The project scope included reconstruction of ROB in the prime area of Gondal (Gujarat), wherein the alignment of old ROB was in skew. Considering the city congestion and adjoining private lands, alternate alignments were not an option. For the current structure, maximum height of retaining wall was evaluated to be approximately 11m.

With due consideration to limited right of way; minimizing land acquisition; poor ground conditions; economy and speed of construction, the consultant has recommended to adopt reinforced soil structure for the approached of ROB in the current project.

EXCAVATION AND FOUNDATION PREPARATION

• The site was excavated to the width and depth as per the approved construction drawings. The trench for the leveling pad was excavated to the correct depth and width.
• Any pits, depressions etc. were filled by compacted granular fill of approved quality. Roller was passed over the excavated ground for even finish and requirements of bearing capacity and density was checked as per the design requirements before proceeding with further construction.

FOUNDATION LEVELING PADS

• The centerline of the leveling pad was marked on the base of the trench.
• Side forms were fixed for the leveling pad.
• After pouring concrete and completion of curing period, forms were removed.

ERECTION OF FIRST COURSE OF PANELS

• Chalk line was marked on the leveling pad to coincide with front face of the bottom most panels.
• The first full height panel was positioned on the leveling pad with its front face aligned along the chalk line. The panel was set to the correct inward batter (1°) by inserting the hardwood wedges below the base of the panels.
• Bracings were installed for the panel.
• The sequence was continued till all the panels in first row are placed. The clamps were fixed loosely.
• Vertical construction joint were provided wherever concrete and foundation soil intersects.
• For vertical construction joints; cut panels were used at junction, top to bottom, to avoid differential settlement.
• Geotextile filter straps were installed for vertical joints.

PLACEMENT AND COMPACTION OF FILL UP TO FIRST LAYER OF TECHSTRAP

• Fill material satisfying project requirements (as per design consideration and fill material mentioned in this methodology) was used.
• Backfill was placed and compacted in lifts up to the first layer of TechStrap reinforcement. The deposition, spreading, leveling and compaction of the fill was carried out in a direction parallel to the facing
• Compaction of the fill was carried out using appropriate equipment, which will not induce excessive loads on the  anels and at the same time achieves the required compaction. ( as mentioned in drawing )
• Fill was placed and compacted in lifts. Thickness of lift (not more than 200mm) was consistent with the compaction equipment used and the degree of compaction to be achieved. If necessary, water was sprinkled to bring the water content close to the optimum moisture content.
• The dry density of the compacted fill was checked as per codes.

INSTALLATION OF FIRST LAYER OF TECHSTRAP REINFORCEMENT

• The required length of reinforcement was marked on Techstrap as per drawings and the rear anchors which comprised of J hooks and connector rods were fixed as per design provided. The rear anchor arrangement consist of 2 No.’s of J hooks (as specified) fixed at 150mm gap, a rod ( as specified ) shall be passed and fixed between the hooks.
• The rear anchor arrangement was used temporary till backfill was placed and compacted over the TechStraps.
• TechStrap of required type and length was positioned, as shown on RS Wall L-section drawings.
• The rear end of the TechStrap was fixed by looping at rear anchor proving 2m overlap, the open end was fixed by placing small heaps of fill and using steel clamps/ U pins (depth of U pins 200mm minimum) in tensile strength direction.
• TechStrap was passed through the connector looping around the bar inside and continued laying back towards rear end and return towards the adjacent connector, repeat these steps till TechStraps are laid over the required area.
• TechStraps was pulled and fixed ensuring that TechStrap was reasonably tight and free from wrinkles and folds. Loop the final length of TechStrap around rear anchor with 2m overlap and the open end was fixed using steel clamps/ U pins.
• Panels were placed and compacted fill up to the top of first row of Panels.

ERECTION OF SUBSEQUENT COURSES OF PANELS, FILLING AND INSTALLING TECHSTRAP REINFORCEMENT

• Cycle of backfilling and compacting in lifts, placing GeoStraps, and setting panels was repeated until design height was reached.
• Drainage layer was placed as mentioned in the drawing.

COPING BEAM

• At the top of the upper most panels, a cast in-situ coping beam was provided to achieve the required

longitudinal profile.