TerraTrel is a wire-faced MSE wall system, consisting of inextensible High-Adherence (HA) steel reinforcing strips or ladders with a bolted connection to the wire mesh facing. The system provides a cost-effective solution for wall applications where aesthetics is not a critical requirement, precast concrete facing is not necessary, or heavy lifting is not feasible. TerraTrel is also ideal for temporary structures used in roadway widening, bridge phasing, and surcharges for inducing settlement.

The reinforcing strips and ladders, as well as their connection to the wire mesh, have been designed and tested to optimize the pull-out and tensile capacity for various backfill types. The reinforcing strip is a 2-inch wide by 4mm thick strip, with a pattern of ribs for increased bond with the compacted backfill. Ladders may be used for efficiency in low-height wall or lightweight backfill situations, where tension is low and extra pull-out capacity is needed. Corrosion protection in the form of galvanization is included to achieve a design life of 75 years, 100 years, or more. For temporary walls, black steel is also an option.

For temporary solutions, geotextile is placed on the back face of the wire mesh, to allow for drainage and to prevent loss of backfill. For permanent solutions, a column of crushed stone is placed between the wire mesh and geotextile to protect the geotextile from UV light, while also giving the wall a more appealing look.

Temporary Applications for Wire Mesh Retaining Walls

While wire mesh facing may not have the same aesthetic or rigidity benefits as precast concrete, it offers some distinct advantages functionally, and is an excellent solution for both permanent and temporary structures.

Wire mesh panels are lightweight and do not require any lifting or bracing equipment. They require less lead time for delivery, so construction can begin sooner. They can be easily trimmed or modified in the field to quickly fit any geometric situation. No concrete leveling pad is needed. The material and soil reinforcement connections provide superior durability against differential settlement, erosion, impact, and seismic activity.

Construction projects often require temporary retaining walls to complete the job in phases, and temporary MSE walls are an economical and fast solution for fill situations. Similar to a conventional MSE wall, but with relaxed design requirements and a shorter service life, a temporary MSE wall with wire mesh facing can be left in place or easily removed after use. Temporary MSE walls can also be incorporated into the permanent structures, allowing for extra efficiency in design of the overall project.

• Temporary roadway alignments or ramps for shifting traffic patterns during construction phases.
• Roadway widening projects.
• Temporary surcharge for increasing the settlement rate of roadway embankments or other areas.
• Bridge abutment phased construction for new bridges or bridge replacement projects.
• Foundations for cranes or other heavy equipment.
• Accommodating utilities behind a permanent wall.