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FILL RETAINING WALLS

INTRODUCTION, GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS

Specialists in Geological, Geotechnical, Tunnel and Underground Engineering


CONTENTS

Introduction Fill Retaining Walls,

Geotechnical Investigations,

Gravity Segmental Block Retaining Walls,

Reinforced-Soil Segmental Retaining Walls


(Mechanically Stabilised Earth Walls),

Roles and responsibilities.


WHAT IS A GRAVITY WALL?

A retaining wall that relies solely on its own weight to resist earth pressures is
called a gravity wall.
TYPES OF GRAVITY WALLS
WHAT IS AN MSEW?

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls are earth retaining structures that
are constructed by placing alternating layers of reinforcement and compacted
soil behind a facing element to form a composite material which acts integrally
to restrain lateral forces.
Typically results in a cost saving of 25 50% compared to conventional
Reinforced concrete retaining structures (Koerner, 1998)

Patented MSE systems in SA and depending on the height and system used:
R3500 4500m2 (incl. fill)
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FACINGS

Discrete Precast Panel Segmental Block

Wire facing
COMPLAINTS TO ECSA -
SEGMENTAL BLOCK RETAINING
WALLS
ECSA AND SEGMENTAL RETAINING
WALLS

ECSA has identified these structures as

PROBLEM STRUCTURES
ECSA AND SEGMENTAL RETAINING
WALLS

2006; 9% of the complaints geotechnical related,

2007; 15% of the complaints geotechnical related.


With total collapse of segmental block walls at
coastal areas, and unauthorised raising of these
structures,

2008; 14% of the complaints geotechnical related.


Unreinforced masonry wall failing below three storey
dwellings,

2009; 19% of the complaints geotechnical related


brunt of objections due to segmental block retaining
walls,

2010; 11% of the complaints geotechnical related


one segmental block retaining wall,

2011; 11% of the complaints geotechnical related


one segmental block retaining wall and two
complaints alluding to absence of geotechnical
investigation

2012; 3% of the complaints geotechnical related,

2013; 9% of the complaints geotechnical related,

2014; 3% of the complaints geotechnical related.


APPLICATIONS
FILL RETAINING WALLS/ WIDENING OF
EMBANKMENTS
BRIDGE APPROACH RAMPS
INTERCHANGE WITH ACCESS
RAMPS
BRIDGE ABUTMENTS
MINE TIP WALLS
SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION
WHICH CODES OF PRACTICE?
SAICE SITE INVESTIGATION-
CODE OF PRACTICE

Feasibility every 500m, Design one every 250m


SAICE SITE INVESTIGATION-
CODE OF PRACTICE
SAPEM - Chapter 6
(ROAD PRISM)
Preliminary:
One test pit per feature
SAPEM - Chapter 6
(ROAD PRISM)
Detailed investigation:
Centreline (<150m spacing),
Every 100m for single carriageways,
Every 50m for dual carriageways.
SAPEM - Chapter 7
One every 100 -150m below fills >10metres.

To a depth of significant stresses


INVESTIGATION DEPTH
Normally 1.5 to 2B or to bedrock
METHODS OF INVESTIGATION
CODE OF PRACTICE

SAICE Code of Practice (2007)

The Safety of Persons Working


in Small Diameter Shafts and
Test Pits for Geotechnical
Engineering Purposes
TEST PITTING
3m maximum with a TLB
and 5m with an Excavator

Undisturbed samples in
sidewall

Can log consistency.

Needs to be stable.

What is the maximum depth


where no special precaution
is required?

Use to 1.5m. OHS acts says


batter to angle of repose or
get permission in writing from
competent person
AUGER DRILLING
Depending on the rig 25-40m,

Hole needs to be stable


(H&S Considerations Log in hole?)

Cannot establish consistency but will be able to


assess materials visually from spoil unless with
Boatswains Chair,

Cannot retrieve undisturbed samples for testing.


ROTARY CORE DRILLING WITH
SPT TESTING
Depending on the rig >100m deep,

Can retrieve undisturbed samples for


testing (Shelby),

Can determine stiffness or strength by


means of SPT or pressuremeter, and other
insitu tests

Watertable.
PERCUSSION DRILLING

Percussion >100m,

Percussion rate and chips?

Watertable.
DYNAMIC CONE
PENETROMETER - DCP

DCP 1-4m

Penetration Rate,

Soil type unknown unless done


in test pit.
DYNAMIC PROBE SUPER HEAVY
- DPSH

DPSH <15m

Penetration Rate/Stiffness,

Soil type unknown.


CONTINIOUS SURFACE WAVE
(CSW)

CSW <15m

Stiffness,

Soil type unknown.


LABORATORY TESTING
VARIOUS STANDARDS

Lab testing does not replace experience;

It should be confirmatory in nature and provide a


statistical basis for design.

Insist on SANAS approved laboratory. The


specific test method must be approved.

In the rest of Africa: better/important to have an


experienced geotechnical engineer on site as
testing is probably not reliable.
FOUNDATION INDICATOR

Grading,

Hydrometer,

Atterberg limits (LL, PI)

Moisture content (MC).


ROAD INDICATOR

CBR,

Compaction (MDD)

Grading,

Atterberg limits (LL, PI).


TRIAXIAL

On undisturbed or remoulded samples,

Consolidation,

Youngs Modulus,

Shear parameters (CD, CU, UU).


DIRECT SHEAR BOX

On undisturbed or remoulded
samples,

Shear parameters.
OEDOMETER

Consolidation,

Consolidation time.
EXAMPLE
APPROACH FILL TO BRIDGE

I need to construct an approach fill wall,


10m high, to a bridge that is 20m wide in an
alluvial plain next to a river.

What type of investigation? How deep?


20m

MSEW

NGL
APPROACH FILL TO BRIDGE

Investigation shows clays in the top 5m, silty


sands from 5 15m and rock at 20m.

What type of testing?

20m

MSEW

NGL
QUESTIONS

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