Reinforced Earth® - Terre-Armée

Our flagship technique, Reinforced Earth®, is based on the principle of the friction between soil and reinforcements creating a permanent and predictable bond. At the origin of all mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls on the market today, we are continuously perfecting this simple, yet ingenious technique.

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The Original Reinforced Earth® Technology

Reinforced Earth® structures combine select and controlled granular backfill with steel or geosynthetic tensile reinforcements and a modular facing system, generally comprised of precast concrete panels, welded wire mesh or semi-elliptical steel panels. This ideal combination creates a long-lasting gravity retaining structure.

This technology can be adapted to suit retaining walls of any height. It is also capable of supporting major dead and live loads imposed by the associated structures, vehicles or other equipment.

Small crew, minimal equipment

The construction of Reinforced Earth® structures can be handled by a small crew and requires neither scaffolding nor heavy machinery. A light crane to move the concrete facing panels and traditional earth-moving equipment to place and concrete the backfill are sufficient.

A three-step, straightforward construction sequence

Installation of facing panels
Placing of soil reinforcements
Backfilling and compacting

Benefits

Rapid construction

Reinforced Earth® structures are quick to install. Materials can be delivered to site just in time for construction. A crew of four can install up to 90 square metres of wall per shift, including backfill placement and compaction.

Reliability

The internal strength and overall stability of the Reinforced Earth® composite structure provides significant static and dynamic load-bearing capacity. The durability of the materials and their resistance to extreme situations, such as seismic events, extreme variations in temperatures, and explosions, is well documented and the safety of our structures unrivalled.

Cost effectiveness

Low material cost, flexibility in the use of backfill material, the ease and speed of construction, and limited maintenance requirements are significant advantages of Reinforced Earth® structures, reducing overall cost.

Aesthetics

The variety of our facings can meet specific architectural and artistic requirements. We can integrate the desired artwork directly into the design plans of our panels, with endless possibilities for creative, visually pleasing finishes.

Adaptability

The Reinforced Earth® technology provides solutions in complex situations and is often the best or only choice for restricted right-of-way, unstable natural slopes, marginal foundation conditions and large expected settlements.

Reduced environmental footprint

Using less materials, requiring less space, and generating less CO2 than conventional construction methods, the Reinforced Earth® technique reduces the impact on the environment.

Structural flexibility

Reinforced Earth® systems adapt to geometric requirements such as face inclination or straight or curved alignments. The modularity of the facing and the specific construction devices allow the structures to accept substantial total and differential settlement on poor foundations.

Reduced land use

Reinforced Earth® structures require little land use and site impact during construction, which is a great advantage where construction projects need to accommodate existing infrastructure and busy urban areas.