Lessons learned from forensic investigation of distressed reinforced soil wall

Reinforced soil walls (RSW) are retaining structures consisting of face panels, compacted backfill and geosynthetics reinforcements. Compacted soils have good strength in terms of compression solicitation but have very low tensile strength. The use of reinforcement is intended to provide sufficient tensile resistance to the compacted material. Reinforcement shall be fastened suitably for providing the required tensile resistance. Suitable fastening arrangements and holding facing panels are to fasten the reinforcement. Improper fastening arrangement of geogrids and interlocking of face panels, poor compaction of backfill material, Engineering properties of backfill material are most common causes for the premature failure of the in-service reinforced earth wall. A distressed reinforced earth wall is to be investigated forensically to identify the potential causes of failure. This paper presents the learning outcomes from the forensic investigations of distressed multiple RS walls. Further, it also presents the technical know-how of causes of failure, suitable rehabilitation measures to and avoid these failures by keeping suggested remedies during the design, construction and maintenance stage, by implementing good industry practices, during design, construction and maintenance stage.