Geosynthetics April/May 2020 - 45

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE | ROADWAYS/INFRASTRUCTURE

ACE Geosynthetics Inc.

Application of Geogrid Reinforced
Structure for Abutment Protection
in Taichung City, Taiwan

n order to make transportation of residents more convenient and diminish the heavy traffic
flow that would be brought by the Taichung World Flora Exposition, the city government decided to build a connecting road with abutment for nearly 1.9 miles (3 km).
The abutment is located at the toe of the slope, and large-scale excavation
was necessary. If there was no protection to the surface of the slope during
excavation, the slope would be likely to topple down due to rainwater or
external forces and then endanger the safety of the abutment. For Taichung
City to deserve the name of "Flower City" to enhance the local tourism
industry, the city government wanted to make tourists feel free from the
concrete jungle right after they exit the interchange. Owing to this requirement, the well-known wraparound, reinforced structure, which could be
covered with green vegetation, was the most appropriate choice (Figure 3).
The design adopted ACEGrid GG210-I and in situ excavated soils and rocks
to build a retaining wall 65.6 feet (20 m) in height. There were four stages,
and each stage is 16.4 feet (5 m) in height. A drainage facility was installed
in every layer to accelerate water discharge in torrential rain. The structure
is a U-shaped retaining wall that completely covers the rigid abutment.
Shengang Interchange goes through the south side of Shengang District only. Therefore,
road users cannot use this interchange to access the Houli District by crossing the Dajia River.
The project features the U-shaped retaining wall to cover the abutment and protect the
peripheral bare slope. The reinforced retaining wall increases the safety of the abutment, and the
wall surface helps to resist the scouring to the slope brought by rainwater and external forces.
The durability of materials offered by ACE Geosynthetics is excellent and with low creep to
diminish the deformation of structure. There is no stress concentration problem in reinforced
structures. The feature is especially suitable for Taiwan, which is in an area of frequent earthquakes. The solution is cost effective and eco-friendly, and features pleasant landscaping. The
installation process was simple and short, and installation quality could be controlled easily.
The city government is satisfied with the structure. It shortens the drive from a rural area
to downtown by 45 minutes. The results can be reviewed in the following aspects:
* Safety: The structure strengthens the stability of the abutment's foundation and the
slope simultaneously.
* Cost-effectiveness: Large amounts of excavated soils and rocks are filled back into the
reinforced structure, slashing the cost drastically.
* Eco-friendliness: Green vegetation on the surface of the reinforced wraparound structure
is integrated harmoniously into the natural surroundings and beautifies the abutment.
The surface of the structure turns exuberant green within one year of project completion.
Adopting in situ soil and rocks in the reinforced retaining wall helps to lower the cost of
delivering waste soils and reduces the risk of polluting the environment.

FIGURE 3 The partially
vegetated ACEGrid retaining
wall. Photograph courtesy
ACE Geosynthetics Inc.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
GEOGRID-REINFORCED
STRUCTURE FOR
ABUTMENT PROTECTION
IN TAICHUNG CITY, TAIWAN
GEOSYNTHETICS PRODUCER
AND SUPPLIER

ACE Geosynthetics Inc.
GEOSYNTHETICS PRODUCT

ACEGrid

www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com

0420GS_p41-47.indd 45

3/23/20 5:40 PM

http://www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com

Geosynthetics April/May 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics April/May 2020