Case study of deformation geotextile reinforced earth wall using mudstone

• Published in: Japanese Geotechnical Journal Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 35 - 51
• Main Authors: NAKAMURA, Hirotake, YOKOTA, Seiya, NAKAZAWA, Masanori, TATTA, Naoki, TSUJI, Shinichiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japanese Geotechnical Society 2013
• Subjects: geotextiles; in-situ investigation; mudstone; reinforced earth wall
• ISSN: 1880-6341
• DOI: 10.3208/jgs.8.35

In recent years, cases where reinforced earth walls were adopted in the construction of expressways are increasing. On the other hand, damages and deformations of these walls have been reported. In this paper we will take up deformations that had developed in a geotextile reinforced earth wall using mudstone. Deformations to this earth wall developed one year after construction, and consequently, the wall was rebuilt. Various tests were carried out at the time of the reconstruction to study the case and find the cause of the deformation. Testing and research showed low relative weaknesses of the wall, such as high water content at the upper wall and around the front face of the upper wall, and low shear wave velocity. From the results, we have concluded that the deformation was caused by water penetrating from the road surface and drainage facilities of the reinforced earth wall backfill. In the testing, we were able to confirm the validity of the surface wave exploration and that the strength of the geotextile reinforcements used in the deformed area had lowered.