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Mining operations require structural systems capable of supporting intense mechanical, geotechnical, and environmental loads. Retaining walls, MSE systems, precast tunnels, and engineered arches must sustain conditions such as heavy haul truck traffic, dynamic vibrations, chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, and blast‑related forces. Geoquest develops these structural components using sustainable, high‑performance materials [...]

Why Use Lightweight Backfill? There are several solutions for accommodating poor foundation soil and expected settlement when designing MSE and modular retaining walls. Reinforced Earth® MSE and T-WALL® Precast Modular Retaining Walls have been constructed on hundreds of projects in conjunction with dozens of ground improvement techniques. This article [...]

Reinforced Earth Canvas Walls Art has the power to transform public spaces and bring communities together. Over the years, several talented artists have used Reinforced Earth walls as a canvas to create stunning murals. These masterpieces have not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of our walls but have also [...]

  Two common types of obstructions we see behind a retaining wall face are site drainage structures and bridge abutment piles. The presence of - and loading from - these obstructions within the select fill volume of a retaining wall can present challenges for retaining wall designers and installers. [...]

  MSE walls and other precast concrete retaining walls can accommodate foundation soil settlement in a variety of ways, depending on several factors, including: Subsurface or foundation soil type Retaining wall type and materials Retaining wall height and length Construction schedule When carefully planned for and designed, flexible retaining [...]

MSE Retaining Wall Construction Guide Note: This is an abbreviated guide to constructing a Reinforced Earth® MSE retaining wall with precast concrete facing panels. Refer to our construction manuals for complete procedure, handling of materials and recommended safety precautions. Preparing the bottom course of panels: Form and pour leveling pad. [...]

Retaining walls that use precast concrete modular facing – such as Reinforced Earth®, T-Wall®, and TechWall™ – can accommodate curved and spiraled horizontal alignments with a radius of less than 30 feet. Small radii are commonly used for pedestrian bridge and trail applications. The individual facing panels are not curved, but the curvature of the wall [...]

Stray Currents from Commuter Rail Systems are not a Concern for MSE Walls with Discrete Steel Soil Reinforcement What are stray currents? Stray currents can develop around electrified railway tracks powered by direct current. The rails serve as conductors for the return of current from [...]

How Important is the Method of Galvanizing to Service Life? The service life of an MSE structure depends on the select backfill environment and the method of galvanizing the soil reinforcements. As per the AASHTO LRFD Specifications, metallic soil reinforcement and connection hardware shall be galvanized [...]

In addition to measuring strength properties for MSE wall select backfill, electrochemical tests must be performed to determine the soil’s corrosivity when using steel soil reinforcements. The AASHTO design model for MSE wall soil reinforcements is based on sacrificial thickness, meaning, metal loss is expected to occur and the [...]