08 July 2026
NEXCO MSE Retaining Wall for Mountain Highway Construction
Terramesh® reinforced soil retaining walls with Paralink® 100 geogrids provided a durable and permeable solution for stabilizing steep mountain slopes along the Himeji–Tottori Expressway in Japan.
Project Overview
As part of the Himeji–Tottori Expressway developed by West Nippon Expressway Company Limited (NEXCO West), Maccaferri delivered two Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls measuring 8.0 m and 4.5 m in height, both constructed with a 63° face angle. The solution was designed to provide long-term slope stability while meeting the demands of construction in a mountainous environment.
The Challenge
The project was located in a restricted mountainous area where steep retaining structures were required to create access for large construction vehicles. Conventional concrete retaining walls were not considered suitable due to the valley terrain and the need for effective water drainage. At the same time, the project sought to maximise the reuse of excavated rock generated during tunnel construction, reducing material waste and supporting a more sustainable construction approach.
The Solution
Maccaferri supplied the Terramesh® reinforced soil wall system, reinforced with Paralink® 100 geogrids, to provide a stable and flexible retaining solution. The system’s high permeability allowed water to drain naturally, reducing hydrostatic pressure and making it particularly well suited to the valley environment. By reusing rock excavated from the highway tunnels as fill material, the project also minimised waste while improving construction efficiency and sustainability.
Terramesh® is a facia unit for flexible reinforced soil wall system that made of double-twisted steel wire mesh gabion box with integrated tail mesh acting as a secondary reinforcement. Steel wire mesh is coated with Polimac coating which is advanced polymeric coating developed to sustain the sever environmental conditions.
Paralink® 100
Paralink® 100 is a high-strength geogrid reinforcement designed to provide long-term tensile strength and stability within reinforced soil structures. Working together with the Terramesh® system, it enhances the overall performance of the retaining wall while accommodating ground movement and demanding site conditions.
