Precast MSE Wall System Reducing Joints and Vegetation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall construction methods are inefficient, requiring multiple trades and segments, leading to increased time and maintenance due to numerous joints and vegetation growth, and often necessitate additional leveling pads and bracing.
Innovation Solution
The improved MSE retaining wall system uses large, customizable precast concrete segments with textured surfaces and dowel rods for secure stacking, reducing the number of joints and trades involved, and includes a modular design with anchor straps for enhanced stability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional MSE retaining wall construction methods are used with multiple segments, then the wall can be constructed with standard components, but the number of joints increases leading to more vegetation growth and maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple standard segments into a single large precast concrete segment. This merging eliminates the joints between segments that would otherwise allow vegetation growth, while still using standardized manufacturing processes and materials to create the large segment.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple trades are involved in traditional MSE wall construction, then specialized expertise is available for each trade, but construction time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple construction trades into a single precast concrete segment manufacturing process. The segment incorporates features that would otherwise require separate trades (formwork, reinforcement, anchoring systems, texturing) all built into one component, eliminating coordination delays and reducing on-site construction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs all construction activities in advance during the precasting process. The segment is manufactured off-site with all necessary components (formwork, reinforcement, anchor straps, texturing) already in place, so that on-site installation requires only placement and grouting, dramatically reducing construction time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous segments are used in traditional MSE walls, then the wall can be assembled from available standard units, but the number of joints increases requiring more bracing and leveling pads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple standard units into one large precast segment, reducing the total number of joints and eliminating the need for numerous bracing and leveling pad installations that would be required with traditional segmented construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontally segmented approach (multiple segments side by side) to a vertically integrated approach (single large segment). This dimensional change in the segmentation strategy reduces the number of horizontal joints while maintaining adaptability through customization of segment dimensions.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple segments are stacked in traditional MSE walls, then the wall can be built in modular sections, but construction time increases due to the number of segments and joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all manufacturing activities in advance during the precasting process, creating complete modular sections that are ready for immediate installation. The large precast segments incorporate all necessary components (formwork, reinforcement, anchoring, texturing) before leaving the factory, so on-site construction time is reduced to merely placement and grouting.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system comprising a plurality of base segments secured to a plurality of precast segments with dowel rods to provide an MSE wall system. Each precast base segment generally includes a T-shaped cross-section having the upright wall substantially perpendicular to the footer. The design of the footer of the base segment is configured to be disposed on a grade surface and self-support the precast base segment in an upright position when securing the precast segment to the precast base segment. In an alternative embodiment, the MSE wall system comprises a first MSE wall system secured to a second MSE wall system, with the second MSE wall system secured to an existing wall. The MSE wall system, in this exemplary embodiment, is configured to widen an existing elevated roadway built on top of traditional stabilized earth.