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Although concrete is one of the materials implemented par excellence when consolidating a construction project, reinforced soil retaining walls are a viable option that will bring you multiple advantages.

Starting with the basics, a retaining wall is a structure by which land is retained. This is made up of earth materials, to which a reinforcing element is involved.

The soil can behave acceptably under compression, a different situation when traction is applied, since its degree of cohesion is low. At this point, a reinforcing element is placed that maintains the appropriate traction to withstand the shear stresses. These can be:

  • Extensible: Geosynthetics and polymer strips are recognized. The latter are generally made of polyester coated with polyethylene.
  • Inextensible: Here there is room for those with a metallic configuration, such as strips or steel mesh.

Reinforced soil retaining walls are structures by which ground material is retained with geogrids or geotextiles as a reinforcing element, increasing its shear strength.

Being clear about the above and, without going any further, why should you develop a retaining wall in reinforced soil (SME)?

  • First, there is the economic factor. For walls higher than 3 meters, reinforced soil retaining structures are cheaper.
  • Additionally, the ease in terms of installation and its construction process allow you to use earthmoving equipment, in addition to classified soil from the site, reducing the possibility of incurring additional expenses.
  • With the retaining structures there is less occupation of areas (reduction of the right of way) and less volume of construction land, managing to form slopes with high or completely vertical slopes.
  • At the next level, its earthquake resistance stands out. Concrete, naturally, is rigid. When seismic energy hits it, depending on factors such as vibration, design, and the amount of steel used, it can fracture. On the other hand, reinforced soil containment structures are flexible, a quality that reduces the margin of failure. Under those terms, the seismic energy does not affect them in the same way since it is a continuous and reinforced mass.
  • The concrete wall has a durability of 50 years. In addition to this, this material progressively degenerates, losing its bending properties. The SMEs are mainly associated with the durability of the polymer. In these terms, one speaks of 75 to 120 years maintaining their condition of service.

In conclusion, the cost, construction ease and behavior against natural phenomena, among other characteristics, position reinforced soil retaining walls as a viable option. At Geomatrix, we have a portfolio of solutions, put at the service of engineering, ideal for this type of project. Do you want to know more? Learn about our recommendations in the following document.