Geosynthetic MSE walls research and practice: past, present, and future (2023 IGS Bathurst Lecture)

Abstract

The technology of geosynthetic mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls can help solve classical geotechnical earth retaining wall problems. It can also contribute to achieving the new required performance for infrastructures, such as reliance and sustainability. To further develop this technology, it is essential to analyze the history of its progress. This study summarizes the state-of-the-art research on the mechanical and soil interaction properties of geosynthetics, physical modeling and in situ measurements, analytical and numerical modeling, and reliability analyses by reviewing approximately 728 papers published in well-known international journals in this field and some notable conference paper contributions during the period of approximately 50 years from 1972 to 2023. The latest analytical methods, such as risk-based life cycle cost and CO2 emission assessments and damage/failure predictions, are introduced to evaluate the resilience and sustainability performance of geosynthetic MSE walls. Finally, the prospects of a seismic isolation technique with new types of geosynthetics and life cycle management using a long-term sensor for geosynthetic MSE walls are discussed.