Performance of an earthwork reinforcement system constructed with low-quality backfill : Hannon, J B; Forsyth, R A Trans Res RecN965, 1984, P55–66

Abstract

A preliminary evaluation is presented of a retaining-wall system constructed on Interstate 80 at Baxter, California, using lowquality backfill materials. Four mechanically stabilized embankments were constructed. Two of these walls were instrumented to monitor performance over a 3-year period. Dummy bar-mats of different configurations were installed during construction and were subject to field pullout testing. These field pullout results are compared with laboratory tests conducted with the same backfill material at representative overburden and field moisture and density conditions. Field pullout test results are also compared with laboratory tests conducted before the project design. The results of these tests suggest that the laboratory pullout test values provide a conservative design. The transverse bars governed the pullout capacity of the bar-mat and the overburden stress did not significantly affect the pullout capacity in cohesive backfill. The contractor's method of construction significantly influenced the overall response of the soil-reinforced wall system. The satisfactory performance of this wall system after one severe winter season suggests that mat- (or mesh-) type soil reinforcement systems can be constructed successfully by using low-quality on-site materials as backfill.