MSE Form walls, also known as Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) are retaining walls are structures consisting of alternating layers of compacted material and soil reinforcement all fixed to a wall facing. The stability of an MSE wall is derived from the interaction between the backfill and soil reinforcements, involving friction and tension. The wall facing is typically thin and its main function is to prevent erosion of the structural backfill.
Some of the benefits of MSE Wall designs are:
- Readily available
- More natural aesthetic
- Straightforward wall installation
- Temporary or permanent options
- Flexible wall system
MSE form walls are a versatile earth retention solution, but they have a couple drawbacks. Before considering an MSE wall design for your next project, some things to consider are:
- Material Vulnerability – materials can be vulnerable to the elements
- Installation/Labor knowledge – while the process is straightforward, finding installers who are familiar, can be challenging.
MSE form walls are a great solution for temporary structures but can also be great options for permanent applications. If you are new to MSE form designs, contact us to learn more. An MSE wall just might be what need for your next project.