Major Developments and Improvements in Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls: Analysis and Design over the last three decades

Prashad, Durgesh; SHUBHAM, KUMAR; Metya, Subhadeep; Singh, Rakesh Pratap

doi:10.22059/ceij.2025.391083.2258

Major Developments and Improvements in Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls: Analysis and Design over the last three decades

Articles in Press

Authors

Durgesh Prashad ¹

KUMAR SHUBHAM ²

Subhadeep Metya ³

Rakesh Pratap Singh ⁴

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, NIT Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India-831014

² Centre for Promotion of Research, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India-248001

³ Department of Civil Engineering, NIT Jamshedpur, Jharkhand – 831014, India.

⁴ Department of Civil Engineering, NIT Jamshedpur, Jharkhand – 831014, India

10.22059/ceij.2025.391083.2258

Abstract

Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls have emerged as a reliable and economical solution in geotechnical and transportation engineering. Over the past three decades, extensive research has been conducted on the analysis, design, and performance of MSE walls. This paper presents a comprehensive review of these developments, highlighting key advancements in construction techniques, material usage, and design philosophies. Special emphasis is placed on the growing trend toward sustainability, particularly the use of alternative and environmentally friendly backfill materials. Given that backfill occupies a major portion of MSE wall systems, several experimental and numerical studies have explored the effectiveness of various sustainable materials and their impact on structural stability. The review also covers soil stabilization techniques, including both mechanical reinforcement and chemical additives, as well as the influence of different wall facings. Additionally, foundation soil stability and its interaction with the wall system are discussed. This paper aims to provide insights into recent trends that emphasize performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency in MSE wall construction. The findings will be valuable for designers and practicing engineers seeking to implement modern, environmentally conscious solutions in retaining wall systems.

Keywords

MSE wall stability

parametric studies

sustainable backfill materials

facing panels

foundation soil

Subjects