cost of mse wall
cost of mse wall
(OP)
we are looking at alternatives for a short (4 - 5 feet tall) retaining wall. MSE with concrete block facing is one concept we have thought of using. Backfill is level and good quality imported structural fill. Top of wall would have periodic surcharge from the occasional light vehicle or small construction equipment. (Maybe once or twice per year). Any idea what the approximate cost of the wall might be?





RE: cost of mse wall
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
RE: cost of mse wall
It depends on the height and length of wall. Longer walls are more cost-effective. Higher walls get more expensive. Small wall area is generally more cost-ineffective compared to other wall systems that might be used (CIP cantilever, e.g.).
For your exposed wall height, a CIP wall could be a good option.
Jeff
RE: cost of mse wall
RE: cost of mse wall
I'm with the same question now. Thanks for bring it it up.
RE: cost of mse wall
i will issue a word of caution: the wall designer must provide a specific exploration and testing protocol that describes the required tests and frequency of testing. if they quote FHWA as their testing protocol or if they say the geotechnical engineer should provide the testing protocol, i suggest you move on to CIP walls. The wall designers are the ones that are responsible for the design as well as accepting/rejecting all materials used. also, much of the language i see on specs and drawings try to put 100% of the liability on the owner and geotechnical engineer/testing firm...this language should be rejected.
to resolve the issue, i suggest the mse wall designer direct all exploration and testing since the wall designs are proprietary and so that the price they give you will include all necessary testing. this will also remove some of the "scape goat" language. for owners, they should still strike any language that says the owner or their geotechnical engineer is responsible for all testing, design, etc.
RE: cost of mse wall
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
RE: cost of mse wall
RE: cost of mse wall
RE: cost of mse wall
With good soil very little geo-grid may be required if a thorough engineering analysis was made.
Our municipality even has standard plate designs for SRW walls for use when sidewalks and streets are realigned, but these are quite conservative "cookie cutter" designs to fit all.
RE: cost of mse wall
RE: cost of mse wall
RE: cost of mse wall
I assume yours are ordinary sites. This site is in north-central US, with sandy soil throughout,including the imported fill, depressed area also. Original total job estimate was $80,000, but now added burocratic involvment requires new estimate.
However, site now is funded by a US Agency, with numerous hoops to jump thru. Davis-Bacon act now required.
I'll add about 20 to 40 percent to my estimates for that red tape, etc. Or should I go higher?
OK?
RE: cost of mse wall
MSE materials $10-13 per s.f. including facing and reinforcements.
Construction $12-14 per s.f.
Backfill depending on where you are.
These are east coast current competitive costs. hard to estimate what you might pay with all the restrictios you face. Shouldn't matter to the materials costs but I'd add 40% to the construciton number.