ASTM A1115/A1115M-19

4.1 Mechanically stabilized earth walls (MSEW) are engineered earth retaining structures comprised of pre-fabricated wall facing elements and select backfill that is reinforced with inextensible steel elements. The complete system consists of the original ground, concrete leveling pads, wall facing panels, coping, soil reinforcement, and select backfill. A MSEW is typically subjected to earth loads and surface loads (surcharges). The MSEW relies on self-weight and friction to resist the destabilizing earth forces acting at the back of the reinforced soil zone. They are used frequently in transportation-related civil engineering applications. Fig. 1 shows a cross section of a typical panel faced MSEW, and Fig. 2 shows the components. Fig. 3 shows a cross section of a typical wire faced MSEW cross section, and Fig. 4 shows the components.

1.1 Mechanically stabilized earth walls (MSEW) covered in this standard practice are engineered earth retaining structures comprised of pre-fabricated wall facing elements and select backfill reinforced with inextensible steel elements. This practice covers procedures and components for the construction of MSEW including soil reinforcement, connections to panels, and selection and placement of granular backfill. Such walls may have a segmental precast concrete (SPC) facing or a flexible wire facing. This standard practice does not address the design of MSEW.

1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.