Comparative review of Soil Reinforcement Types in Mechanically Stabilized Earth walls
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Abstract
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall is one of the most common retaining wall systems used for roads and bridges because it is structurally efficient, cost-effective, and easy to implement. Soil resistance is enhanced by integrating it with reinforcement elements to increase load-bearing capacity and prevent collapse, resulting in a cohesive composite system. MSE walls are reinforced with different types of soil reinforcement, the most prevalent being metallic, i.e., steel strips; or geosynthetic, i.e., geogrid and geotextiles. These different types of reinforcement vary in tensile strength, interaction with soil, durability, corrosion resistance, and cost. These advantages have encouraged choosing the right reinforcement types to achieve both internal and external wall stability. The purpose of this work is to analyze the comparison of various soil reinforcement materials for MSE walls in respect to structural behavior, geotechnical efficiency, economic factors, and operational lifespan. Such studies work to determine the most appropriate reinforcement system that is suitable for infrastructure projects according to site conditions and design requirements
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