MIXED RSS FOR THE RRESHEN-KALIMASH HIGHWAY

Bechtel-Enka brought in geotechnical specialists, Officine Maccaferri in a partnership arrangement to provide engineering design solutions for the walls. Maccaferri’s responsibility encompassed the design assistance, structural calculations and construction drawings for the 30 walls. For 20 of the walls, Maccaferri also provided supervision and construction management through its local partner Albania Draht. The 30 composite reinforced soil structures have a total facing surface area of more than 35,000 m2, with the maximum wall overall height of 40 m. The walls, where a steep (84°) facing was required, have been constructed using a hybrid reinforced soil system, combining two Maccaferri products; -Terramesh® System, a double-twisted steel wire mesh unit which forms structures with the aesthetics of gabions but with the reassurance of soil reinforcement -ParaLink® 300, a high strength polyester geogrid (primary reinforcement). The ParaLink was spaced at 1 or 2m vertical centres depending upon the design requirement. These walls are among the highest of their type constructed anywhere.