Poster 22-17

Nondestructive/Noncontact Inspection Protocols and Technologies for Aging Mechanically Stabilized Earth and Modular Block Retaining Walls

PI: Marcel Maghiar

Co-PI(s): Gustavo Maldonado, and Soonkie Nam

Institution(s): Georgia Southern University

Abstract

The MSE walls have been built for several decades in the U.S. and became one of the most common types of retaining structures. As the MSE walls are aging, proper inspections and monitoring are necessary to prevent critical failures and to determine appropriate maintenance schedule and priority. Also, non-destructive/non-contact methods are getting more attention, especially in structure inspections, due to their convenience and improved accessibility of the technology. However, there are currently no established inspection guidelines which have been approved by either the FHWA or GDOT. This project provides GDOT with a better decision-making benefit as methods to be developed through this endeavor will offer a more thorough and systematic inspection leading to appropriate actions, and the redeployment of digital data collected in-situ can support other investigations for connected projects. As existing MSEWs and MBWs age, a trackable history of the condition and stability of each individual retaining wall will be an asset for those making decisions on preventive maintenance and emergency care of these critical structures. The team?s results of the proposed research study and the new technologies/applications developed will be readily applicable to other types of retaining walls and ancillary structures.

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