Newark Flex MSE Wall: Mechanically Stabilised Earth
Project: Newark | Package 2 – A1 Access works (A1 to A46 Link Road
The new section of Southern Link Road opened this October, providing a direct connection from B6326 to Bowbridge Lane.
As you pass the roundabout, you’ll notice our FLEX MSE (Mechanically Stabilised Earth) vegetated wall system thriving along the northern edge.
Built with interlocking geotextile bags filled with locally sourced materials, this innovative structure is a testament to our engineering prowess. It is as flexible as it is strong, moulding to the earth’s curves, absorbing ground movement and drastically minimising the risks of erosion, cracks, and failures.
Recognised for its green innovation, this project earned an extra best practice point from the ‘Considerate Constructor Scheme,’ showcasing our commitment to sustainability and community.
What Is a Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) Wall?
A Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) wall is a retaining structure made up of several layers of backfill and soil reinforcement elements that are connected to a wall facing. The final result is a gravity structure that can safely support heavy loads near roadways and drainage systems.
What are the benefits of an MSE Wall?
MSE (Mechanically Stabilised Earth) walls are versatile structures with a long lifespan and exceptional load-bearing capacities. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly, promoting greenery in places where concrete would typically be used, and they have excellent drain-ability properties.
Here’s a concise list of the benefits of MSE walls:
- Eco-Friendly: Flex MSE walls are considered a green building material that can be integrated into low-impact development plans.
- Settlement Accommodation: They are designed to handle high differential settlement and several feet of total settlement.
- Load Distribution: The pressure on the walls is distributed over a wide foundation area.
- Design Flexibility: MSE flex walls can be built to support extreme wall heights.
- Extreme Load Capacity: These walls can easily carry heavy loads, such as bridge abutment footings or cranes.
- Seismic Resistance: MSE flex walls are highly resistant to seismic ground movement and other dynamic forces.
- Drainage Properties: They have excellent drainage capabilities, tolerating poor soils and water infiltration.
- Geometric Versatility: Almost any geometric shape can be achieved with MSE walls.
- Easy Maintenance: Flex MSE walls are less likely to be stained or vandalised with graffiti.
