Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls are used extensively for grade-separation fill structures in many applications, e.g., highways, railways, marine, commercial, etc. To avoid adverse performance issues, and to ensure safe and serviceable MSE walls, the fills and component details must be tailored to specific geometry and the environment (conditions) expected over its specified lifetime. To help comprehend these crucial considerations for successful implementation of MSE wall projects, the thrust of the discussions in this workshop is to: (a) establish a baseline for understanding the design and construction considerations associated with the use of geomaterials for MSE wall fills, and (b) emphasize attention to details of various components. The presentation will also include information on the new MSE-LASR technology that permits consideration of Local Available Sustainable Resources (LASR), i.e., non-select or marginal fills. The fill criteria by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) for segmental retaining walls will also be contrasted with MSE and MSE-LASR fill criteria.

Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand: (a) the fill properties and the underlying reasons for specification values for fills, and (b) good practices for details. The workshop will help you assimilate these crucial considerations through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the fill properties and details which would help you avoid costly design and construction errors in real-world projects. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.

DAY 1 (March 10, 2022)

• Introductions
• Terminology and Basics of Compaction
• Effect of Unit Weight, Voids, and Fabric/Structure
• Field Compaction Procedures
• Relative Density and Relative Compaction
• Practical Issues and SAV&S Field Control Method
• Choice of Field Compaction Control Method
• Review of Day 1
• Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
• Assignment of homework
• Adjourn

DAY 2 (March 14, 2022)

• Review of homework assignment
• Recap of Day 1
• Roadmap for Day 2
• Shear Strength Characteristics of Compacted Soils
• Volume Change Characteristics of Compacted Soils
• Permeability Characteristics of Compacted Soils
• Proof-rolling
• Review of Day 2 and full workshop
• Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session

Adjourn