Cantilever Segmental Retaining Walls

Abstract

A unique entry into the technology of segmental retaining walls is becoming popular in the U.S. and several other countries, including Egypt where it has been approved and used extensively for highway retaining walls. Using a well-proven concept of cantilever-enhanced stability, the Cantilever Segmental Retaining Wall (CSRW) system creates an extremely stable facing system, combined with mechanically-stabilized earth (MSE) technology to offer new options for engineers to consider. Of particular interest is the ability of the CSRW system, comprised of a two-part concrete facing system combined with geogrid-reinforced soil, to be wet-cast produced on the jobsite in lightweight reusable molds. This creates a new reduced-cost paradigm while maintaining acceptable engineering factors of safety in accordance with international standards. This paper proposes to present the core science behind this innovation, as well as pertinent construction and benefit details for a full 360° view of how the CSRW system could become a displacement retaining wall technology in many geographic areas.