Engineering assessment of reinforced earth wall and vehicular underpass sections in a six-lane highway: Analysis, causes, and remedial measures

Reinforced Earth (RE) walls are a crucial innovation in modern construction, integrating soil with reinforcement elements to enhance performance under various loading conditions. This study investigates the deficiencies observed in RE walls and the Vehicular Underpass (VUP) sections of a six-lane highway, with a focus on identifying the root causes. Through field observations, geotechnical investigations, panel testing, design assessments, and an evaluation of prefatory rectification measures (i.e., soil nailing), the study identifies key issues: unsuitable backfill material, inadequate drainage provisions, and flawed design considerations, including improper design of soil nailing. This unique stability assessment of RE walls examined the impact of unsuitable material properties under saturated and submerged conditions. The research highlights the significance of material properties and design methodologies in structural performance, providing valuable insights into failure causes. Moreover, the retrofitting measure is suggested to address this deficiency for the long-term stability of the structure. This study provides valuable insights into the post-construction stability assessment of RE walls and the application of soil nails, presenting a practical framework for effectively addressing similar field challenges.