10-04-2017, 08:53 PM
REINFORCED EARTH ADVANTAGES
Exceptional Wall Heights
Theoretically, Reinforced Earth can be constructed to any height. Irrespective of the wall height, the details and technique used in the construction of Reinforced Earth wall remain the same. This allows for uniformity in construction control and monitoring. On the other hand, the detailing for conventional walls vary substantially with the height, as the design changes from a cantilever wall to counterfort wall.
High load-carrying capacity
Reinforced Earth wall is capable of supporting large loading, and is most suitable for use in bridge abutment construction. In abutment where the bridge loading are structurally supported on piles, reinforced Earth wall and embankments are used as a working platform to support the loading and dead loads during the casting of the cross beams or bank seats.
Structural flexibility
The modular nature of Reinforced Earth wall and the reinforced granular backfill allows for significant differential movement along the wall. Its flexible mass produces unifoirm bearing pressure at the base, resulting in lower design bearing pressure, hence requiring lesser foundation treatment at the base.
Fast-track construction
In the construction of highways, the construction time is directly related to the cost of construction. Speedy construction helps to cut down machinery costs and overheads.
Minimum working area
Highways interchanges are mostly required in developed areas, where working area is limited. Reinforced Earth is constructed from the rear side, and requires very little working area in front of the wall. This minimises traffic disruption, and allows for uninterrupted construction.
Long-term durability
Reinforced Earth walls can be designed to 100 years design life or more. Highway operators are often required to take reponsibility for the highway for the duration of their operation, which sometimes exceeds 30 years.
Cost effectiveness
Reinforced Earth designs are optimised to ensure maximum cost effectiveness. Its simple and repetitive construction technique simpligies control and management, and helps to minimize wastage and pilferage on site.
Aesthetic appearance
Precast Reinforced Earth panels can be easily modified to allow for specific architectual finishes. Combinations of geometrical shapes (such as ribbed, embossed, logo) and concrete textures (such as plain, rock finishes) provide for infinite possibilities in the finished product.
Reinforced Eart structures combine selected granular, engineered backfill with steel or synthetic tensile reinforcements and a modular facing system.
Reinforced earth retaining wall is comparatively a new construction technique. Due to its simplicity, economy and faster pace of construction, several such retaining walls have been constructed all over the world and this technique has almost replaced the conventional reinforced concrete and gravity retaining walls.
1.This unrivalled combination creates a durable, mass gravity retaining wall.
2.The technique is adaptable to retaining walls of any practical height. Reinforced Earth structures are capable of supporting their own weight together with very high dead and live loads imposed by associated structures and vehicles.
3.Systems supplied include those made of concrete, steel, wire mesh and masonry.
Reinforced Earth Applications
1.Reinforced Earth technology has revolutionised construction with wide-ranging uses in transport, mining, industry, energy, water and military infrastructure.
2.Reinforced Earth structures are used for retaining walls, bridges, abutments, ramps, mine dump walls, ore storage silos and reclaim bunkers, haul road overpasses, containment dykes, wharf and quay walls, dams and weirs, materials handling, blast barriers and landscaping.
Materials Used in Reinforced Earth Wall
Pond ash is used as a backfill material instead of conventional earth as a backfill material. Geosynthetic friction ties are used as reinforcements.
