School of Architecture and the

Built Environment

Diploma in Civil Engineering(DCE)

MSE Wall Assignment

Module Code/Name BE8235/ Year

Geotechnical 2021/2022
Engineering
Semester 1

Name of Student Admission Number Class

Lin Jiale 2119528 2B22

Nuruljannah Binte Ahmad 2139423 2B22

Irshadi

Ye Kyaw Phyo 2120229 2B22

Erwin Tan Yong Yi 2139410 2B22

Thaqif Bin Mohd Zulkifflee 2017390 2B22

Muhamad Shamin Bin 2028231 2B22

Sharim

Tutor: Dr Chan Chin Loong Score:

Assessment of Group Assignment

Performance Area Max. Actual Remarks
Marks Marks

1. Research on THREE (3) MSE 25 Min. 1 page & Max. 2 pages

wall projects (Report Writing) per project (including
diagram/photo)
● US/Europe
● Asia
● Southeast Asia

2. Research on THREE (3) MSE 25 Min. 1 page & Max. 2 pages

reinforcement materials (Report per material (including
Writing) diagram/photo)

● e.g. steel strips

● e.g. steel grids/meshes
● e.g. geogrids/geotextiles

3. Testing of MSE Wall Model 30 Data sheet must be complete.

(Teamwork) Photos of the model before and
after failure must be attached.
● completeness of model
● active participation of all
members
● display of cooperation among
members

4. Group Report Writing (Report 20 Individual reflection is restricted

Writing) to quarter of a page per team
member
● clarity of structure
● appropriate use of formatting
● effective use of figures and
tables
● correct citation of references
● inclusion of individual
reflections
● compliance with maximum
number of pages

Total 100

Table of Contents
Types of MSE Wall Projects 1
Elliott Bay Seawall Project – Seattle, WA 1
Bukit Kemuning, Batam, Indonesia 3
Galias Residence-Philippines 4

Types of MSE reinforcement materials 6

High-Adherence (HA) Ribbed Reinforcing Strips 6
Geosynthetic Reinforcement 8
Steel grids/meshes 10

Construction and Test Procedures 11

Design of MSE Wall 11
Construction Procedure 11
Completion of Wall 13
Construction Materials and Equipment 14
Test Procedures 15
Construction Stage: 15
Loading Stage: 15
Testing of MSE Wall 17

Data Sheet for GeoWall Competition 18

Reflections 19

Challenges and Solution 20

Conclusion 20

References 21
Types of MSE Wall Projects
1. Elliott Bay Seawall Project – Seattle, WA

Fig. 1
Project Details
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The original Seattle seawall, constructed between 1916 and 1934 using 20,000 old-growth pine
pilings, served as the city's waterfront's barrier for more than 75 years, but owing to its
vulnerability to seismic, advancing age, and harsh maritime environment, the structure had to be
replaced. In order to safeguard the city's vital infrastructure, lower the danger of seismic
damage, and enhance the salmon migration route, the City of Seattle contracted Parsons in
2012 to deliver the new seawall. We provided comprehensive program management and acted
as the engineer of record for this significant project as the primary consultant. Our range of
services included:

● Permits and environmental clearances for replacing 6,800 linear feet of seawall
● 3,400 linear feet of seawall replacement require complete design and construction
support services.

Fig. 2

HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS
Elliott Bay lost a lot of the fish habitat qualities that were part of its natural environment when
Seattle's current seafront was constructed. The purpose of Seattle's new seawall was to
enhance coastal ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on promoting juvenile salmon

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migration. In May 2018, 10,000 juvenile salmon were sighted in a single day."Salmon merging
onto new 'highway' in Seattle, complete with rest stops and restaurants".

Fig. 3

HOW WAS IT CONSTRUCTED

Beginning in 2013, work on the new seawall was completed in 2017. The new seawall was put
up 10 to 15 feet to the east of the current seawall to allow for construction and provide greater
habitat.

Fig. 4

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 2. Bukit Kemuning, Batam, Indonesia
Project Details
Owner : The Batam Public Works Department ( Local Government )
Contractor : Maccaferri Indonesia
Location : Bukit Kemuning, Batam, Indonesia
Construction Method : Innovative Paramesh system - an MSE wall

A landslide occurred in Bukit Kemuning, Batam caused by heavy rain which affected some
dwellings and a road. Due to the location, there is a poor drainage system which will lead to
water runoff. This forced residents to evacuate their homes causing a traffic disruption after
their houses have been heavily damaged.

To resolve this issue, the contractor proposed a 14m high MSE wall using Terramesh System,
reinforced soil structure and high performance geogrids ParaLink. ParaLink geogrids, which
were their primary reinforcement, had a tensile strength of 300 KN/m. The 30 cm thick rock
layer was introduced to improve the previously poor drainage system.

Maccaferri Indonesia provides various services starting from the design and planning stage
with a technical recommendation, manufacturing and supply of materials.

After the MSE wall was installed, the location became one of the favourite tourist attractions for
the Batam community. The place offers people a place to enjoy the view of the city of Batam.
The government also included safety fences on the roadside so that more people can safely
enjoy Bukit Kemuning.

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 3. Galias Residence-Philippines

Project Details

Location: Galias Residence Philippines

Owner: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippines
Contractor: Maccaferri Construction

ABOUT THE PROJECT

In the Calabarzon region, Cavite is situated on

Manila Bay's southern shore. It is one of the most
industrialised provinces and is only 21 kilometres
south of the capital due to its proximity to Metro
Manila. It is the most populous province in the
nation, with a population of close to 4 million.

The stability of the highway in Amuyong, near the

Cavite town of Alfonso, worried the local officials.
Their answer was an 8 m tall by 30 m long MSE
wall built with our MacBags reinforced with MacGrid
geogrids and filled with materials acquired locally.
When compared to reinforced concrete, this proved
to be a more affordable option, enabling the project
to be finished on time and within budget.

Challenges Faced
A reinforced concrete retaining wall was to be constructed as the endeavour. Space restrictions,
however, prohibited the wall from being built up to road height. Additionally, the Local authority
was unable to complete the project utilising their initial design technique due to financial
restrictions.

Solution
Our idea was to use wrap-around grids and dirtbags MacBags
filled with locally obtained materials to build the upper part of the
retaining wall (up to the level of the road). The project was able
to be finished within budget thanks to this, which proved to be a
cost-effective solution.

Method of Construction
In order to allow for drainage and stop backfill from eroding,
geotextile is positioned on the back face of wire mesh for short-
term fixes. For long-term fixes, a column of crushed stone is

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positioned between the wire mesh and geotextile to both visually improve the wall and shield the
geotextile from UV rays.

Advantages
● No heavy lifting required; facing material that is lightweight.

● Soil reinforcements that are not extendable enable planned installation.

● Materials are delivered more quickly than when precast concrete facing is used.

● Soil reinforcements can be bolted together quickly and easily.

● Ideal for temporary walls and readily disassembled when necessary.

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Types of MSE reinforcement materials
1. High-Adherence (HA) Ribbed Reinforcing Strips
Given the frictional fill's nature, it is simple to place and resilient to the forces applied by
the compaction plant. It includes High Adherence Strip, Panel Lugs, Steel Alloy Bolts
and Nuts, Precast Concrete Facing Panels, and Frictional Fill for Reinforced Soil
Retaining Walls and Bridge Abutments.
In order to provide reinforcement for reinforced soil structures, high adherence strips and
panel lugs are mostly satisfactory. Stability is produced by contact between the soil
particles and the high adherence strips.

Fig. 5
The High adherence strips (Fig. 5) manufactured from hot-dip galvanised, hot-rolled
steel strips with transverse ridges, made with quality S3555JR, with minimum tensile,
bearing and shear strength of 510Nmm-2, and a minimum silicon content of 0.20% and
maximum of 0.35%, complying with the requirements of BS EN 10025-1 : 2004 and BS
EN 10025-2 : 2004.

Fig. 6
The panel lugs (Fig. 6) are manufactured from hot-dip galvanised, hot-rolled steel strips
made of quality S355JR, with minimum tensile, bearing and shear strength of 510Nmm-2,
having a silicon content of not less than 0.2% and maximum of 0.35%, complying with
the requirements of BS EN 10025 -1 : 2004 and BS EN 10025-2 : 2004.

Fig. 7 & 8 shows the sectional and plan view of how the reinforcement is being placed

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Fig. 7 Fig.8

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2. Geosynthetic Reinforcement
Geosynthetic reinforcement refers to either geogrids or geotextiles. They are generally
made of petrochemical-based polymers, more commonly known as plastics.
Geosynthetics are biologically inert and will not decompose from bacteria or fungi
growth. However, they have some degree of susceptibility to sunlight.(Ministry of
Agriculture, 2016.) The purpose of such reinforcement is to increase the stiffness and
strength of the backfill soil.(Commercial Construction & Renovation, n.d.)

Geogrids
They are open like mesh structures used for stabilisation and reinforcement.(Ministry of
Agriculture, 2016.) However, there are different types available in the market for different
applications.

Uniaxial Geogrid

Figure 9: Image of uniaxial geogrid application(Layfield Construction Products, n.d.)

Commonly referred to as ‘one way’ geogrids, they only provide strength in one direction.
(Cotterill Civils, 2021.) This means that these geogrids are used in plane strain
applications, where the secondary direction has little to no strain.(J. Kupec & A.
McGown, n.d.) Such applications mainly in slope reinforcement and retaining walls.
(Cotterill Civils, 2021.)

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Biaxial Geogrid

Figure 10: Image of biaxial geogrid application(Constro Facilitator, 2021.)

Commonly referred to as ‘2 way’ grids, they are equally strong in two directions.(Cotterill
Civils, 2021.) This means that geogrids are able to exhibit significant strength and
stiffness in the transverse and longitudinal direction. These geogrids can also be applied
in slope reinforcement or in retaining walls.(J. Kupec & A. McGown, n.d.) But they are
most commonly used in road construction and foundation improvement applications.
(Cotterill Civils, 2021.)

Geotextiles
They are commonly used for soil reinforcement, drainage and separation. There are 2
types of geotextiles that are used for different applications.(Ministry of Agriculture, 2016.)

Woven Geotextiles

Figure 11: Image of Woven Geotextiles(Titan, n.d.(a))

They are made of strips that are woven together that allow them to be able to withstand
large amounts of tension. The applications include soil separation and reinforcement as
the material is high in strength and low in permeability.(Cotterill Civils, 2021.)

Non-woven Geotextiles

They are made of needle punched polypropylene, which allows for separation and
filtration of the soil. As these geotextiles combine both the strength of woven fabrics with
high permeability, it is suitable for applications in soil filtration and separation.(Cotterill
Civils, 2021.)

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3. Steel grids/meshes
Wire mesh panels are lightweight and do not require any lifting or bracing equipment.
They require less lead time for delivery, so construction can begin sooner. They can be
easily trimmed or modified in the field to quickly fit any geometric situation. No concrete
levelling pad is needed. The material and soil reinforcement connections provide
superior durability against differential settlement, erosion, impact, and seismic activity.

Figure 12: Image of mesh panels

Construction projects often require temporary retaining walls to complete the job in
phases, and temporary MSE walls are an economical and fast solution for fill situations.
Similar to a conventional MSE wall, but with relaxed design requirements and a shorter
service life, a temporary MSE wall with wire mesh facing can be left in place or easily
removed after use. Temporary MSE walls can also be incorporated into the permanent
structures, allowing for extra efficiency in design of the overall project.

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Construction and Test Procedures
Design of MSE Wall

Construction Procedure
Process:
Step 1: Mark and cut the design measurements on the white poster-board paper(Wall)

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Step 2: Mark and cut out the design measurements on the brown kraft paper(reinforcement)

Step 3: Fold the all strips of brown kraft paper with a 2.5cm square at an end

Step 4: Slot in and secure all the strips of brown kraft paper into the poster-board with tape

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Completion of Wall

Facing panel of the MSE Wall Back of MSE Wall

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Construction Materials and Equipment
- 62cm x 28.5cm poster board
- 60 pound kraft paper
- Heavy-duty polypropylene packing tape
- Scissors
- Penknife

Figure 13: Image of Materials and Equipment used

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Test Procedures
Construction Stage:
Step 1: The wall is placed into the sandbox

Step 2: Sand is then filled into the sandbox up to the sand fill line

Loading Stage:
Step 1: Opening up of front and side panels

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Step 2: Placement of the light-weight concrete block

Step 3: Placement of vertical surcharge

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Testing of MSE Wall

Before and After Failure

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Data Sheet for GeoWall Competition
Class: 2B22 Date: 2 August 2022

Group Number: 4 Time: 9.30am

Team Members: 1. Lin Jiale

2. Nuruljannah Binte Ahmad Irshadi

3. Ye Kyaw Phyo

4. Erwin Tan Yong Yi

5. Thaqif Bin Mohd Zulkifflee

6. Muhamad Shamin Bin Sharim

Masses: Estimated Actual Remarks

● Mass of Facing Material (g) 34.28 34.28

● Mass of Reinforcing Material (g) 5.42

● Mass of Adhesive Material (g) 2.00

● Total Mass (g) 41.7

Weighs Added as Surcharge: 2.5 1.91

● Mass of Concrete Base (kg) 2.59

● Mass of Standard Weight (kg) before failure 43.93

● Total Surcharge Weight (kg) 46.52

Overall Score:

● Surcharge-to-Mass Ratio 1116

Total Surcharge Weight (kg)× 1000
¿
Total Mass (g)

Reflections
Lin Jiale This assignment made me learn more about how soil

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 reinforcement works in a retaining wall. Through online
research and group discussions, I have learnt about the
different MSE wall projects in the world and how the different
types of soil reinforcements are applied.

Nuruljannah Binte Ahmad From this assignment, I learnt that through the research done,
Irshadi I was able to widen my knowledge on the types of
reinforcements material that can be used and during the
construction of the MSE wall, I learnt the length of the
reinforcements is critical when creating the MSE wall as from
this practical it proved that our design was the strongest.

Ye Kyaw Phyo From the practical, I learnt more about how MSE walls can be
designed in an effective way in order to hold more soi
properly. With reference from school notes and online
materials, we were able to successfully complete our MSE
walls properly. In this report itself, I also learnt about different
types of MSE wall and the materials available. Overall, the
experiments and reports were insightful and gave a deeper
understanding on the world of geotechnical engineering.

Erwin Tan Yong Yi This project was beneficial to me because I learned about the
many components, including backfill material, that are utilised
to support a concrete panel when additional stresses are
placed on it. I also discovered how crucial each material's
characteristics are in assuring the durability of the concrete
panel. Through the MSE project, I had the chance to apply
what I had learned in class to my everyday life. Based on the
knowledge we gained and were able to apply to our wall, my
team and I built the MSE wall.

Thaqif Bin Mohd Zulkifflee I gained knowledge through this project regarding the many
elements that goes into MSE . I also learned how important
the properties of each material are in guaranteeing the
longevity of the concrete panel. I was able to put what I had
learned in class to use in my daily life through the MSE
project.

Muhamad Shamin Bin I had the opportunity to better visualise the effectiveness of
Sharim the MSE wall through this project. From researching other
MSE wall projects around Asia and also doing the load test
on our MSE wall. From the experiment and also the report I
was able to learn a lot of things such as how the different
types of reinforcement affects everything and also the length
of the reinforcement. This was because our group’s
reinforcement was very short when compared to the other
group’s MSE wall tested on that day. However, thanks to my
group members' MSE wall design our group still managed to
withstand the heavy load.

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Challenges and Solution
Challenges Solution
Difficulties on cutting precisely according to We adjusted our design measurements to
our measurements allow a buffer of 0.5cm

Due to other projects and assignments, there We were able to find time after class to finish
were time constraints up our MSE wall which required a day of
construction

Not all members were able to be present at We chose a day that most of our members
the same time were available and was still able to finish the
wall on time

Conclusion
This project allowed us to work together as a team to design and test our model. Through the
way, we were able to learn more about soil reinforcement and about MSE walls in general.
Thus, it was a fruitful project that has allowed us to gain an insight into the design of MSE walls.

References

Alaskan Way Seawall. Available at:

https://structurae.net/en/structures/alaskan-way-seawall
[Accessed on 20 July 2022]

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ASLA, n.d.. Central Seawall Project.[image] ASLA Available
at:<https://www.asla.org/2017awards/320768.html>[Accessed on 20 July 2022]

Commercial Construction & Renovation, n.d.. What is Soil Reinforcement and How is it done?
[online] Commercial Construction & Renovation. Available at:<https://www.ccr-mag.com/what-
is-soil-reinforcement-and-how-is-it-done/>[Accessed 7 August 2022]

Constro Facilitator, 2021. Image of biaxial geogrid application.[image] Constro Facilitator.

Available at:<https://www.constrofacilitator.com/know-how-about-geogrid-manufacturing-types-
applications/>[Accessed 7 August 2022]

Cotterill Civils, 2021. Geogrids vs Geotextiles - the differences.[online] Cotterill Civils. Available
at:<https://www.cotterillcivils.co.uk/blogs/news/geogrids-vs-geotextiles-the-
differences>[Accessed 7 August 2022]

EXPLORE SEATTLE’S NEW WATERFRONT, Seawall Project. Available at:

https://waterfrontseattle.org/waterfront-projects/seawall
[Accessed on 20 July 2022]

Elliott Bay Seawall Project – Seattle, WA. Available at:

https://www.parsons.com/project/elliott-bay-seawall-project/
[Accessed on 20 July 2022]

J. Kupec & A. McGown, n.d.. The Biaxial Load-Strain Behaviour of Biaxial Geogrids Available
at:<https://www.geosynthetica.com/Uploads/GeoAsia04Kupec.pdf>[Accessed 7 August 2022]

Layfield Construction Products, n.d.. Image of uniaxial geogrid application.[image] Layfield

Construction Products. Available at:<https://www.layfieldgroup.com/geosynthetics/mse-walls-
and-reinforced-slopes/tensar-uniaxial-%28ux%29-geogrids.aspx>[Accessed 7 August 2022]

Ministry of Agriculture, 2016. Riparian Factsheet. Available

at:<https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-
seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/water/riparian/644000-
1_geosynthetic_materials.pdf>[Accessed 7 August 2022]

Reinforced Earth, n.d.. Mechanically Stabilised Earth(MSE).[online] Reinforced Earth. Available

at:<https://reinforcedearth.com/products/retaining-walls/mechanically-stabilized-earth-mse-
retaining-walls/>[Accessed 8 August 2022]

Reinforced Earth Company Ltd., 2018. High-Adherence (HA) Ribbed Reinforcing Strips.
Reinforced Earth Company Ltd. Available at:
https://www.reinforcedearth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Reinforced-Earth-HAPAS-Steel-
2018.pdf [Accessed on 15 July 2022]

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Titan, n.d.(a). Image of Woven Geotextiles.[image] Titan. Available
at:<https://titanenviro.com/products/soil-separation-filtration/woven-geotextiles/>[Accessed 7
August 2022]

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