Innovative earth retaining system adopted at the proposed printing complex project for Aitken Spence (Pvt) Ltd. at Mawaramandiya

Abstract

Retaining earth is a predominant requirement in sloped land constructions. Holding back ground m the most economical and efficient manner, while preserving constructive areas at required levels for intended developments, is the main objective of any earth retaining system. Gravity walls, cantilevered walls, sheet pile walls and anchored walls are few commonly'using retaining wall types. In addition to above conventional methods, soil nailing, gabion walls, stabilization with artificial reinforcement, etc are increasingly use in modem constructions. However, selection of the most appropriate system to resist the lateral earth and hydrostatic pressure and/or to stabilize the slopes depends on several factors such as the retaining height, available area, properties of soil to be retained, cost of construction, etc. The land selected for the construction of proposed printing complex for Aitken Spence (Pvt) Ltd is located in an undulant terrain and thus requires earth retaining, both along the site boundary and at inteimediate locations within the premises. The heights to be retained vary from lm to 7m. Few’ distinct systems including anchored gravity walls and soil nailing were innovatively adopted at different locations as appropriate, depending on the height of the slope to be retained, space availability and cost considerations. This paper discusses the design aspects and modifications adapted to the conventional design and construction procedures of soil nail retaining systems, possible alternative configurations and other earth retaining methods implemented at the site. The paper includes recommendations and precautions to be taken with the specified soil nailing system and a cost comparison between conventional gravity walls and cantilevered RC walls, as well.