High Energy Rock Fall Embankment Constructed Using a Freestanding Woven Wire Mesh Reinforced Soil Structure--Recent Experience in British Columbia, Canada

This paper will discuss the site history, design, installation, and recent post-construction experiences with an 8m high rock fall embankment built on BC Highway #1 (Trans-Canada Highway) near Boston Bar, British Columbia. There have been over 60 recorded rock fall events at the site since the highway was constructed in 1958. Numerous attempts have been made since 1958 to mitigate the rock fall hazard using different techniques with limited success. The new rock fall embankment was built using a double sided, woven wire mesh, gabion-faced, mechanically stabilized earth system. The structure was designed to withstand a maximum rock fall impact energy of 10,000kJ. The reinforced soil embankment has a maximum height of 8m, with a maximum base width of 7m.

• Corporate Authors:

  New York State Thruway Authority

  200 Southern Boulevard, P.O. Box 189
  Albany, NY  United States  12201-0189
• Authors:
  • Simmons, Michael
  • Pollak, Steve
  • Peirone, Barth
• Conference:
  • 60th Highway Geology Symposium
  • Location: Buffalo NY, United States
  • Date: 2009-9-29 to 2009-10-1
• Publication Date: 2009

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 290-301
• Monograph Title: Proceedings of the 60th Highway Geology Symposium

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge design; Embankments; Rockfalls; Slope failure; Soil stabilization; Soil structure; Wire mesh
• Geographic Terms: British Columbia
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01142369
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 22 2009 12:18PM