REINFORCED SOIL SLOPES (RSS)

Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS) is a design solution that is often used when aesthetic appeal and/or impact on the environment needs to be considered. They provide a flexible solution that can be applied to a wide variety of project types.  Some of the benefits to RSS designs are:

• Steeper angles can be attained allowing for more usable space
• Reduction of fill requirements
• Cuts cost of construction materials- allowing for a more economical option
• Stabilize and/or repair unreinforced slopes while reusing on-site materials
• Can have a “Greener” or more natural appearance
• Clean look – If rock is used in the design
• Quick and Easy installation – Does not require large equipment or craftsmanship
• No leveling pad needed
• Good in seismic zone – Effective resistance to differential settlement and seismic activity

While Reinforced Soil Slopes are flexible and versatile design solutions, they are not without their drawbacks.  Before considering RSS for your next project, some things to consider are:

• The steeper angle of slope needed may take up more room on the site
• RSS designs are prone to surface water runoff –detail may need to be taken for water management
• Erosion control and re-vegetation will need to be considered
• Plants/Vegetation survival – how will the face of the slope be irrigated?
• Often these projects are difficult to manage the vegetation – so area may be overgrown with weeds. (weed wall)
• May require large amounts of granular fill if not on site
• Degradation of materials from exposure to elements- if exposed to sunlight, UV rays can degrade materials overtime.

Looking at both the benefits and the challenges of using reinforced slopes on a project at the design stage can help determine if it is the best design option for the project.  Contact us to learn more about RSS designs and let us help you determine if it’s the right fit for your next project.