Low-Density Cellular Concrete in MSE Structures with Steel Strip Reinforcements-Design and Construction Considerations and Case Histories

摘要

A mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure reinforced with steel soil reinforcements is a flexible coherent gravity mass, sized to resist external loads applied by the retained soil and any surcharge. The structure's high internal strength and high load-carrying ability derive from the permanent, predictable bond between reinforcements and granular backfill (the reinforced fill), assuring internal stability. The strength and flexibility of an MSE structure make it well-suited to sites where significant settlement is expected. Such sites may require foundation improvement, a costly but effective solution; a less costly solution is to reduce the load applied to the foundation soil by using a lightweight aggregate or low-density cellular concrete (LDCC) as the MSE reinforced fill. The selection of LDCC as the reinforced fill is typically made by the owner or the owner's engineer, not by the MSE supplier. Design and construction of the MSE structure must consider the properties of the selected LDCC product.