Earth Retaining Systems and Slopes

MEA has extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating and designing stable earth slopes; whether from merely determining a stable slope configuration, reinforcing by various means, or implementing a retaining system to satisfy the project needs. MEA engineers also have extensive experience with the remediation of slope stability failures and the knowledge needed to prevent them.

The reasons for maintaining slopes with earth retaining systems are endless. Whether the project requires protection for workers during excavation, prevention of erosion, increased efficiency of a mining method or to permanently retain a soil or rock face, there are many options and conditions that must be considered. Therefore, having a full knowledge and expertise in this area will result in the most cost-effective design.

Design support and evaluation of an earth retaining system often includes in-depth analysis of the material being retained and strict specifications on the fill being placed, as well as the overall stability of the system. Soil can be retained by a number of methods including the use of geosynthetics, soldier piles and lagging, sheet piles, cast in place walls, secant piles, soil or rock anchors, soil nails, and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls.