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Earth Retention Systems

Mark W. Goodsell, P.E., D.GE
Senior Engineer
 Earth Retention Systems
Focus of Presentation
Different Types and Purposes of Earth Retention Systems
Design Considerations/Geotechnical Study
Apparent Earth Pressure Diagrams
Challenges Associated with Earth Retention Systems
Types of Earth Retention Systems
(Advantages/Disadvantages)
Risks Associated with Earth Retention Systems
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 Earth Retention Systems
Uses of Earth Retention Systems
Excavation Support
Grade Separation
Bridge Abutments
Slope Stabilization
Reduction of Lateral Earth Pressures
Types of Earth Retaining Structures
Fill Walls
Cut Walls/Top Down Construction

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 Earth Retention Systems
Externally Stabilized Walls
In-Situ Walls
Soldier Piles, Secant/Tangent Piles, Sheet Piles
Gravity Walls
Reinforced Concrete, Massive Blocks, Gabion Baskets
Internally Stabilized Walls
Reinforced Soils
MSE Walls - Geogrid or Strap Reinforcement
In-Situ Reinforcement
Soil Nail Walls

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 Earth Retention Systems
Wall Design Consideration
Engineering Properties
Soil Classification
Unit Weight
Shear Strength
Chemical Properties (Corrosion Potential)
Groundwater Conditions
Facing Stability
Wall Type Selection
Basal Heave/Stability
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 Earth Retention Systems
Geotechnical Study

Determine the Subsurface Stratigraphy

Obtain representative soil samples for laboratory testing (strength, chemical,
classification, etc.)
Measure in-situ properties through field testing
Evaluate groundwater levels

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 Earth Retention Systems
FHWA Recommended Soil Boring Layout

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 Earth Retention Systems
Results of an Adequate Geotechnical Study

More efficient retaining wall design

Less construction delays
Less construction difficulties (proper construction method and tooling)
Prevents unsafe or inadequate wall performance

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 Apparent Earth Pressure Diagram (AEP)

Equipment for measuring strut load by means of hydraulic jacks

Measured brace loads have led to the development of the AEP envelopes by Karl
Terzaghi & Ralph Peck.
9 AEP were calculated by dividing measured braced loads by the area of the wall supported
by each brace.
 Apparent Earth Pressure Diagram

Experience indicates that the method of constructing a wall can affect the pressures which act on it top
down vs. bottom up
During the construction of many early braced excavations the top braces failed because the load was higher
than what was calculated.
We know that pressure increases with depth against many types of walls, but this is not the case against
braced and tied-back walls.
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Pressures behind braced and tied-back walls build up quicker because soils are not allowed to develop
active pressures like a traditional cantilevered walls.
 Full Scale Wall Study Texas A&M National Science Foundation
Sand - Wall Height 25 FT.

Plan View

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 Full Scale Wall Study Texas A&M National Science Foundation
One Tier Apparent Earth Pressure Diagram Comparison
Sand - Wall Height 25 FT.

25H

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 Full Scale Wall Study Texas A&M National Science Foundation
One Tier AEP Bending Moment Comparison
Sand - Wall Height 25 FT.

25H 25H

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 Full Scale Wall Study Texas A&M National Science Foundation
Two Tier Apparent Earth Pressure Diagram Comparison
Sand - Wall Height 25 FT.

25H

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 Full Scale Wall Study Texas A&M National Science Foundation
Two Tier AEP Bending Moment Diagram Comparison
Sand - Wall Height 25 FT.

25H 25H

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 Challenges Associated with Earth Retention
Systems

Settlement of Adjacent Buildings, Streets and/or Utilities

High Water Table
Poor soil conditions (Soft/Organic clays, loose sands and silts, etc.)
Obstructions (i.e. utilities, footings, etc.)

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 Earth Retention Systems

Earth Retention System Selection is based on:

Excavation Height
Movement Tolerance
Project Budget ($$)
Geology/Soils
Water Table Elevation
Site Constraints

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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Soldier Beam and Lagging
Advantages
Generally one of the cheapest
types of Earth Retention
Systems
Installation goes quickly
Can be installed with minimal
vibrations (drilled)
Can work around utilities and
structures

Disadvantages
Can be difficult to install in
granular soils
No water cut-off
Exposes soil during lagging
installation
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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Soldier Beam and Lagging

One Tier Multi Tier

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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Soldier Beam Installation Methods

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Drilled Driven
 Types of Earth Retention Systems

Lagging Typically
Lagging Installation
Installed in 5 ft. Lifts

21 Soldier Beams with

Shotcrete Lagging
 Types of Earth Retention Systems

Cantilevered Soldier
Beam and Lagging

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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Soil Nails Soil Nailing is an in situ
technique for reinforcing,
stabilizing and retaining
excavations and deep cuts
through the introduction of
relatively small, closely
spaced inclusions (usually
steel bars) into a soil mass,
the face of which is then
locally stabilized. A zone of
reinforced ground results
that functions as a soil
retention system.
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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Soil Nails

24 Performed top-down via successive bench cuts

 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Soil Nails

Advantages Disadvantages
Installation happens with excavation Works best in cohesive soils that
Usually the most cost effective per have good stand-up time
square foot Passive system so deflections are
Shotcrete face can be sculpted for higher than other systems
architectural finish Requires close coordination
25 Minimal vibrations between installer and excavator
 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Soil Nails

Temporary Wall Permanent Wall

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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Soil Nails

Installation of
Permanent Shotcrete

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 Soil Nails Shotcrete Finishes

Screed Finish

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 Soil Nails Shotcrete Finishes

Stamped Finish

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 Soil Nails Shotcrete Finishes

Sculpted
Finishes

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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Sheet Piling

Advantages
Works in almost all soil conditions
Readily Available from multiple suppliers
Prevents soil loss during excavation
Can minimize water infiltration
Can be re-used

Disadvantages
Tough installation through stiff/dense
soils
Steel is expensive
Vibrations during installation
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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Sheet Piling Installation Methods
Newest, modern system for Sheet Pile
Installation
Installs very quickly and safely
Limited to installing 30 from face of
structure
Length of sheeting limited
Hydraulic Press No Vibration

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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Sheet Piling Installation Methods

Multipiler
Excavator-mounted vibratory hammer
Can work in low headroom conditions
Generally very slow compared to ABI
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Crane
Old system for Sheet Pile Installation
Can install almost any length
Can reach for installation
Much slower than ABI
Requires templates
 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Tangent/Secant and Slurry Walls

Advantages Disadvantages
Can be built as very stiff system Generally very expensive compared to
(reduced deflections) other earth retention systems
Can be designed to carry large vertical Slow installation
loads Requires more equipment and large
34 Good water control setup area
Works in almost all soils Wale installation difficult
 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Secant Wall - Installation

Holes are drilled in a primary/secondary pattern

35 Hole grouted during removal of auger
Reinforcement may be placed in the hole
 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Tangent Wall

Gap Between
Piers

Tiebacks

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 Types of Earth Retention Systems
Slurry Wall - Installation
Wall is formed in panels
Panels held open with slurry
Reinforcement cage placed and
grout pumped from bottom up

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 Specialized Types of Earth Retention Systems

Jet Grout/Soil Mix Wall

Micropile and Lagging

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 Specialized Types of Earth Retention Systems

Micropile and Shotcrete

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 Earth Retention Systems
Internal Bracing

Corner Bracing Cross-Lot Struts

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 Earth Retention Systems
Internal Bracing - Rakers

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 Earth Retention Systems
Ground Anchors

Ground Anchors Consist Of:

Anchor in stable soil
Long tendon (usually steel cable)
Connection to structure (usually a
concrete block)

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 Earth Retention Systems
Ground Anchors

Anchor Installation Anchor Testing

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 Risks Associated with Earth Retention Systems
Soldier Beam Settlement

The Fix
Installation of Brace

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 Risks Associated with Earth Retention Systems
Soldier Beam Settlement

Aggregate Pier

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 Risks Associated with Earth Retention Systems
Footing Excavation fill Site Not Dewatering
with Water

Soil Oozing from

46 Lagging Cracks from Ground Cracks in sidewalk from
Loss Behind Wall Ground Loss Behind Wall
 Risks Associated with Earth Retention Systems
Site Not Dewatering

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Wall Settlement Cracks from Ground Loss Behind Wall

 Risks Associated with Earth Retention Systems
Sloughing Soils Soil Nail Wall

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