MONITORING AND REPAIR OF DISTRESSED MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EARTH WALL (MSEW): A CASE STUDY OF IH-10 MSEW IN TEXAS
Speaker: Marcus Galvan, PE. Corsair Consulting LLC
Forensic study and the repair measures of a distressed Mechanically Stabilized Earth wall (MSEW) on IH-10 in Beaumont, Texas. The MSEW was built in 1993 experienced a significant separation in the roadway shoulder. This separation was initially dowel stitched. About four years after initial retrofit additional pavement cracks appeared in the travelling lanes. Field inspection, extensive field and laboratory testing and MSEW monitoring using an inclinometer were performed to investigate the cause of the MSEW distress. MSEW stability, based on the laboratory test results, indicates that the MSEW is on the verge of sliding failure. This analysis was verified by the field monitoring conducted using an inclinometer. After several heavy rain events the MSEW showed the sliding behavior that caused great concern for the MSEW stability and the safety of traveling public. Consequently, repair measures were taken using the prestressed ground anchors and soldier piling system.
Bio: Mr. Galvan has more than 29 years of experience covering broad range of structural, material, geotechnical engineering and construction issues. For 16 of his 27 years in industry, Mr. Galvan worked in the TxDOT Bridge Division Geotechnical Branch. Here he supervised and managed personnel engaged in statewide geotechnical activities. These included the design of bridge foundations, retaining walls, bank and stream scour countermeasures, evaluation and remediation of slope stability issues, forensic evaluations, participation in Value Engineering studies, development of Statewide Bridge Geotechnical Standards and Specifications, planning and execution of geotechnical investigations and construction support for geotechnical structures on Texas Highway Projects.