Earth Pressure Assessment and Optimization of Type-7 GRS Walls \u2013 Earth Pressure for Type-7 GRS Wall

US Transportation Collection2022PDFTech ReportChang, Nien-YinNghiem, Hien ManhWang, Shing-ChunKhan, Aziz R.University of Colorado at Denver. Center for Geotechnical Engineering Science, Department of Civil EngineeringColorado. Department of TransportationUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway AdministrationColorado Department of Transportation. Applied Research & Innovations BranchUnited StatesEarth wallsPressureCross sectionsFinite element methodSoilsMechanically stabilized earthT7B-GRS wallearth pressure assessmentoptimum wall cross-sectionfinite element analysisgeosynthetic reinforced soilsCDOT-2022-02R218.01 Type 7 GRSFinalThe construction of Type-7 Barrier Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Wall (T7B-GRSW), much like bridge abutments, bridge approach, and retaining walls, the adoption of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) technology provides much-needed space-saving. In the early 20th century, before the invention of GRS (or MSE) technology, earth retaining structures had to resist immense earth pressures and massive earth retaining structures were required and the block facing and panel walls were impractical, and the wall construction took a much longer time. Nowadays, the adaptation of GRS technology significantly reduces wall pressures, block and panel facings become feasible for saving cost and construction time. The further cost and time saving is accomplished with truncated base wall construction, as reported in the CDOT study on the base bearing pressure distribution in truncated base walls. This study on T7B-GRS walls utilizes the truncated-base design concept to achieve wall pressure reduction, reinforced concrete wall shape optimization, and space utilization efficiency with a much-reduced wall cross-section. T7B-GRS walls enhance sustainable geo-construction and make wall construction more nature-friendly. In low winter temperatures, the winter freeze and thaw cycles accelerate the GRS block facing wall distress and compromise the wall longevity, as shown in the GRS block facing wall distress along the Berthoud Pass. Besides, their repairs are both challenging and costly. The T7B-GRSW combines the functionality of wall and barrier in one wall system with the full benefit of GRS technology. So, T7B-GRSW is a superior design concept.127