Identifying the meaning of MSE in the construction field
MSE is an abbreviation that means ‘‘mechanically stabilized earth’’ in construction. MSE is applied where the construction of a structure is necessary; the majority of the time, retaining and soil structures are reinforced utilizing man-made objects. This is due to the fact that the method is cheap, has a high resistance and is more suited to construction practices.
What is the MSE wall?
MSE wall or mechanically stabilized earth wall is among the types of retaining wall which is made from compacted soil and also reinforcement. It is employed in the construction of slopes for highways and railways, abutments of bridges and any typical structure where earth support is essential. A great load is acceptable in MSE walls; the construction of walls depends on the site conditions that prevail at the site. MSE wall is a type of structure commonly used in construction works.
The construction of MSE walls involves the use of several key products:
MSE walls in most cases utilize several products and these are as follows;
- Reinforcing materials: Some of them include metallic strips, and geogrids/ geotextiles which are laid down on the ground to bear on the soil.
- Facing elements: These are produced off-site for installation on-site, a layer of wire mesh or a thin layer of natural stones forms the outer finish of the visible wall; they also cover the reinforcement of the soil.
- Backfill: In this area for backfill, big stones are avoided as much as possible and granular soil is used as backfill for the supporting structures possessing good drainage as well as strength.
- Facing installation: The faced elements are mounted on the reinforcement layers and represent the outer part of the wall and slab.
- Completion: Following this, other additional layers which in most instances take the form of bricks are created, and through the continued building up of these layers the wall is brought to its necessary height.
Advantages of MSE wall:
- Cost-effective: As mentioned earlier, it is not a surprise to discover that the cost of building MSE walls is lower than the cost of some other kinds of walls since the structures are made out of a smaller number of materials and built with comparatively less difficulty.
- Speedy construction: These MSE walls are fabricated in segments; thus, the construction time shrinks when you are installing the walls.
- Versatility: To also focus on the fact that in turn, it is possible to regulate MSE walls for the various characteristics of sites and design requirements and thus they can be used at many types of works.
- Durability: MSE walls are strong given the reinforcement of the soil and stiff facing to build up the walls.
- Environmentally friendly: MSE walls use natural ground and can include materials from other buildings thus minimising the structure’s impact on the environment.
Applications of MSE wall :
- Highway and railway embankments: One function of MSE walls is to support roads and railway structures of deformation to avoid erosions and landslides.
- Bridge abutments: These walls are then utilised to make the supports of the bridges very strong and long-lasting.
- Waterfront structures: MSE walls can be used in shoreline protection and the construction of long-lasting waterfront infrastructure.
- Earth retention for buildings and parking structures: MSE walls are used commonly to support different building and parking structures.
- Slope stabilization: On steep slopes, these walls are useful in safeguarding soil erosion and the occurrence of Landslides.
- Landscaping and aesthetic enhancements: Special plinth and reinforced terraces and other developments entailing MSE walls as outlined above have exceptional aesthetics.
Mechanically Stabilized Earth has many advantages in construction by the improvement in cost, time, and environmental aspects. These panels, because they are resistant, fast to build and can be used on many occasions, are ideal for various uses.
Interested in how MSE walls can be of help in your next project? Talk to Strata Global today to get professional construction advice and obtain concretions on the construction services we offer.