Shored MSE structures are now often recommended by engineers for existing infrastructure that are challenging to widen or rehabilitated with limited space.

Our innovative solution called TerraLink® developed by RECo solves this challenge to build new earth-retained structures in front of existing structures where limited room for expansion is available.

TerraLink® Shored MSE walls

RECo engineers have pioneered this innovative solution to link a new structure to an existing structure with TerraLink® anchored earth retaining wall technology. These MSE structures are utilized for widenings or adding new structures by linking the new wall by way of anchors or nailing to an existing concrete retaining wall, or a natural feature such as sloped terrain where only a narrow space is available for the necessary soil reinforcements and backfill.

The Reinforced Earth® and TerraLink® technologies can be combined to ensure a continuous facing and sound structural behavior.

Mainly used in;

  > Road and railway widenings

The continuous increase in road and railway traffic in urban areas makes the existing infrastructure under-dimensioned. Infrastructure widening with structure additions using our TerraLink® MSE solution is a quick and efficient fix to loosen traffic bottlenecks and stabilize existing structures.

  > Earth shoring

TerraLink® anchored retaining walls are an excellent cost-effective way for building a conventional earth-retained structures or a shoring system in close proximity to an existing slope or structure reducing high costs involved in typical design conceptions for the significant earthwork.

The TerraLink® anchored earth retaining wall solution

Components resembles our typical Reinforced Earth® MSE wall solution:

  • Facing panels are made of precast concrete or welded wire mesh
  • Steel or geosynthetic soil reinforcement strips are connected to the facing elements
  • Select or engineered backfill

The TerraLink® connections

Our new TerraLink® anchored retaining walls are meant to be linked to an existing structure with either one, or a combination of the two different methods for linking:

> Friction link
Alternating layers of soil reinforcements, each layer connected to one or the opposing surface

  • those being solely connected to the back face of the new structure
  • those being solely connected to the face of the existing structure

> Direct link
All soil reinforcement connecting the two extremities are structurally linked directly to one another.

Design approach

Prior to the TerraLink® anchored retaining walls configuration, our engineers will assess the conditions of the existing structure(s)  as it is important to evaluate the stability of the existing structure and the environment. We consult with you on internal and external stability in support of the new, reconfigured structure, including revised load conditions and extended service life.

Advantages of TerraLink® shored MSE walls

  • Adaptability to existing structures
  • Custom solution to specific soils
  • Compatibility with Reinforced Earth® technics

Benefits

Cost savings

Cost savings

Working in areas with imited room for construction, this solution dramatically minimizes soil excavation and replacement quantities.

Optimization of materials

Optimization of materials

Offering a choice of facing elements, soil reinforcements and backfill types results in best-suit design for each project.

Finished appearance

Finished appearance

Architectural prefabricated cladding, or a natural “green” appearance is possible among your choices for wall facings.

Minimal disruption to traffic

Minimal disruption to traffic

Where a standard retaining wall would require the dismantling of an existing structure, the TerraLinkTM system enables the construction of a new wall while keeping in place the existing structure, maintaining traffic active during the construction time.

Rapid construction

Rapid construction

TerraLinkTM structures are quick to install. Materials can be delivered to site just in time for construction.

Reliability

Reliability

The internal strength and overall stability of the TerraLinkTM composite structure provides significant static and dynamic load-bearing capacity.

Adaptation to existing structure

Adaptation to existing structure

The TerraLinkTM design can be adapted to fit many different existing structures, be it a soil nail wall, and existing Reinforced Earth® wall or a natural feature, such as sloped terrain or bedrock.

Reduced environmental footprint

Reduced environmental footprint

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

Reduced land use

Reduced land use

TerraLinkTM 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.