as 50 m to meet the level of the existing airfield. Nominal 2H:1V fill slopes were used where possible, but MSE retaining walls were used where fill slopes would have encroached into existing wetlands. Consequently a four-tier 46-m-tall MSE wall was constructed along a portion of the western edge of the embankment. Performance monitoring included strain gauge-instrumented reinforcing strips, inclinometer installations with sondex settlement rings, optical survey of the wall facing for vertical and lateral movements, and piezometers. This paper describes wall design issues, aspects associated with the instrumentation of the wall, and the observed performance. Monitoring indicates satisfactory performance of the MSE wall and compares reasonably well with predicted performance.
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Acknowledgments
The writers wish to thank the Port of Seattle, particularly the lead geotechnical constructor inspector, Dan Berta, and project manager, Scott Kyles, PE, for helping prepare critical information pertinent to the generation of this document. The writers acknowledge the significant contribution of HNTB, which provided project management and civil engineering for the MSE walls led by project manager Jim Thomson, PE. The writers thank the contractor’s Instrumentation Engineer, P. Erik Mikkelsen, PE, and Instrumentation Specialist, Dave Yonemitsu, who recorded and provided the sondex settlement data. The writers also wish to express appreciation for design input from the Port’s Technical Review Board which consisted of Peter Douglass, PE; Professor James Mitchell, PE; Professor Ed Idriss, PE; and Dr. Barry Christopher, PE. The writers extend gratitude to Dr. Stan Boyle, PE, Tony Allen, PE, and Professor Bob Holtz, PE, for discussions, comments, and suggestions.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 136 • Issue 6 • June 2010
Pages: 786 - 796
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 10, 2009
Accepted: Nov 21, 2009
Published online: May 14, 2010
Published in print: Jun 2010
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