Effect of earth reinforcement, soil properties and wall properties on bridge MSE walls

Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls are popular for highway bridge structures. They have precast concrete panels attached to earth reinforcement. The panels are designed to have some lateral movement. However, in some cases, excessive movement and even complete dislocation of the panels have been observed. In this study, 3-D numerical modeling involving an existing MSE wall was undertaken to investigate various wall parameters. The effects of pore pressure, soil cohesion, earth reinforcement type and length, breakage/slippage of reinforcement and concrete strength, were examined. Results showed that the wall movement is affected by soil pore pressure and reinforcement integrity and length, and unaffected by concrete strength. Soil cohesion has a minor effect, while the movement increased by 13–20 mm for flexible geogrid reinforced walls compared with the steel grid walls. The steel grid stresses were below yielding, while the geogrid experienced significant stresses without rupture. Geogrid reinforcement may be used taking account of slippage resistance and wall movement. If steel grid is used, non-cohesive soil is recommended to minimize corrosion. Proper soil drainage is important for control of pore pressure.