Print this page Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSE) and Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS)
Course Outline
Due to advantages in cost, constructability, and aesthetics, the mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS) are now commonly used for applications such as retaining walls, embankments, bridge abutments, dams, seawalls, and dikes. This course is intended to enable the engineers and construction personnel to identifies and evaluate potential applications of MSEW and RSS as an alternative to other construction methods and as a means to solve construction problems. It focuses on the proper selection, design, analysis, performance, specifications, monitoring and construction of of MSE walls and. RSS embankments. This course is entirely based on US Department of Transportation Publication No. FHWA-NHI-00-043 “Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes Design & Construction Guidelines”.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the student will learn the following about the MSEW and RSS systems:
- Application;
- Advantages and disadvantages;
- Site evaluation;
- Relative costs;
- Material properties;
- Soil reinforcement interaction;
- Design criteria;
- Design approach;
- Design guidelines
- Complex system design issues
- Computer aided design
- Design examples;
- Details;
- Contracting methods;
- Specifications;
- Construction Sequence;
- Field inspections, and
- Performance monitoring.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for geotechnical engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers, construction professionals and contractors.
Benefit to Attendees
The attendees will gain a general knowledge of the design, construction and performance of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS) system.
Course Introduction
Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSEW) and Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS) systems are inexpensive and are fairly easy to construct since it doesn’t require skilled labor to lay out alternate layers of soil and reinforcement or perform compaction. This technology has many applications, such as retaining walls, embankments, bridge abutments, dams, seawalls, and dikes. The design, construction and monitoring techniques for these systems have evolved over the last two decades as a result of efforts by researchers, material suppliers and government agencies to improve some single aspect of the technology or the materials used. New methods and technologies of retention and steepened-slope construction continue to be developed, often by specialty contractors and suppliers, to solve problems in locations of restricted Right-of-Way (ROW) and at marginal sites with difficult subsurface conditions and other environmental constraints. Professionals charged with the responsibility of planning, designing, and implementing improvements and additions in such locations need to understand the application, limitations and costs associated with a host of measures and technologies available. This course deals with the design, construction, materials, contracting and monitoring aspects required for successful project implementation.
Course Content
The course content is entirely based on US Department of Transportation Publication No. FHWA-NHI-00-043 “Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes Design & Construction Guidelines”.
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right-clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader from your computer.
Course Summary
Mechanically stabilized earth walls and reinforced soil slopes can offer fast and effective alternatives to traditional construction methods. This course presents the general guidelines on selection, application, benefit, design, construction, materials, performance, contracting and monitoring of these systems.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.org or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
