PUSHING BACK THE BOUNDARIES

This article reports on the work of the Transport & Road Research Laboratory (TRRL) on soil reinforcement and nailing techniques, which could become the most cost-effective method for widening motorways without taking additional land. TRRL scientists expect soil reinforcement to be used widely in the UK's new roads programme. It saves space by enabling steeper embankments to be constructed safely, at a cost up to 40% below that of conventional retaining walls. It needs little labour or materials on site, and is better at handling soft soils and differential settlement. TRRL has done extensive research on the applications of soil reinforcing techniques, using: (1) laboratory tests; (2) full scale trials at the TRRL site; and (3) monitoring of actual installations. It has investigated different types of anchor, and the use of cheaper types of fill material, such as chalk. TRRL has invented an anchored earth system, where concrete facing panels are tied back by triangular-ended anchors about 6m long. It can be used with both driven and drilled and grouted nails, and applied to a wide range of soils, ranging from granular materials to overconsolidated clays. However, ground variability can cause problems, and is perhaps soil nailing's greatest disadvantage. Future developments seem likely to include two types of expanding anchors.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03077683
• Corporate Authors:

  Thomas Telford Limited

  London,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • FOWER, D
• Publication Date: 1990-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 57-8,60
• Serial:
  • NEW CIVIL ENGINEERING BRITISH ROADS SUPPLEMENT
  • Publisher: Thomas Telford Limited
  • ISSN: 0307-7683

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Anchorages; Bearing capacity; Embankments; Freeways; Improvements; Mechanically stabilized earth; Pavement widening; Slope stability; Soil nailing
• ITRD Terms: 3420: Anchorage; 3085: Bearing capacity; 2801: Embankment; 9108: Improvement; 2752: Motorway; 3349: Reinforced earth; 5783: Slope stability; 3357: Soil nailing; 2889: Widening (road, bridge)
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00632964
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jul 1 1993 12:00AM