Method for constructing a mechanically stabilized earthen embankment using semi-extensible steel soil reinforcements

Abstract

A method for constructing a mechanically stabilized earthen embankment has the steps of first constructing a wall facing element. A plurality of elongate soil reinforcement elements are attached to the wall facing element. A middle portion of each of the elongate soil reinforcement elements has a plurality of semi-extensible bent segments. Fill soil is added to build the earthen embankment over the reinforcement elements. Movement of the fill soil may create sufficient force to straighten some of the plurality of semi-extensible bent segments, allowing the earthen embankment to move to an active condition thereby reducing the stress on the soil reinforcement elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application for a utility patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 054,012, filed May 16, 2008.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]This invention relates generally to mechanically stabilized embankment systems, and more particularly to a method for constructing a mechanically stabilized earthen embankment using semi-extensible steel soil reinforcements.[0005]2. Description of Related Art[0006]The prior art teaches various forms of mechanically stabilized embankment systems for stabilizing earthen embankments. These systems include a wall facing element connected to elongate soil reinforcement elements that extend into the earthen embankment. The prior art elongate soil reinforcement elements fall into three categories: (1) extensible reinforcements made of plastic or other material that stretch under pressure, (2) n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method for constructing a mechanically stabilized earthen embankment. The method involves positioning elongate soil reinforcement elements in the embankment, connecting them to a wall facing element, and adding fill soil to create the embankment. The elongate soil reinforcement elements have semi-extensible bent segments that allow the embankment to move and reduce stress on the reinforcement elements. The invention has advantages over previous methods, including greater stability and movement within the embankment, and reduced strain on the reinforcement elements."

Problems solved by technology

The disadvantage of such systems is that the reinforcements are completely extensible, and there is nothing to limit the stretching of the reinforcements.

Over-stretching the reinforcements weakens them and may cause movement of the face and failure of the system.

While the steel rods of this second category function to deform under the stresses adjacent the wall, they are not able to accommodate stresses placed upon the rods inside the earthen embankment.

Since the rods are not extensible within the earthen embankment, they must be made with sufficiently steel to prevent failure within the earthen embankment, this driving up the costs of the system

However, this form of “swiggle” anchor is unable to accommodate movement within the earthen structure.

The prior art provides extensible plastic reinforcements, and non-extensible steel rods that include deformable, bent portions at either the proximal or distal ends; however, the prior art does not teach semi-extensible elongate soil reinforcement elements that include bent sections through the middle of the elongate soil reinforcement elements, that are partially extensible.

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