HIGH-RISE EMBANKMENTS

It is described how embankments reinforced with geosynthetic materials are being designed and built at steadily increasing heights. Geosymthetics consist of geotextiles (woven and nonwoven fabrics), and geogrids (more open, mesh-like pattern which allows soil to strike through. Geosyntetics appear to resist corrosion better than metal reinforcement and can be used with lower quality backfill soil. Also, when built with facing panels, the aesthetic advantages are dramatic. However, geosynthetics are susceptible to creep, and to compensate, design procedures must build in a high factor of safety on the strength of the product. Designing geosynthetic walls of whatever height is a matter of determining the stress levels and engineering the structure accordingly. The article describes projects in Seattle, Washington, Orlando, Florida, and La Jolla, California that are among the highest and steepest geosynthetic embankments yet built.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/10480594
• Authors:
  • Prendergast, J
• Publication Date: 1989-10

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 53-55
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Volume: 59
  • Issue Number: 10
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0885-7024
  • Serial URL: http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/newce/html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Creep; Design; Embankments; Geogrids; Geosynthetics; Geotextiles; Height; Road construction; Safety factors
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Safety and Human Factors; I35: Miscellaneous Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00488918
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Oct 31 1989 12:00AM