SLOPE STABILIZATION UTILIZING HIGH PERFORMANCE STEEL WIRE MESH IN COMBINATION WITH SOIL NAILING AND ANCHORING

One popular and effective approach to achieving long-term slope stabilization is covering the slope with flexible steel mesh facing. In North America these systems are typically anchored only at the top, allowing the mesh material to drape freely down the slope. The weight and friction of the mesh material provides stability, and allows controlled downward movement of material. Typical European installations provide deeper stabilization by holding the mesh to the surface with anchors or soil nails throughout. These designs are largely dependent on the ability of the system to transfer forces from the facing material to the anchor points. The low tensile strength of conventional wire mesh has led to the use of steel wire rope nets, but these nets tend to be relatively expensive. These limitations have been overcome by the development of a cost-effective diagonal wire mesh manufactured from high tensile strength, highly corrosion-resistant wire. In extensive testing this mesh has demonstrated a strength approaching that of wire rope nets. Additional development has produced an anchor plate that optimizes force transfer from mesh to anchors. These factors allow the mesh to be pre-tensioned against the slope, which restricts deformations in critical surface sections and prevents movement along planes of weakness. Newly developed dimensioning models yield an engineered design of these systems, including anchor design. Numerous such systems have been installed throughout Europe and the U.S. A review of material properties and system performance are presented in addition to brief case histories of two U.S. installations.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Unlike most groups and organizations that meet on a regular basis, the Highway Geology Symposium has no central headquarters, no annual fees, and no formal membership requirements. The governing body of the Symposium is a Steering Committee. Recent proceedings may be obtained from the Treasurer of the Symposium, Mr. Russell Glass.
• Corporate Authors:

  Mr. Russell Glass

  100 Wolf Cove Road
  Asheville, NC  United States  28804
• Authors:
  • Mumma, S
• Conference:
  • Batter Highways Through Applied Geology. 53rd Annual Highway Geology Symposium
  • Location: San Luis Obispo, California
  • Date: 2002-8-13 to 2002-8-16
• Publication Date: 2002

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: p. 361-370

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Anchor plates; Anchoring; Case studies; Corrosion resistance; Performance; Properties of materials; Rock slopes; Slope stability; Soil nailing; Steel wire; Tensile strength; Wire mesh
• Uncontrolled Terms: Stabilization
• Geographic Terms: Europe; United States
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure; I43: Rock Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00962038
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: CD-ROM
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 12 2003 12:00AM