TxDOT Research Project

Implementation of New Specification Requirements for Coarse Backfill Materials for Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls

Project Summary
The service life of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls depends on the rate of corrosion of the metal reinforcements used in their construction. Assessment of corrosion potential requires the accurate evaluation of pH, resistivity, and ionic (e.g., sulfate and chloride) concentrations of aqueous solutions in contact with the surrounding aggregate. There is a tendency to utilize larger-size aggregates that contain only a small amount of fine material (passing No. 40 sieve) in the backfill. Evaluation of the electrochemical parameters of coarse aggregates is challenging because traditional methods utilize only fine-grained material. Testing demonstrated that the fines collected from the field were enriched in chemicals that when exposed to water decreased pH and resistivity and increased chloride or sulfate concentrations relative to the bulk rock. This phenomenon can bias traditional soil testing results and therefore the assessment of corrosion potential. A more representative and appropriate geochemical testing protocol is recommended by TxDOT research project 0-6359: Characterization of Backfill Materials for Prevention of Corrosion of MSE Wall Metallic Earth Reinforcement which concluded August 31, 2012.

Project Number
5-6359-01
Status
Completed

link icon Copy link to this project.

Start Date
8/14/2015
End Date
8/31/2018
Performing Institution(s)
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
Research Team
RS: Soheil Nazarian
Sponsor
Project Manager
Joanne Steele
Contract Specialist
Barbara Davenport
TxDOT Advisor
Richard Izzo, MTD
John Delphia, BRG
Sean Yoon, BRG
Amount Funded
FY15: $15,000
FY16: $125,000
FY17: $125,000
FY18: $100,000
Source
RTI spreadsheet 10/9/2015
Page:
Functional Area
Structures and Hydraulics
Index Terms
Specifications
Backfilling
Backfill soils
Mechanically stabilized earth
Earth walls
Lead University
UTEP
Researcher
Nazarian, Soheil, 1955-
Geographic name
Amarillo, Tex.
Austin, Tex.
See Also
Page:

Registered users may add comments. Comments will be shown with usernames.

Comments
Record Added:
10/9/2015
Record Updated:
7/22/2023 5:34 AM EDT

Report a broken link or error ».

Library
Home | Catalog | News | About | Privacy Statement

Made possible by the generous support of the
Texas Department of Transportation Research and Technology Implementation Division (RTI)


Center for Transportation Research | Cockrell School of Engineering | The University of Texas at Austin

©2024 Center for Transportation Research | Web Accessibility Policy | Web Privacy Policy