Join Andy Lister and Michael McQuaid for an introduction to the design basics behind Geosynthetics and MSE Walls!
The presenters will begin by introducing different geosynthetics and their uses, followed by focusing on geogrid properties and what you need to know when selecting and specifying different geogrids. You will then learn about how mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls work. This will include general design requirements, through the review of potential failure modes. The presenters will finish by discussing different MSE retaining wall facing options while highlighting successful past projects.
MSE Walls & Geosynthetics - Design Basics Webinar April 2016
1. Randy McDonald,
P.Eng.
Director of Engineering
Armtec
Drainage Solutions
Frank Klita
Sales Representative
Armtec
Drainage Solutions
Michael McQuaid P.Eng.
Design Engineer
Armtec
Drainage Solutions
Andrew Lister
Sales Manager
Mirafi® Geosynthetics,
TenCate Geotube®
FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2016 / 9AM PST / 11AM CST / 12PM EST
TECHNICAL WEBINAR
MSE WALLS AND GEOSYNTHETICS
DESIGN BASICS
2. YOUR HOST
Janine Yetke
Director of Marketing
Armtec, Drainage Solutions
LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/janineyetke/en
Email: Janine.Yetke@armtec.com
3. CPD CREDIT CERTIFICATES
• Qualifies in Most Jurisdictions in Canada & USA for 1 Hour Technical
Informal
• Formal completion certificates are emailed within two weeks of attending
• Check your local guidelines if unsure of your requirements
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viewing the same screen:
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Armtec will send certificate to all participants
4. Armtec is one of Canada’s
largest infrastructure
company supplying precast,
corrugated steel and HDPE
products and solutions. Every
day, our proven products,
engineered solutions and
dedicated people are counted
on to support construction and
infrastructure projects in
communities everywhere. With
a national presence and a
local focus on exceptional
customer service, we are
dedicated to building
excellence.
Actual 2016
Locations 40
Drainage Locations
Precast Locations
ABOUT ARMTEC
5. SECTORS
Armtec specializes in all infrastructure markets and segments and can help with any project to ensure you
have the right products for the job. Our people have extensive experience and access to resources all across
the country, and can help with all facets of product selection, installation and support.
Stormwater Solutions
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Constructions
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Infrastructure
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Commercial & Residential
Landscaping
Forestry Residential & Hospitality
ABOUT ARMTEC
6. Armtec Drainage Solutions’ centralized engineering
department consists of design engineers, a drafting team,
and estimators.
Additionally, professionally licensed Region engineers are
located in all Market Areas across the country.
DRAINAGE ENGINEERING SUPPORT & ROLES
ABOUT ARMTEC
7. YOUR SPEAKERS
Michael McQuaid P.Eng.
Design Engineer
Armtec, Drainage Solutions
Michael.McQuaid@armtec.com
Andrew Lister
Sales Manager
Mirafi® Geosynthetics, TenCate Geotube®
8. AGENDA
1. Review of Geosynthetics
2. Types of Geosynthetics
3. Geogrids
4. MSE Wall Components
5. Analysis of MSE Walls
6. MSE Wall Types & Facing Options
9. REVIEW OF GEOSYNTHETICS
Geosynthetics:
Generic term for all synthetic materials used in geotechnical
engineering applications, including
• Textiles
• Grids
• Nets
• Membranes
• Composites
10. POLYMERS USED IN GEOSYNTHETICS
Polypropylene (PP)
Tough, flexible synthetic thermoplastic material made by polymerizing propylene
• Similar to polyethylenes, but harder and tougher
• Provides good tensile strength relative to its weight
• Translucent in its natural state, PP requires additives to create UV stability.
• Specific gravity of 0.96 (Floats); Durable, inert
• Majority of Nonwovens and Wovens manufactured from PP
11. POLYMERS USED IN GEOSYNTHETICS
Polyester (PET)
Long-chain polymers chemically composed of at least 85% by weight of an ester
and a dihydric alcohol and a terephthalic acid
• Fabrics and fibers are extremely strong – high tensile at low strains
• Very durable: resistant to most chemicals, stretching and shrinking, and
abrasion resistant
• Hydrophobic (repels water) in nature and quick drying
• Polyester used to create high strength to weight products e.g., grids
12. GEOSYNTHETICS
• Nonwoven - Textile structure produced by mechanical, chemical,
thermal, or solvent bonding and/or interlocking of fibers
• Woven - Textile structure produced by interlacing two or more
yarns, fibers, or filaments
• Knit - Textile structure produced by inter-looping ends of yarn
• Geogrid - A grid like polymeric material formed by intersecting ribs
joined at the junctions used for reinforcement
15. GEOTEXTILES
• Any permeable textile used in any
geotechnical engineered system
• Also referred to as
• Filter Fabric
• Filter Cloth
• Filter Paper
• Construction Paper
16. NON WOVENS
• Advantages
• High Flow Rate
• Fine Filtration
• High Elongation
• Flexible
• Can Provide Cushion/Protection
• Disadvantages
• Low Strength to Weight Ratio
17. WOVENS
• Advantages
– High Strength to Weight Ratio
– Controlled Filtration
– Controlled Flow Rate
– Durable
– Low Elongation with High
Tensile Strength
– Installation Resistant
• Disadvantages
– Can have poor Flow and Filtration
23. TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PET
GEOGRIDS
• High strength uniaxial polyester
geogrid
• Strongest geogrid reinforcement
available
• Woven and coated with a PVC coating
• Vast LTDS tensile strength range
• 18.5kN/m – 253kN/m
• Excellent durability properties
• 3.6 meter (12 feet) wide rolls
• 1.8 meter (6 feet) wide rolls
• 1.2 meter (4 feet)wide rolls
24. PET GEOGRIDS
• Flexible and Tough
• Delivers immediate soil geogrid stress transfer
• High Long Term Design Strengths
• Long term design strengths are backed up by more than 100,000
hours of creep testing performed at an outside, independent test
laboratory
• Easy Handling
• No sharp edges which may injure workers
• No Recoiling
• Remains in place after being installed; does not recoil
• Cost Effective
• Creep resistant polyester fibers provide a higher allowable tensile
strength, minimizing the required number of geogrid layers
25. GEOGRIDS – WHY POLYESTER (PET)
HDPE
reinforcement
Polyester
reinforcement
100 kN/m
75 kN/m
25 kN/m
Same Ultimate tensile strength
Long term design strength
Strain %
Log time (s)
21 3 4 5 6 7
10
20
30
1hr 1 d 1yr
Polyethylene
Polyamide
Polyester
Polypropylene
Creep at 60% load
Polyester is the strongest design polymer
Analysis of Different High Strength Geosynthetics
27. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
Mobilization of high tensile
strength at low strain.
Wide Range of LTDS (12kNm-
180kNm)
Good interlocking and high interface friction.
Stable open grid matrix interlocks and
Interacts with soil to provide high shearing resistance.
The rough surface of grid provides further frictional and
shear resistance compared to smooth polyethylene
geogrid which relies mainly on interlocking mechanism.
High Strength Polyester Geogrid – Benefits
High resistance to
construction stress.
Protective polymer
coating for enhanced
chemical and
mechanical stress
resistance.
Crusher run
Geogrid
Interlocking mechanism
Tension
Load
Interface friction
0
20
40
60
80
100
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Strain (%)
Percentageofcharacteristicshort-term
tensilestrength(%)
28. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
The Geogrid Manufacturer Should
• Have a full complement of geosynthetic
testing equipment
• Be Active in developing and maintaining
ASTM standards
• Have a GRI-LAP Accredited Laboratory
• Be A2LA Accredited
• Be ISO 9002 Certified
29. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
“Rumor vs. Fact”’
• Rumor: Polyester geogrids may not be used in
recycled concrete soil backfills and high pH soils.
• Fact: Geosynthetics have been tested and installed
in all soil types. PET geogrids are suitable for all soil
types based on proper design. See FHWA Elias
technical paper “The effect of pH……of Polyester
Geosynthetics”
30. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
Chemical Resistance
• PVC coating process binds the molecules for a tighter,
stronger bond resulting in superior durability without
cracking or spitting
(FHWA Montana DOT Study)
• PVC is inherently inert to contaminated soils.
(Iowa State University …….impervious to gasoline)
•Service life beyond 120 years
Durability of PET
31. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
Geogrid Creep Testing
ASTM D5262
• High Creep Resistance
• Over 100,000 hours of creep
data
• RFCR PET = 1.47 NTPEP
(check with mfg.)
Design Life Exceeds 100 years
34. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
NTPEP Installation Damage
Testing
Did you know the testing method has
changed?
‘Old Test Method’
• 200mm fill lift
• Moderately-sized compaction
equipment (44 kN)
‘New Test Method’
• 150mm fill lift
• Large-sized compaction equipment
(111,000 kN)
35. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
NTPEP allows for easy comparison of
materials
– NTPEP Published Reports
Property Tensar Strata Mirafi
Creep (RFcr) 2.68 1.49 1.45
Installation Damage (RFID)
Type 3 Silty Sand
1.24 1.24 1.05
Durability (RFD) 1.1 1.15 1.15
Total RF 3.66 2.12 1.75
Reduction Factors for Type 3 Backfill (Silty Sand)
36. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
NTPEP allows for easy comparison of
materials
– NTPEP Published Reports
Property Tensar Strata Mirafi
Creep (RFcr) 2.68 1.49 1.45
Installation Damage (RFID)
Type 1 Coarse Gravel
2.57 1.88 1.61
Durability (RFD) 1.1 1.15 1.15
Total RF 7.58 3.22 2.68
Reduction Factors for Type 1 Backfill (Coarse Gravel)
If LTDS of 18.9 kN/m needed:
• Tensar – 143.8 kN/m
• Strata – 61.09 kN/m
• TenCate – 50.46 kN/m
37. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
“Rumor vs. Fact”
• Rumor: Need to Specify Ultimate Tensile Strength, 95%
of Tult strength, or Junction Strength along with LTDS.
• Fact: The design of MSE structures uses LTDS only.
There is no design need for specifying ultimate tensile
strength, 95% of Tult strength or Junction Strength.
38. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
• Industry accepted method to determine the long term usable
strength of a geogrid product
• Sample calculation, PET in Coarse Gravel
Wide Width Tensile Strength = 50.46 kN/m
RFID = 1.61 RFCR = 1.45
RFD = 1.15 (typical soil pH range)
LTDS = Wide Width Tensile Strength
RFID x RFCR x RFD
LTDS = 50.46 / (1.61 x 1.45 x 1.10) = 18.9 kN/m
Design Properties
39. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
Design Properties
• Industry accepted method to determine the long term usable
strength of a geogrid product
• Sample calculation, PE Geogrid in Coarse Gravel
Wide Width Tensile Strength = 143.8 kN/m
RFID = 2.57 RFCR = 2.68
RFD = 1.10 (typical soil pH range)
LTDS = Wide Width Tensile Strength
RFID x RFCR x RFD
LTDS = 143.8 / (2.57 x 2.68 x 1.10) = 18.9 kN/m
42. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
PET Geogrids
Know what you are getting
Made in NA
ISO 9002 Certified manufacturing
facility
On-site GAI-LAP accredited
geosynthetics lab
Up to date NTPEP evaluation and
report
44. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
PET Geogrids
Know what you are getting
Extensive connection data, including sustained load
connection testing.
Extensive Creep testing, including conventional >
10,000 hours.
Installation damage testing with multiple soil types.
PET yarns that exceed CEG and MW requirements.
45. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
As a designer, how do you
protect yourself?
– Thorough and enforceable
specifications
– Manufacturer QC Program
– On-site QA Program
46. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
1.6 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit the following:
1. Certification: The contractor shall provide to the
Engineer a certificate stating the name of the
manufacturer, product name, style number, chemical
composition of the filaments or yarns, manufacturing
location and other pertinent information to fully describe
the geosynthetic. The Certification shall state that the
furnished geosynthetic meets MARV requirements of the
specification as evaluated under the Manufacturer's
quality control program. The Certification shall be
attested to by a person having legal authority to bind the
Manufacturer.
49. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
A. Submit the following:
2. Quality Standards: The contractor shall
provide to the Engineer the manufacturer’s Quality
Control Plan along with their current A2LA, GAI-LAP,
and ISO 9001:2008 certificates.
51. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
1.7 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Manufacturer Qualifications:
The geogrid manufacturer shall have all of the following credentials:
Valid NTPEP REGEO report on geogrid material used for this project
Geosynthetic Accreditation Institute (GAI) - Laboratory Accreditation
Program (LAP)
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System
B. The geotextile manufacturer shall have a GAI-LAP accredited
laboratory at the location of production capable of performing the ASTM
tests as outlined in the specification.
52. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
1.8 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Geosynthetic labeling, shipment, and storage
shall follow ASTM D4873. Product labels shall clearly
show the manufacturer or supplier name, style name,
and roll number. Product identifications labels, including
manufacturers name, product style and roll number shall
be included on the outside of the roll packaging material
and one the inside of the core of the roll. The material
must also be labeled so it is easily identified when
deployed.
54. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
2. Alternate Materials
A. Alternate geogrid may be considered if the
material meets all of the requirements outlined in this
specification. In addition to the submittal requirements
already outlined, the contractor shall provide the
manufacturers submittal that includes the name and
address of the original manufacturer, technical data
sheets of the products submitted, installation damage
reports from a 3rd party accredited laboratory, creep
testing data, including conventional data >10,000 hours,
connection testing of the geogrid and block combination
being submitted as an alternate.
55. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
• As the designer (Engineer of Record), how do
you handle requests for alternate materials?
• Geogrid
Alternate Materials
56. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
• There are some quick resources that can help
you review alternate geogrids.
• Website
Alternate Materials - Geogrid
58. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
• There are some quick resources that can help
you review alternate geogrids.
• Website
• Geosynthetics Specifier’s Guide
Alternate Materials - Geogrid
60. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
• There are some quick resources that can help
you review alternate geogrids.
• Website
• Geosynthetics Specifier’s Guide
• Who is the original geogrid
manufacturer?
• NTPEP
Alternate Materials - Geogrid
61. SPECIFYING GEOGRIDS
• There are some quick resources that can help
you review alternate geogrids.
• Website
• Geosynthetics Specifier’s Guide
• Who is the original geogrid manufacturer?
• NTPEP
• Request actual test data for creep, ID, and
pullout.
• If PET, request CEG and MW certs.
Alternate Materials - Geogrid
63. WHAT ARE MECHANICALLY STABILIZED
EARTH WALLS?
• Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls are retaining walls or grade
separation devices
• MSE walls utilize a reinforced soil gravity mass to resist external forces
• Reinforced soil is created through the use of horizontal soil reinforcing
elements and compacted backfill material.
66. BACKFILL MATERIAL
• Gradation Requirements as per AASHTO LRFD Construction
Specification
Sieve Size Percent Passing (%)
100 mm (4.0 in.) 100
4.25 mm (No. 40) 0 – 60
75 μm (No. 200) 0 – 15
• Free draining, granular material typically recommended for soil
reinforcement backfill
• Minimum backfill compaction is typically 95% Standard Proctor
Maximum Dry Density (SPMDD)
67. LONG TERM DESIGN STRENGTH
𝐿𝑇𝐷𝑆 =
𝑇𝑢𝑙𝑡
𝑅𝐹𝐼𝐷 × 𝑅𝐹𝐶𝑅 × 𝑅𝐹 𝐷
Installation Reduction Factors, RFID
Geosynthetics
Type 1 Backfill Type 2 Backfill
Max. Size 4" (100mm) Max Size 3/4" (20mm)
D50 about 1-1/4" (30mm) D50 about #30 (0.7mm)
HDPE Uniaxial Geogrid 1.20 - 1.45 1.10 - 1.20
PP Biaxial 1.20 - 1.45 1.10 - 1.20
PVC coated PET Geogrid 1.30 - 1.85 1.10 - 1.30
Acrylic coated PET geogrid 1.30 - 2.05 1.20 - 1.40
Woven Geotextiles (PP & PET)a 1.40 - 2.20 1.10 - 1.40
Non Woven Geotextiles (PP &
PET)a 1.40 - 2.50 1.10 - 1.40
Slit Film Woven PP Geotextilea 1.60 - 3.00 1.10 - 2.00
a. Minimum Weight 8.0 oz/yd2 (270 g/m2)
Creep Reduction Factor, RFCR
Polymer Type Creep Reduction Factor
Polyester (PET) 2.5 - 1.6
Polypropylene (PP) 5.0 - 4.0
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 5.0 - 2.6
70. MSE WALL DESIGN METHODS
Design Methods most commonly used and are Industry Accepted Standard of
Practice are:
• National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA)
• Used most frequently for Private Works
• Design Manual “Segmental Retaining Walls” is currently in its Second Edition, although it is
currently being revised.
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• Used most frequently for Public Works
• Design Manual “FHWA NHI-00-043, 044, Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls and
Reinforced Steepened Slopes, Design and Construction Guidelines” is currently in its
Second Edition, first Edition was known as “Demo 82”
• Developed following AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and AASHTO LRFD
Bridge Construction Specifications.
71. MSE WALL ANALYSIS
External Stability
Sliding Movement
Sliding Resistance
Sliding Resistance
Sliding Overturning
Overturning
Movement
80. MSE WALL CONSTRUCTION -
WRAPPED FACE
STEP 1
1. Check level of base
2. Check all line, grade and curves
3. Place removable form at front of reinforced mass
4. Install first layer of geotextile over removable form
Removable form
Geotextile Reinforcement
Native Soil
81. STEP 2
1. Pull Geotextile tight, keep tension applied
until backfill is placed.
Compacted fill
Native Soil
Depression for geotextile wrap
Removable form
2. Place backfill in specified lifts and compact
to 95% Standard Proctor Dry Density.
MSE WALL CONSTRUCTION
82. STEP 3
1. Wrap geotextile back over compacted fill
2. Place & compact fill above upper wrap portion and
level
Native Soil
Fill on top of geotextile
MSE WALL CONSTRUCTION
83. STEP 4
1. Place second removable form by repeating step 1.
(provide required batter with set back)
Native Soil
2. Place second layer of geotextile and reinforced
fill by repeating steps 2 through 3.
3. After completion of second lift, remove the first form.
MSE WALL CONSTRUCTION
84. MSE WALL CONSTRUCTION
1. Repeat steps 1 through 3 until wall is at required height
Native Soil
Finished Grade
88. MSE WALL SYSTEMS
Welded Wire Mesh
Face / Geogrid
Finished Grade
Reinforced
Soil Zone
FOUNDATION SOIL ZONE
Native Soil
Geosynthetic
Reinforcement
Welded Wire Fascia
99. Contact Your Local Sales Rep:
www.armtec.com/sales-offices/
Todays Speakers:
Michael McQuaid
Michael.McQuaid@armtec.com
Andrew Lister
Mirafi® Geosynthetics, TenCate Geotube®
100. UPCOMING WEBINARS
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102. Contact Your Local Sales Rep:
www.armtec.com/sales-offices/
Todays Speakers:
Michael McQuaid
Michael.McQuaid@armtec.com
Andrew Lister
Mirafi® Geosynthetics, TenCate Geotube®
Editor's Notes
Also, as a final reminder, if any of you have been sitting in as a group, please make sure to send in all the names and emails of the attendees so you can get your CPD certificates