Retaining Wall Stabilization Systems | MSE Walls & Geogrid Solutions

Geogrid Retaining Walls

What is a geogrid retaining wall?

Sites with grade separation requirements present a number of challenges with an even greater number of potential solutions. Confined construction footprints, limited access, seismic and settlement activity, environmental restrictions, and more - all pose significant design, construction, and budgetary demands on owners, developers, engineers, and contractors. Conventional solutions including cast-in-place concrete walls and sunken pilings can be costly, difficult to stage, time-consuming, and labor-intensive.

IFI provides engineered geosynthetic solutions for this application, backed by on-staff engineers and full technical support from design to installation.

When & How to Use Geogrid in Retaining Walls

Geogrid retaining walls are ideal for projects requiring increased height, load-bearing capacity, or resistance to settlement and lateral movement. Here are a few scenarios where they outperform conventional models (and increase savings):

High tensile strength for soil reinforcement

UV resistant for long-term durability

Chemical resistant for harsh environments

Aperture design for superior soil interlock

Geogrid Retaining Wall Requirements

The design and construction of a geogrid retaining wall depend on several factors, including wall height, load requirements, and soil properties. Key considerations include:

Geogrid Type : Select a geogrid designed for the specific application, such as uniaxial geogrid for walls requiring high tensile strength in one direction.

Spacing : The spacing between geogrid layers typically ranges from 8 to 24 inches, depending on the wall height and load conditions.

Two-Staged MSE Walls
Bridge Abutments
Pressure Relief Walls
Detention Ponds & Stormwater Retention
Temporary Retaining Walls

Two-Staged MSE Walls

Retaining walls built on soft soils risk post-construction settlement issues, including deformation at the wall face. Conventional solutions for constructing over areas of excessive total or differential settlement may first require excavation and replacement of settlement-prone soils, deep pile foundations or temporary surcharge embankments. However, each of these methods is time-consuming and can be extremely expensive.

By contrast, two-stage wall construction saves time and expense to meet both structural and aesthetic objectives. In the first stage, the retention structure is built, allowing foundation settlement to occur. The second stage adds a permanent aesthetic wall facing.

Two-stage construction wall system combines a flexible, settlement-tolerant, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall structure with a permanent facing element. Following installation of the MSE structure, facing options include precast ARES modular or full height panels, Mesa® segmental retaining wall (SRW) units or cast-in-place concrete.

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Bridge Abutments

Bridge abutments are among the most demanding grade separation applications. Differential settlement, traffic loads and seismic events continually test their structural integrity and long-term performance. Furthermore, construction components are subjected to chemical corrosion, hydrolysis, and more.

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Pressure Relief Walls

Traditional pressure relief walls, including cast-in-place concrete and counterfort walls, are costly and can be difficult to stage and install. Structurally equivalent to conventional solutions, Tensar's SierraScape retaining wall system offers an effective yet lower cost alternative. The SierraScape system is also an ideal alternative to the demolition and replacement of existing structures and can accommodate increased loads at expansion facilities.

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Detention Ponds & Stormwater Retention

Stormwater issues present ongoing challenges to engineers, owner/developers, contractors and governing authorities. While meeting stormwater quality standards is a mandate, maximizing land use remains a top priority. Detention ponds and extended storage ponds provide effective solutions to national, state and local requirements for stormwater runoff control and management.

While conventional approaches can be used, three of Tensar's MSE systems offer innovative, cost-effective solutions to increase storage volume while minimizing the impact on usable land: Mesa retaining wall system, SierraScape retaining wall system, and Sierra® Slope retention system. Each can be specified to steepen the interior sides of a pond or the external sides of a berm. More economical and attractive than conventional concrete structures, our solutions add aesthetic and environmental value.

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Temporary Retaining Walls

Temporary walls are required for many types of staged construction, and pile systems have been the preferred choice for many years. But these systems are expensive, requiring heavy lifting and pile-driving equipment as well as skilled labor for installation.

Tensar's temporary retaining wall system is a proven technology that allows you to build temporary walls without the challenges and expense of conventional techniques. With an economical wire-form facing system, lightweight installation equipment and use of unskilled labor, Tensar temporary walls provide a durable, low-cost alternative to sheet pile walls. These retaining walls are ideal for traffic maintenance, staged construction, and similar projects.

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Success Stories

ARES® Retaining Wall Systems

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Market : Muros y Taludes
Application : Muro de contencion
Benefit : Ahorro de costos y tiempo

Mulatos, Sonora, México

IFI provides engineered geosynthetic solutions for this application, backed by on-staff engineers and full technical support from design to installation.

Market : Muros y Taludes
Application : Muro de contencion
Benefit : Ahorro de costos y tiempo

Santo Domingo Este, República Dominicana

IFI provides engineered geosynthetic solutions for this application, backed by on-staff engineers and full technical support from design to installation.