751.24 Retaining Walls

751.24.1 General

Additional Information

LRFD 11

For understanding the equivalency of seismic design category (SDC) and seismic zone for LRFD, see EPG 751.9.1.1 and Bridge Seismic Design Flowchart.

Retaining wall shall be designed to withstand lateral earth and water pressures, including any live and dead load surcharge, the self weight of the wall, temperature and shrinkage effect, live load and collision forces, and earthquake loads in accordance with the general principles of LRFD Section 11 and the general principles specified in this article.

Seismic analysis provisions shall not be ignored for walls that support another structure (i.e. support abutment fill or building) in SDC B or C (seismic zone 2 or 3). No-seismic-analysis provisions may be considered for walls that do not support another structure (i.e. most of District walls) in SDC B or C (seismic zone 2 or 3) in accordance with LRFD 11.5.4.2 and Geotech report. Seismic analysis provisions shall not be ignored for walls in SDC D (seismic zone 4).

751.24.1.1 Wall Type Selection

Additional Information

LRFD 11

Selection of wall type shall be based on an assessment of the magnitude and direction of loading, depth to suitable foundation support, potential for earthquake loading, presence of deleterious environmental factors, wall site cross-sectional geometry, proximity of physical constraints, tolerable and differential settlement, facing appearance and ease and cost of construction.

The following wall types are the most commonly used in MoDOT projects

• Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Walls
• Cast-In-Place Concrete Cantilever Retaining Walls

▪ Cantilever Walls on Spread Footings

▪ Cantilever Wall on Pile Footings

▪ L-Shaped Walls on Spread Footings

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Retaining Walls

Additional Information

LRFD 11.10, FHWA-NHI-10-024 and 025

MSE retaining walls use precast block or panel like facing elements combined with either metallic or geosynthetic tensile reinforcements in the soil mass. MSE walls are preferred over cast-in-place walls because they are usually more economical. Other advantages include a wide variety of design styles, ease and speed of installation, and their ability to accommodate total and differential settlements. Wall design heights upwards of 80 ft. are technically feasible (FHFW-SA-96-071). MSE walls may be used to retain fill for end bents of bridge structures.

Situations exist where the use of MSE walls is either limited or not recommended. Some obstacles such as drop inlets, sign truss pedestals or footings, and fence posts may be placed within the soil reinforcement area, however, these obstacles increase the difficulty and expense of providing sufficient soil reinforcement for stability. Box culverts and highway drainage pipes may run through MSE walls, but it is preferable not to run the pipes close to or parallel to the walls. Utilities other than highway drainage should not be constructed within the soil reinforcement area. Be cautious when using MSE walls in a floodplain. A flood could cause scouring around the reinforcement and seepage of the backfill material. Soil reinforcements should not be used where exposure to ground water contaminated by acid mine drainage or other industrial pollutants as indicated by a low pH and high chlorides and sulfates exist. Galvanized metallic reinforcements shall not be used where stray electrical ground currents could occur as would be present near an electrical substation.

Sufficient right of way is required to install the soil reinforcement which extends into the backfill area at least 8 feet, 70 percent of the wall height or as per design requirements set forth in EPG 751.6.2.17 Excavation, whichever is greater. For more information regarding soil reinforcement length, excavation limits and Minimum Embedment Depth of MSEW, see EPG 751.6.2.17 Excavation.

Finally, barrier curbs constructed over or in line with the front face of the wall shall have adequate room provided laterally between the back of the wall facing and the curb or slab so that load is not directly transmitted to the top of MSE wall or facing units.

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  Barrier at Top of MSE Wall
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• 
  Barrier in Front of MSE Wall

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Concrete Cantilever Wall on Spread Footing

Concrete cantilever walls derive their capacity through combinations of dead weight and structural resistance. These walls are constructed of reinforced concrete.

Concrete cantilever walls are used when MSE walls are not a viable option. Cantilever walls can reduce the rock cut required and can also provide solutions when there are right of way restrictions. Concrete walls also provide better structural capacity when barrier or railing on top of the walls are required.

Counterforts are used on rare occasions. Sign-board type retaining walls are a special case of counterfort retaining walls. They are used where the soil conditions are such that the footings must be placed well below the finished ground line. For these situations the wall is discontinued 12 in. below the ground line or below the frost line. Counterforts may also be a cost-savings option when the wall height approaches 20 ft. (Foundation Analysis and Design by Joseph E. Bowles, 4th ed., 1988). However, other factors such as poor soil conditions, slope of the retained soil, wall length and uniformity in wall height should also be considered before using counterforts.

Concrete Cantilever Wall on Pile Footing

Concrete cantilever walls on pile footings are used when the soil conditions do not permit the use of spread footings. These walls are also used when an end bent requires wings longer than 22 feet for seismic category A or 17 ft. for seismic category B, C or D. In these cases a stub wing is left attached to the end bent and the rest of the wing is detached to become a retaining wall as shown in 751.35.3.5 Wing and Detached Wing Walls.

Concrete L-Shaped Retaining Wall on Spread Footings

Concrete L-Shaped walls are cantilever walls without heels. These walls are used when there are space limitations for cantilever walls. Since there is no heel the height of these walls is limited to about 7 ft. depending on the soil conditions and the slope of the retained soil.

L-Shaped Walls are often used next to roadways where the footings are frequently used as shoulders and where the wall will require structural capacity for collision forces.

751.24.1.2 Loads

Conventional retaining walls: Loads shall be determined in accordance with LRFD 3 and 11.6.

MSE retaining walls: Loads shall be determined in accordance with LRFD 3 and 11.10.

Note: For guidance, follow the 751.40.8.15 Cast -In-Place Concrete Retaining Walls and modify guidance of ASD as necessary to meet LRFD requirements until this section is modified for LRFD.

Dead Loads

Dead loads shall be determined from the unit weights in EPG 751.2.1.1 Dead Load.

751.24.2 Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls

751.24.2.1 Design

Designs of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls shall be completed by consultants or contractors in accordance with Section 11.10 of LRFD specifications, FHWA-NHI-10-024 and FHWA-NHI-10-025 for LRFD. Bridge Pre-qualified Products List (BPPL) provided on MoDOT's web page and in Sharepoint contains a listing of facing unit manufacturers, soil reinforcement suppliers, and wall system suppliers which have been approved for use. See Sec 720 and Sec 1010 for additional information. The Geotechnical Section is responsible for checking global stability of permanent MSE wall systems, which should be reported in the Foundation Investigation Geotechnical Report. For MSE wall preliminary information, see EPG 751.1.4.3 MSE Walls. For design requirements of MSE wall systems and temporary shoring (including temporary MSE walls), see EPG 720 Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall Systems. For staged bridge construction, see EPG 751.1.2.11 Staged Construction. For MSE wall preliminary information, see EPG 751.1.4.3 MSE Walls.

For seismic design requirements, see Bridge Seismic Design Flowchart. References for consultants and contractors include Section 11.10 of LRFD, FHWA-NHI-10-024 and FHWA-NHI-10-025.

Design Life

• 75 year minimum for permanent walls (if retained foundation require 100 year than consider 100 year minimum design life for wall).

Global stability:

Global stability will be performed by Geotechnical Section or their agent.

MSE wall contractor/designer responsibility:

MSE wall contractor/designer shall perform following analysis in their design for all applicable limit states.

• External Stability

• Limiting Eccentricity
• Sliding
• Factored Bearing Pressure/Stress ≤ Factored Bearing Resistance

• Internal Stability

• Tensile Resistance of Reinforcement
• Pullout Resistance of Reinforcement
• Structural Resistance of Face Elements
• Structural Resistance of Face Element Connections

• Compound Stability

Capacity/Demand ratio (CDR) for bearing capacity shall be ≥ 1.0

$Bearing\ Capacity\ (CDR)={\frac {Factored\ Bearing\ Resistance}{Maximum\ Factored\ Bearing\ Stress}}\geq 1.0$

Strength Limit States:

Factored bearing resistance = Nominal bearing resistance from Geotech report X Minimum Resistance factor (0.65, Geotech report) LRFD Table 11.5.7-1

Extreme Event I Limit State:

Factored bearing resistance = Nominal bearing resistance from Geotech report X Resistance factor

Resistance factor = 0.9 LRFD 11.8.6.1

Factored bearing stress shall be computed using a uniform base pressure distribution over an effective width of footing determined in accordance with the provisions of LRFD 10.6.3.1 and 10.6.3.2, 11.10.5.4 and Figure 11.6.3.2-1 for foundation supported on soil or rock.

B’ = L – 2e

Where,

L = Soil reinforcement length (For modular block use B in lieu of L as per LRFD 11.10.2-1)

B’ = effective width of footing

e = eccentricity

Note: When the value of eccentricity e is negative then B´ = L.

Capacity/Demand ratio (CDR) for overturning shall be ≥ 1.0

$Overtuning\ (CDR)={\frac {Total\ Factored\ Sliding\ Resistance}{Total\ Factored\ Driving\ Moment}}\geq 1.0$

Capacity/Demand ratio (CDR) for eccentricity shall be ≥ 1.0

$Eccentricity\ (CDR)={\frac {e_{Limit}}{e_{design}}}\geq 1.0$

Capacity/Demand ratio (CDR) for sliding shall be ≥ 1.0      LRFD 11.10.5.3 & 10.6.3.4

$Sliding\ (CDR)={\frac {Total\ Factored\ Sliding\ Resistance}{Total\ Factored\ Active\ Force}}\geq 1.0$

Capacity/Demand ratio (CDR) for internal stability shall be ≥ 1.0

Eccentricity, (e) Limit for Strength Limit State:      LRFD 11.6.3.3 & C11.10.5.4

For foundations supported on soil, the location of the resultant of the reaction forces shall be within the middle two-thirds of the base width, L or (e ≤ 0.33L).

For foundations supported on rock, the location of the resultant of the reaction forces shall be within the middle nine-tenths of the base width, B or (e ≤ 0.45B).

Eccentricity, (e) Limit for Extreme Event I (Seismic):      LRFD 11.6.5.1

For foundations supported on soil or rock, the location of the resultant of the reaction forces shall be within the middle two-thirds of the base width, L or (e ≤ 0.33L) for γ_EQ = 0.0 and middle eight-tenths of the base width, L or (e ≤ 0.40L) for γ_EQ = 1.0. For γ_EQ between 0.0 and 1.0, interpolate e value linearly between 0.33L and 0.40L. For γ_EQ refer to LRFD 3.4.

Note: Seismic design shall be performed for γ_EQ = 0.5

Eccentricity, (e) Limit for Extreme Event II:

For foundations supported on soil or rock, the location of the resultant of the reaction forces shall be within the middle eight-tenths of the base width, L or (e ≤ 0.40L).

General Guidelines

• Drycast modular block wall (DMBW-MSE) systems are limited to a 10 ft. height in one lift.

• Wetcast modular block wall (WMBW-MSE) systems are limited to a 15 ft. height in one lift.

• For Drycast modular block wall (DMBW-MSE) systems and Wetcast modular block wall (WMBW-MSE) systems, top cap units shall be used and shall be permanently attached by means of a resin anchor system.

• For precast modular panel wall (PMPW-MSE) systems, capstone may be substituted for coping and either shall be permanently attached to wall by panel dowels.

• For precast modular panel wall (PMPW-MSE) systems, form liners are required to produce all panels. Using form liner to produce panel facing is more cost effective than producing flat panels. Standard form liners are specified on the MSE Wall Standard Drawings. Be specific regarding names, types and colors of staining, and names and types of form liner.

• MSE walls shall not be used where exposure to acid water may occur such as in areas of coal mining.

• MSE walls shall not be used where scour is a problem.

• MSE walls with metallic soil reinforcement shall not be used where stray electrical ground currents may occur as would be present near electrical substations.

• No utilities shall be allowed in the reinforced earth if future access to the utilities would require that the reinforcement layers be cut, or if there is a potential for material, which can cause degradation of the soil reinforcement, to leak out of the utilities into the wall backfill, with the exception of storm water drainage.

• The interior angle between two walls should be greater than 70°. However, if unavoidable, then place EPG 751.50 J1.41 note on the design plans.

• Drycast modular block wall (DMBW-MSE) systems and Wetcast modular block wall (WMBW-MSE) systems may be battered up to 1.5 in. per foot. Modular blocks are also known as “segmental blocks”.

• The friction angle used for the computation of horizontal forces within the reinforced soil shall be greater than or equal to 34°.

• For epoxy coated reinforcement requirements, see EPG 751.5.9.2.2 Epoxy Coated Reinforcement Requirements.

• All concrete except facing panels or units shall be CLASS B or B-1.

• The friction angle of the soil to be retained by the reinforced earth shall be listed on the plans as well as the friction angle for the foundation material the wall is to rest on.

• The following requirement shall be considered (from 2009_FHWA-NHI-10-024 MSE wall 132042.pdf, page 200-201) when seismic design is required:

• For seismic performance Zones 3 or 4, facing connections in modular block faced walls (MBW) shall use shear resisting devices (shear keys, pin, etc.) between the MBW units and soil reinforcement, and shall not be fully dependent on frictional resistance between the soil reinforcement and facing blocks. For connections partially dependent on friction between the facing blocks and the soil reinforcement, the nominal long-term connection strength T_ac, should be reduced to 80 percent of its static value.

• Seismic design category and acceleration coefficients shall be listed on the plans for categories B, C and D. If a seismic analysis is required that shall also be noted on the plans. See EPG 751.50 A1.1 note.

• Plans note (EPG 751.50 J1.1) is required to clearly identify the responsibilities of the wall designer.

• Do not use Drycast modular block wall (DMBW-MSE) systems or Wetcast modular block wall (WMBW-MSE) systems in the following locations:

• Within the splash zone from snow removal operations (assumed to be 15 feet from the edge of the shoulder).

• Where the blocks will be continuously wetted, such as around sources of water.

• Where blocks will be located behind barrier or other obstacles that will trap salt-laden snow from removal operations.

• For structurally critical applications, such as containing necessary fill around structures.

• In tiered wall systems.

• For locations where Drycast modular block wall (DMBW-MSE) systems and Wetcast modular block wall (WMBW-MSE) systems are not desirable, consider coloring agents and/or architectural forms using precast modular panel wall (PMPW-MSE) systems for aesthetic installations.

• For slab drain location near MSE Wall, see EPG 751.10.3.1 Drain Type, Alignment and Spacing and EPG 751.10.3.3 General Requirements for Location of Slab Drains.

• Roadway runoff should be directed away from running along face of MSE walls used as wing walls on bridge structures.

• Drainage:

• Gutter type should be selected at the core team meeting.

• When gutter is required without fencing, use Type A or Type B gutter (for detail, see Std. Plan 609.00).

• When gutter is required with fencing, use Modified Type A or Modified Type B gutter (for detail, see Std. Plan 607.11).

• When fencing is required without gutter, place in tube and grout behind the MSE wall (for detail, see MSE Wall Standard Drawings - MSEW, Fence Post Connection Behind MSE Wall (without gutter).

• Lower backfill longitudinal drainage pipes behind all MSE walls shall be two-6” (Min.) diameter perforated PVC or PE pipe (See Sec 1013) unless larger sizes are required by design which shall be the responsibility of the District Design Division. Show drainage pipe size on plans. Outlet screens and cleanouts should be detailed for any drain pipe (shown on MoDOT MSE wall plans or roadway plans). Lateral non-perforated drain pipes (below leveling pad) are permitted by Standard Specifications and shall be sized by the District Design Division if necessary. Lateral outlet drain pipe sloped at 2% minimum.

• Identify on MSE wall plans or roadway plans drainage pipe point of entry, point of outlet (daylighting), 2% min. drainage slopes in between points to ensure positive flow and additional longitudinal drainage pipes if required to accommodate ground slope changes and lateral drainage pipes if required by design.

• Adjustment in the vertical alignment of the longitudinal drainage pipes from that depicted on the MSE wall standard drawings may be necessary to ensure positive flow out of the drainage system.

• Identify on MSE wall plans or roadway plans the outlet ends of pipes which shall be located to prevent clogging or backflow into the drainage system. Outlet screens and cleanouts should be detailed for any drain pipe.

• For more information on drainage, see Drainage at MSE Walls.

MSE Wall Construction: Pipe Pile Spacers Guidance

For bridges not longer than 200 feet, pipe pile spacers or pile jackets shall be used at pile locations behind mechanically stabilized earth walls at end bents. Corrugated pipe pile spacers are required when the wall is built prior to driving the piles to protect the wall reinforcement when driving pile for the bridge substructure at end bents(s). Pile spacers or pile jackets may be used when the piles are driven before the wall is built. Pipe pile spacers shall have an inside diameter greater than that of the pile and large enough to avoid damage to the pipe when driving the pile. Use EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Note E1.2a on bridge plans.

For bridges longer than 200 feet, pipe pile spacers are required and the pile spacer shall be oversized to mitigate the effects of bridge thermal movements on the MSE wall. For HP12, HP14, CIP 14” and CIP 16” piles provide 24-inch inside diameter of pile spacer for bridge movement. Minimum pile spacing shall be 5 feet to allow room for compaction of the soil layers. Use EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Note E1.2b on bridge plans.

The bottom of the pipe pile spacers shall be placed 5 ft. min. below the bottom of the MSE wall leveling pad. The pipe shall be filled with sand or other approved material after the pile is placed and before driving. Pipe pile spacers shall be accurately located and capped for future pile construction.

Alternatively, for bridges shorter than or equal to 200 feet, the contractor shall be given the option of driving the piles before construction of the mechanically stabilized earth wall and placing the soil reinforcement and backfill material around the piling. In lieu of pipe pile spacers contractor may place pile jackets on the portion of the piles that will be in the MSE soil reinforced zone prior to placing the select granular backfill material and soil reinforcement. The contractor shall adequately support the piling to ensure that proper pile alignment is maintained during the wall construction. The contractor’s plan for bracing the pile shall be submitted to the engineer for review.

Piling shall be designed for downdrag (DD) loads due to either method. Oversized pipe pile spacers with sand placed after driving or pile jacket may be considered to mitigate some of the effects of downdrag (DD) loads. Sizing of pipe pile spacers shall account for pile size, thermal movements of the bridge, pile placement plan, and vertical and horizontal placement tolerances.

When rock is anticipated within the 5 feet zone below the MSE wall leveling pad, prebore into rock and prebore holes shall be sufficiently wide to allow for a minimum 10 feet embedment of pile and pipe pile spacer. When top of rock is anticipated within the 5 to 10 feet zone below the MSE wall leveling pad, prebore into rock to achieve a minimum embedment (pile only) of 10 feet below the bottom of leveling pad. Otherwise, the pipe pile spacer requires a minimum 5 feet embedment below the levelling pad. Consideration shall also be given to oversizing the prebore holes in rock to allow for temperature movements at integral end bents.

For bridges not longer than 200 feet, the minimum clearance from the back face of MSE walls to the front face of the end bent beam, also referred to as setback, shall be 4 ft. 6 in. (typ.) unless larger than 18-inch pipe pile spacer required. The 4 ft. 6 in. dimension is based on the use of 18-inch inside diameter pipe pile spacers & FHWA-NHI-10-24, Figure 5-17C, which will help ensure that soil reinforcement is not skewed more than 15° for nut and bolt reinforcement connections. Similarly, the minimum setback shall be determined when larger diameter pile spacers are required. For bridges longer than 200 feet, the minimum setback shall be 5 ft. 6 in. based on the use of 24-inch inside diameter of pipe pile spacers. Other types of connections may require different methods for splaying. In the event that the minimum setback cannot be used, the following guidance for pipe pile spacers clearance shall be used: pipe pile spacers shall be placed 18 in. clear min. from the back face of MSE wall panels; 12 in. minimum clearance is required between pipe pile spacers and leveling pad and 18 in. minimum clearance is required between leveling pad and pile.

MSE Wall Plan and Geometrics

• A plan view shall be drawn showing a baseline or centerline, roadway stations and wall offsets. The plan shall contain enough information to properly locate the wall. The ultimate right of way shall also be shown, unless it is of a significant distance from the wall and will have no effect on the wall design or construction.

• Stations and offsets shall be established between one construction baseline or roadway centerline and a wall control line (baseline). Some wall designs may contain a slight batter, while others are vertical. A wall control line shall be set at the front face of the wall, either along the top or at the base of the wall, whichever is critical to the proposed improvements. For battered walls, in order to allow for batter adjustments of the stepped level pad or variation of the top of the wall, the wall control line (baseline) is to be shown at a fixed elevation. For battered walls, the offset location and elevation of control line shall be indicated. All horizontal breaks in the wall shall be given station-offset points, and walls with curvature shall indicate the station-offsets to the PC and PT of the wall, and the radius, on the plans.

• Any obstacles which could possibly interfere with the soil reinforcement shall be shown. Drainage structures, lighting, or truss pedestals and footings, etc. are to be shown, with station offset to centerline of the obstacle, with obstacle size. Skew angles are shown to indicate the angle between a wall and a pipe or box which runs through the wall.

• Elevations at the top and bottom of the wall shall be shown at 25 ft. intervals and at any break points in the wall.

• Curve data and/or offsets shall be shown at all changes in horizontal alignment. If battered wall systems are used on curved structures, show offsets at 10 ft. (max.) intervals from the baseline.

• Details of any architectural finishes (formliners, concrete coloring, etc.).

• Details of threaded rod connecting the top cap block.

• Estimated quantities, total sq. ft. of mechanically stabilized earth systems.

• Proposed grade and theoretical top of leveling pad elevation shall be shown in constant slope. Slope line shall be adjusted per project. Top of wall or coping elevation and stationing shall be shown in the developed elevation per project. If leveling pad is anticipated to encounter rock, then contact the Geotechnical Section for leveling pad minimum embedment requirements.

MSE Wall Cross Sections

• A typical wall section for general information is shown.

• Additional sections are drawn for any special criteria. The front face of the wall is drawn vertical, regardless of the wall type.

• Any fencing and barrier or railing are shown.

• Barrier if needed are shown on the cross section. Barriers are attached to the roadway or shoulder pavement, not to the MSE wall. Standard barriers are placed along wall faces when traffic has access to the front face of the wall over shoulders of paved areas.

Drainage at MSE Walls

• Drainage Before MSE Wall

Drainage is not allowed to be discharged within 10 ft. from front of MSE wall in order to protect wall embedment, prevent erosion and foundation undermining, and maintain soil strength and stability.

• Drainage Behind MSE Wall

Internal (Subsurface) Drainage

Groundwater and infiltrating surface waters are drained from behind the MSE wall through joints between the face panels or blocks (i.e. wall joints) and two-6 in. (min.) diameter pipes located at the base of the wall and at the basal interface between the reinforced backfill and the retained backfill.

Excessive subsurface draining can lead to increased risk of backfill erosion/washout through the wall joints and erosion at the bottom of walls and at wall terminal ends. Excessive water build-up caused by inadequate drainage at the bottom of the wall can lead to decreased soil strength and wall instability. Bridge underdrainage (vertical drains at end bents and at approach slabs) can exacerbate the problem.

Subsurface drainage pipes should be designed and sized appropriately to carry anticipated groundwater, incidental surface run-off that is not collected otherwise including possible effects of drainage created by an unexpected rupture of any roadway drainage conveyance or storage as an example.

External (Surface) Drainage

External drainage considerations deal with collecting water that could flow externally over and/or around the wall surface taxing the internal drainage and/or creating external erosion issues. It can also infiltrate the reinforced and retained backfill areas behind the MSE wall.

Diverting water flow away from the reinforced soil structure is important. Roadway drainage should be collected in accordance with roadway drainage guidelines and bridge deck drainage should be collected similarly.

• Guidance

ALL MSE WALLS

1. Appropriate measures to prevent surface water infiltration into MSE wall backfill should be included in the design and detail layout for all MSE walls and shown on the roadway plans.

2. Gutters behind MSE walls are required for flat or positive sloping backfills to prevent concentrated infiltration behind the wall facing regardless of when top of backfill is paved or unpaved. This avoids pocket erosion behind facing and protection of nearest-surface wall connections which are vulnerable to corrosion and deterioration. Drainage swales lined with concrete, paved or precast gutter can be used to collect and discharge surface water to an eventual point away from the wall. If rock is used, use impermeable geotextile under rock and align top of gutter to bottom of rock to drain. (For negative sloping backfills away from top of wall, use of gutters is not required.)

District Design Division shall verify the size of the two-6 in. (min.) diameter lower perforated MSE wall drain pipes and where piping will daylight at ends of MSE wall or increase the diameters accordingly. This should be part of the preliminary design of the MSE wall. (This shall include when lateral pipes are required and where lateral drain pipes will daylight/discharge).

BRIDGE ABUTMENTS WITH MSE WALLS

Areas of concern: bridge deck drainage, approach slab drainage, approach roadway drainage, bridge underdrainage: vertical drains at end bents and approach slab underdrainage, showing drainage details on the roadway and MSE wall plans

3. Bridge slab drain design shall be in accordance with EPG 751.10.3 Bridge Deck Drainage – Slab Drains unless as modified below.

4. Coordination is required between the Bridge Division and District Design Division on drainage design and details to be shown on the MSE wall and roadway plans.

5. Bridge deck, approach slab and roadway drainage shall not be allowed to be discharged to MSE wall backfill area or within 10 feet from front of MSE wall.

• (Recommended) Use of a major bridge approach slab and approach pavement is ideal because bridge deck, approach slab and roadway drainage are directed using curbs and collected in drain basins for discharge that protect MSE wall backfill. For bridges not on a major roadway, consideration should be given to requiring a concrete bridge approach slab and pavement incorporating these same design elements (asphalt is permeable).

• (Less Recommended) Use of conduit and gutters:

• Conduit: Drain away from bridge and bury conduit daylighting to natural ground or roadway drainage ditch at an eventual point beyond the limits of the wall. Use expansion fittings to allow for bridge movement and consider placing conduit to front of MSE wall and discharging more than 10 feet from front of wall or using lower drain pipes to intercept slab drainage conduit running through backfill.

• Conduit and Gutters: Drain away from bridge using conduit and 90° elbow (or 45° bend) for smoothly directing drainage flow into gutters and that may be attached to inside of gutters to continue along downward sloping gutters along back of MSE wall to discharge to sewer or to natural drainage system, or to eventual point beyond the limits of the wall. Allow for independent bridge and wall movements by using expansion fittings where needed. See EPG 751.10.3.1 Type, Alignment and Spacing and EPG 751.10.3.3 General Requirements for Location of Slab Drains.

6. Vertical drains at end bents and approach slab underdrainage should be intercepted to drain away from bridge end and MSE wall.

7. Discharging deck drainage using many slab drains would seem to reduce the volume of bridge end drainage over MSE walls.

8. Drain flumes at bridge abutments with MSE walls do not reduce infiltration at MSE wall backfill areas and are not recommended.

DISTRICT DESIGN DIVISION MSE WALLS

Areas of concern: roadway or pavement drainage, MSE wall drainage, showing drainage details on the roadway and MSE wall plans.

9. For long MSE walls, where lower perforated drain pipe slope become excessive, non-perforated lateral drain pipes, permitted by Standard Specifications, shall be designed to intercept them and go underneath the concrete leveling pad with a 2% minimum slope. Lateral drain pipes shall daylight/discharge at least 10 ft. from front of MSE wall. Screens should be installed and maintained on drain pipe outlets.

10. Roadway and pavement drainage shall not be allowed to be discharged to MSE wall backfill area or within 10 feet from front of MSE wall.

11. For district design MSE walls, use roadway or pavement drainage collection pipes to transport and discharge to an eventual point outside the limits of the wall.

Example: Showing drain pipe details on the MSE wall plans.

• 
  ELEVATION SHOWING DRAIN PIPE
• 
  Alternate option

• 
  Section A-A

Notes: (1) To be designed by District Design Division. (2) To be designed by District Design Division if needed. Provide non-perforated lateral drain pipe under leveling pad at 2% minimum slope. (Show on plans). (3) Discharge to drainage system or daylight screened outlet at least 10 feet away from end of wall (typ.). (Skew in the direction of flow as appropriate). (4) Discharge to drainage system or daylight screened outlet at least 10 feet away from front face of wall (typ.). (Skew in the direction of flow as appropriate).

751.24.2.2 Excavation

For estimating excavation and minimum soil reinforcement length, see EPG 751.6.2.17 Excavation.

For division responsibilities for preparing MSE wall plans, computing excavation class, quantities and locations, see EPG 747.2.6.2 Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Wall Systems.

751.24.2.3 Details

Bridge Standard Drawings

MSE Wall - MSEW

• 
  Fig. 751.24.2.3.1 MSE Wall Developed Elevation and Plan

(1) Minimum embedment = maximum (2 feet; or embedment based on Geotechnical Report and global stability requirements; or FHWA-NH1-10-0124, Table 2-2); or as per Geotechnical Report if rock is known to exist from Geotechnical Report.

Drycast Modular Block Wall Systems and Wetcast Modular Block Wall Systems

Battered mechanically stabilized earth wall systems may be used unless the design layout specifically calls for a vertical wall (precast modular panel wall systems shall not be battered and drycast modular block wall systems or wetcast modular block wall systems may be built vertical). If a battered MSE wall system is allowed, then EPG 751.50 J1.19 note shall be placed on the design plans:

For battered walls, note on the plans whether the horizontal offset from the baseline is fixed at the top or bottom of the wall. Horizontal offset and corresponding vertical elevation shall be noted on plans.

• 
  Fig. 751.24.2.3.2 Typical Section Through Generic Drycast Modular Block Wall (DMBW-MSE) System or Wetcast Modular Block Wall (WMBW-MSE) System

* The maximum vertical spacing of reinforcement should be limited to two times the block depth or 32 in., whichever is less. For large modular block (block height > 16 in.), maximum vertical spacing of reinforcement equal to the block height.

Fencing (See Bridge Standard Drawing for details)

Fencing may be installed on the Modified Type A or Modified Type B Gutter or behind the MSE Wall.

For Modified Type A and Modified Type B Gutter and Fence Post Connection details, see Standard Plan 607.11.

751.24.3 Cast-In-Place Concrete Retaining Walls

751.24.3.1 Unit Stresses

Concrete Concrete for retaining walls shall be Class B Concrete (f'c = 3000 psi) unless the footing is used as a riding surface in which case Class B-1 Concrete (f'c = 4000 psi) shall be used.

Reinforcing Steel

Reinforcing Steel shall be Grade 60 (fy = 60,000 psi).

Pile Footing

For steel piling material requirements, see the unit stresses in EPG 751.50 A1.3 note.

Spread Footing

For foundation material capacity, see Foundation Investigation Geotechnical Report.

751.24.3.2 Design

Note: For design concepts and guidance, follow the design process (EPG 751.40.8.15) and modify design/details of ASD as necessary to meet LRFD requirements until EPG 751.24 is updated for LRFD.

Capacity/Demand ratio (CDR) for bearing capacity shall be ≥ 1.0

$Bearing\ Capacity\ (CDR)={\frac {Factored\ Bearing\ Resistance}{Maximum\ Factored\ Bearing\ Stress}}\geq 1.0$

Strength Limit States:

Factored bearing resistance = Nominal bearing resistance from Geotech report X

Minimum Resistance factor (0.55, Geotech report)      LRFD Table 11.5.7

Extreme Event I and II Limit State:

Factored bearing resistance = Nominal bearing resistance from Geotech report X Resistance factor

Resistance factor = 0.8      LRFD 11.5.8

When wall is supported by soil:

Factored bearing stress per LRFD eq. 11.6.3.2-1

When wall is supported by a rock foundation:

Factored bearing stress per LRFD eq. 11.6.3.2-2 and 11.6.3.2-3

Note: When the value of eccentricity e is negative then use e = 0.

Capacity/Demand ratio (CDR) for overturning shall be ≥ 1.0

$Overtuning\ (CDR)={\frac {Total\ Factored\ Resisting\ Moment}{Total\ Factored\ Driving\ Moment}}\geq 1.0$

Capacity/Demand ratio (CDR) for eccentricity shall be ≥ 1.0

$Eccentricity\ (CDR)={\frac {e_{Limit}}{e_{design}}}\geq 1.0$

Capacity/Demand ratio (CDR) for sliding shall be ≥ 1.0

$Sliding\ (CDR)={\frac {Total\ Factored\ Sliding\ Resistance}{Total\ Factored\ Active\ Force}}\geq 1.0$

Sliding shall be checked in accordance with LRFD 11.6.3.6 and 10.6.3.4

Eccentricity, (e) Limit for Strength Limit State:      LRFD 11.6.3.3

• For foundations supported on soil, the location of the resultant of the reaction forces shall be within the middle two-thirds of the base width, B or (e ≤ 0.33B).
• For foundations supported on rock, the location of the resultant of the reaction forces shall be within the middle nine-tenths of the base width, B or (e ≤ 0.45B).

Eccentricity, (e) Limit for Extreme Event I (Seismic):      LRFD 11.6.5.1

• For foundations supported on soil or rock, the location of the resultant of the reaction forces shall be within the middle two-thirds of the base width, B or (e ≤ 0.33B) for γ_EQ = 0.0 and middle eight-tenths of the base width, B or (e ≤ 0.40B) for γ_EQ = 1.0. For γ_EQ between 0.0 and 1.0, interpolate e value linearly between 0.33B and 0.40B. For γ_EQ refer to LRFD 3.4.

Note: Seismic design shall be performed for γ_EQ = 0.5

Eccentricity, (e) Limit for Extreme Event II:

• For foundations supported on soil or/and rock, the location of the resultant of the reaction forces shall be within the middle eight-tenths of the base width, B or (e ≤ 0.40B).

For epoxy coated reinforcement requirements, see EPG 751.5.9.2.2 Epoxy Coated Reinforcement Requirements.

If the height of the wall or fill is a variable dimension, then base the structural design of the wall, toe, and heel on the high quarter point between expansion joints.

Fig. 751.24.3.2