This paper presents some observations on the practical aspects of design of reinforced soil structures based on the author's experience with projects in India. The applicability of conventional bearing capacity theories to the assessment of bearing failure of reinforced soil wall is discussed. It is shown that in the case of embankments retained by reinforced soil walls, the total width of the embankment has appreciable effect on the settlement of the walls and it is suggested that prescribing stringent limits for total settlement of reinforced soil walls may be unrealistic. Some aspects of the design of ground improvement for reinforced soil walls are discussed and some errors made by designers are highlighted. Some of the disputes arising between the designer and reviewer/approving authority are illustrated through examples.
