Failure of Reinforced Earth Wall || Causes of RE Wall Failure 

Picture-Bulging_RE_Wall_Reinforced_Earth_Wall

Defects in Reinforced Earth Wall or RE Wall 

1. Void is noticed underneath approach slabs.  All approaches have been settled ranging 200mm to 500mm. So, the approach sab became inclined, touched the top of  RE panels, and caused more damages to the RE panels.  This is to be reconstructed after dismantling. The work can be taken up after rehabilitation of RE panel.

PIcture-Approach slab touched at top of the RE Panel and caused damage to RE panels.

2.1. The RE panels have been bulged significantly and it is clearly visible to naked eye. May be due to loss of grip between geogrid connection to RE panel and soil for which panel is deflected. This cause slippage of geogrid outwardly in soil. The reason due to improper compaction in embankment, behind the wall.

2.2. Coping at top of RE Panel have been cracked and disturbed and a few places. This is mainly due to poor quality of concrete and movement of panels.

2.3. Cracks have been developed at most of the RE Panels. This is may be due to poor concrete at the tile of precast and soil earth pressure. The interlocking edge of some RE Panels has been cracked and damaged. 

Picture-Damaged_RE_Panels

Picture-Damaged_Interlocking_Edges_RE_Panel.

2.4. At many places grouting has been done at RE panels joints. Use of this grouting is not understood. Some fresh cracks have been developed over the repairing works and RE panes after repairing and rehabilitation work.

Picture-Fresh_cracks_RE walls_after_repairing_rehabilitation

Picture-Fresh_Cracks _At Corner_Of_RE_Wall

2.5. The drainage system for rain water is not proper. So, rain water on slope is being entering to the soil behind the RE wall which may cause erosion of soil behind RE wall and causes settlement. A proper drainage system adjustment to Re wall may solve the problem. At suitable interval drainage outlet may be provided. 

3. RE Panels have been bulged and impacting to the Inspection stair which is adjacent to the RE walls. Cracks have been developed at inspection stair due to bulging and outward movement of RE Panels.

Picture-Bulged_RE_Panels_Iimpact_To_Inspection_Stair_Case

Remedial Measures for RE Wall: 

1. Approach slabs to be reconstructed after dismantling. The work can be taken up after rehabilitation of RE panel.

2. Void behind RE walls shall be grouted. Remaining gap between RE panels shall be sealed with proper grouting method.

Cracked/damaged RE panels shall be replaced. Coping beam of RE walls shall be repaired.

Driven soil nail technique or any suitable techniques shall be adopted to stabilize RE panels during repairing and rehabilitation work of RE walls. 

A proper drainage system adjustment to RE wall shall be provided at suitable intervals.

3. Inspection stairs shall be rehabilitated