Mass Gravity Retaining Walls
2020
SAN RAFAEL, RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL - REGION IV-A - Philippines
Manila Water Company, Inc.
MWCI RESERVOIR
Problem
In line with the Manila Water Company Inc.’s extensive water supply infrastructure improvement, a 250,000 gallon-capacity water reservoir was designed. BC Cuerpo Construction Corporation, the general contractor of the project, initially planned to build a concrete gravity wall as a retaining structure on portions immediate to the location of the new water reservoir. The facility is adjacent to a river, where which floodwaters could directly damage the facility if not protected.
Solution
Maccaferri engineers recommended two wall systems due to project requirements and space limitations. One of the systems involved a gabion gavity wall placed along the upstream of the reservoir’s intake to hold curing tanks, machine room, and other equipment. The other wall system featured Maccaferri’s Terramesh System with MacGrid woven polyester geogrid as components for a mechanically-stabilized earth (MSE) wall system. The MSE wall was located along the downstream area to secure the 250,000 gallon capacity water reservoir. Gabion mattresses, 0.5 meter in thickness, were placed at the base of the intake structure for additional resistance against scouring due to the possible impact of floodwaters from the adjacent river. The proposed solution was found to be more advantageous than other wall systems for its flexibility, drainage capability, and structural soundness. Moreover, the wall systems were further proven to be more economical and were constructed just on time as scheduled.