Glossary of Terms
MSE Walls
MSE Walls are gravity structures that utilize granular backfill, reinforcing strips, and a precast concrete face to create a retaining wall capable of withstanding high earth pressures. MSE Walls can be used as abutment walls for bridge and as roadway approaches. These walls have a high tolerance for settlement and vibration.
Wire Walls
Wire Walls are earth structures that combine the performance of a MSE Wall with the economy of a wire wall face. These types of walls are best suited for areas that are not aesthetically important. They can also be used as a two stage option where significant settlement is anticipated. After the settlement period slows an MSE Wall face can be attached.
Soil Nails
Soil nailing is a process that reinforces the earth by strengthening a block of earth that can stand up to the lateral earth pressures. Soil nail walls are installed by excavating lifts of soil. The nails are installed at consistent intervals; this process increases the shear strength of the soil. Welded wire, fabric and plates are installed against the bare face of earth. The nail, protruding from the earth, is then fastened to the welded wire and plates. To complete construction, the soil nail wall is covered with shot-crete to provide a finished, manageable surface.
Earth Anchors
Earth Anchors help shoring walls, such as soldier pile walls, resist lateral earth loads. Examples of these kinds of loads are hydrostatic pressure, seismic, and surcharge. If high lateral loads are anticipated, earth anchors would be a sensible choice because of their loading capacities.
Earth anchors develop their capacity along their length. The longer the anchor, the more load it can handle. For instance, an earth anchor wall would be used when a structure needs to be built below ground and right next to an existing building. The earth anchors will support the excavation (below the upper building), while workers build the lower structure.
Reinforced Slopes
Reinforced slopes combine the engineered advantage of reinforced soil with an economical fascia treatment. A reinforced slope can be used when a near vertical structure is not required. The fascia treatment can be constructed with grass or rock. An erosion mat protects the face until the vegetation can grow. In areas where water is anticipated or the design calls for a durable face, rock can be used immediately behind the face.
Earth Anchored Retaining Walls
Earth anchored retaining walls are a great choice when excavating for geogrids is not possible. In some cases existing buildings or property line constraints may prevent space for a conventional retaining wall to be built. Earth anchors can be drilled into the existing soil. The anchors are then tensioned to the designed load. Next, a mechanical connection is used to attach a variety of fascia options.
Foundation Improvement
Tricor Construction can build roads over soft soils or wetland by utilizing reinforced geogrid. This proven system eliminates undercutting and backfilling with stone. The elimination of undercutting and backfilling with stone offers a huge economical advantage to developers and general contractors.
Precast Structures and Cast-in-Place Concrete
Tricor Construction can provide installation of Cast-in-Place retaining walls and other concrete structures such as drainage culverts. We can provide turnkey foundation solutions for these structures as well. Offered together, Tricor can give owners and developers an economical advantage.
Sound Walls
Sound walls offers a viable solution to the adverse impact of highway traffic noise. By utilizing H-piles and precast-fascia panels Tricor can provide several options that are economical and aesthetically pleasing.
