MSE Wall

MSE Walls (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) walls are retaining walls that consist of a facing element combined with horizontal soil reinforcement to retain backfilled and compacted soil. MSE walls may be constructed as a cost-effective alternative to gravity wall structures and are ideal where steeper slopes are needed or if there is limited project real estate is available.

MSE Walls with Elastizell Engineered Fill (EF)

Utilizing Elastizell EF for MSE wall structural backfill retains all the benefits of the MSE wall design and has several advantages over conventional fill material, as well as advantages over other lightweight fills.

Advantages of using Elastizell EF as an alternative to conventional MSE wall backfill.

Load Reduction – reducing the backfill weight by 75% allows MSE wall construction over soils where conventional materials would cause catastrophic settlement.
Cohesive – fully cohesive and does not require compaction.
Seismic Advantages – lower consolidation settlement, inertial loads, and dynamic compression during earthquakes.
No Lateral Pressure – each lift once set exerts no lateral pressure on the wall.
Strength – significantly higher strength than conventional fills.
No Geotextile – Elastizell EF does not require reinforcing fabric or grid.

Advantages of Elastizell EF over EPS/Geofoam

Elastizell EF lightweight insulating concrete is noncombustible.
EPS/Geofoam is a fire hazard
Elastizell EF lightweight insulating concrete is resistant to petroleum solvents
EPS/Geofoam is vulnerable to petroleum solvents upon contact with a petroleum solvent EPS/Geofoam will change from a solid to a glue-like liquid, making it unable to support loads.
Elastizell EF lightweight insulating concrete is impervious to insects
EPS/Geofoam is prone to infestation by insects and rodents.
Elastizell EF lightweight insulating concrete once cured will not absorb water.
EPS Geofoam is predisposed to water absorption
Elastizell EF flows easily into all spaces eliminating potential voids.
EPS/Geofoam does not fill voids or irregularities within the fill placement area. EPS Geofoam Requires additional lean-fill to help with voids left after placement of pre-formed blocks within excavations to achieve full contact with excavated surfaces.

Advantages of Elastizell EF over expanded aggregate

Elastizell EF does not require compaction.
Elastizell EF is nearly impervious
Expanded aggregate is very porous, which has freeze-thaw cycle implications
Elastizell EF is installed at a consistent density
Expanded aggregate density changes based on compaction methods.
Elastizell EF is fully cohesive and does not require geotextile.
Elastizell EF does not require any of the logistics associated with procuring and hauling the lightweight aggregate material to the job site.

Advantage of Using Elastizell EF over other lightweight cellular concretes

Approved by wall manufacturers to pour at lower densities than competitive products.
A long history of large successful projects across the country.