Retaining Walls
Grade-separation problem? A design-build approach ensures that you get the right solution, and GeoStructures' experience with multiple systems uniquely qualifies us to deliver. Whether it is a fill wall requiring mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) and reinforced soil slope, or a cut wall needing a post-and-panel system, we can provide it with the appropriate level of engineering.
Customers hire us because of our capabilities ranging from feasibility through construction of temporary and permanent walls, with particular emphasis on project aesthetics, scheduling, and budget.
MSE Walls
For retaining walls in a fill condition, MSE offers a flexible, aesthetic and economical system. Designed and supplied by GeoStructures’ subsidiary EarthTec, MSE has been proven in the difficult, corrosive soils of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. All of our systems meet the requirements of AASHTO and a growing number of state departments of transportation, and they have been installed in applications greater than 60 feet high.
MSE retaining wall on Route 28 in Virginia.
MSE is typically comprised of a concrete facing system connected to reinforcing strips or mats made from galvanized steel or geosynthetics. These reinforce the soil, which comprises more than 95 percent of the wall and is critical to wall performance. Installation speed is based on placement of the backfill, so to optimize constructability and long term performance we recommend granular backfill. Among the benefits of MSE are:
• Cost Savings – Usually 20 - 40 percent less than conventional cast-in-place concrete walls when wall height is more than 10 feet
• Quick Installation – Speed is as fast as the rate of placement and compaction of backfill
• Aesthetics –Wire facings, treated timbers, precast concrete panels with form finishes and stains, and concrete masonry blocks in a variety of colors mean a wall that can make even the pickiest proud.
Geopier-element supported segmental retaining wall at
Home Depot, Washington, D.C.
MSE retaining wall at Rappahannock Jail, Stafford, VA
Post-and-Panel (H-Pile) Walls
For grade separation in a cut condition, post-and-panel (P&P) walls provide a quick, economical and aesthetic solution. Benefits include:
• Limits Temporary & Permanent Easement Concerns – P&P walls can be placed on the Property Line and only require a few feet of access for final backfilling
• Minimizes Cuts and Fills – Small footprint means no over-cutting of soil required
• Aesthetics – Facings vary from treated timbers to precast concrete panels with form finishes and stains. Posts also can be galvanized or stained H-piles, or even form-finished concrete posts.
Installation of drilled shafts for a combination sound/retaining wall on I-495 in VA. GeoStructures designed a new section of cantilever wall supported by caissons that are supporting a free-standing sound wall.
22-foot high P&P wall at Capital One Headquarters, McLean, VA
12-foot high P&P and matching segmental wall at Reflections Building, Reston, VA. Stained, galvanized steel posts and stained concrete panels created the at-grade parking for the building along the property line.
P&P site wall with Geopier-element support, US Post Office Annex, Alexandria, VA. Plain concrete panels and galvanized steel posts replaced a cast-in-place wall in a cut situation with five to ten feet of poor fill. Included brick columns and fencing on top, and caissons with the embedded posts for lateral support.
Temporary Wire Wall
When you need a temporary retaining wall for grade separation in a fill condition MSE technology provides a flexible, aesthetic and economical system. It is typically comprised of an 18- inch tall wire facing with geogrid reinforcement that acts like a form to contain the soil. Use of granular backfill ensures the fastest installation. Other benefits are:
- • Cost Savings – MSE walls are often 20 - 40 percent less expensive than sheet piling and do not require specialized pile driving equipment to install.
- • Quick Installation – MSE walls can be installed as quickly as the backfill can be placed and compacted behind the wall.
Phased construction wall along I-270, Montgomery County, MD
Phased construction of a soil nail wall (left) and temporary MSE wall (right) used to provide roadway support during installation of WB&A trail tunnel, Prince Georges County, MD.
Reinforced Steepened Slopes
Another option for grade separation in a fill condition is Reinforced Steepened Slopes, which are suitable when you need to steepen a slope up to 45 degrees. In some conditions these are appropriate in combination with a short wall. Benefits include:
• Cost Savings – Costs half of some permanent retaining wall systems
• Quick Installation – Can be installed as quickly as the backfill can be placed and compacted
• Aesthetics – Vegetation and plantings provide an environment friendly landscape. 
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