Blog

Departments of Transportation (DOTs) often utilize soil reinforcements attached to the back of abutment pile caps. The key principle behind this application is load-sharing between the piles and soil reinforcements, depending on structural displacements. These applications are generally limited to conventional (non-integral) abutments founded on a single row of [...]

Pressure Relief Walls and Why They’re Recommended When engineers need to limit the earth pressure applied to a cast-in-place (CIP) retaining wall or abutment, a pressure relief mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall is often recommended. These walls are constructed independently behind the rigid structure, allowing the reinforced soil to [...]

Design for Extreme Loading Conditions When designing railway infrastructure and bridge superstructures, retaining wall performance is critical to the long-term success of the project. These structures must provide exceptional strength, durability, serviceability, and constructability while accommodating demanding loading conditions and site constraints. Geoquest delivers proven solutions for these applications through [...]

As highway agencies adopt higher safety standards to accommodate increased traffic volume, the performance of roadside barriers supported on Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls has been an area of focus. Full scale crash testing for MASH test levels TL-3 through TL-5 and extensive dynamic finite element modeling (LS-DYNA) has confirmed [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]