As a result of structural failure of a two-tiered, 30 foot high cribwall retaining structure and the immediate evacuation of the adjacent townhome residents, WDP was retained to perform a geotechnical study to address the structural integrity of the existing adjacent townhome soils, existing slope, and provide geotechnical parameters/ recommendations for remedial design. 

WDP also conducted a failure investigation as the distressed structure was removed to determine probable causes of the failure.  WDP provided segmental retaining structure (geogrid-reinforced) design parameters and assisted in plan and specification development.  WDP engineers and inspectors provided full-time construction monitoring of sheeting/shoring installation, demolition, and reconstruction of a 24 foot high geogrid-reinforced wall to ascertain compliance with the project plans and specifications. 

A one-year post-construction monitoring program was also performed utilizing inclino-meters, tiltmeters, crack monitors and visual surveys.  As a result of these efforts, the townhome residents were returned to their homes without any damage to the existing townhome structure.  WDP then assisted Prince William County Building Officials with the development of new retaining structure submittal requirements to avoid situations similar to this in the future.
 

Services WDP provided on this project included:

• Geotechnical Engineering Analyses
• Consolidated, shear strength testing
• Geotechnical Remedial Design
• Failure Investigation