Jacksonville interchange settles on two different T&B Wall Systems

February 16th, 2010

Jacksonville interchange settles on two different T&B Wall Systems

Two different types of T&B Stabilized Earth Walls (with the same Precast Panels) were used in an interchange project to accommodate two different settlement ranges. Located just north of Jacksonville, FL, where the I-95 and the I-295 intersect, the project will improve the traffic flow between the Interstates and State Routes 9 and 9A.

It includes a precast, box-beam, fly-over bridge and four MSE wall structures supporting the new bridge's approach ramps. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specified conventional Precast Panel Walls on the west side of the I-95, but, due to a larger anticipated settlement (> 6") on the east side of the I-95, our Two-Stage Precast Walls were specified.

Two-Stage Precast Walls provide strong advantages where poor foundations or soft soils and significant settlements are anticipated but the aesthetics of precast panels are desired. In stage one, the Wire Wall is constructed first (in this case with additional soil surcharge loading) and remains untouched until the target settlements are reached, usually six months or at the discretion of the project's Engineer of Record. The flexible permanent wire facing readily permits settlement without compromising the final finished wall's alignment. Then, in the second stage, the precast panels are erected on their own leveling pad, positioned approximately 18 inches away from the Wire Wall face and attached by a system of adjustable hooks and turnbuckles. The void in this case has been filled with granular material and hydraulically compacted.

Two-Stage Precast Walls

Two-Stage Precast Walls

Two-Stage Precast Walls

The completed walls for each ramp looked identical when completed, with the same 5'x5' panels in Fractured Fin texture (65,000 square feet in total). The simple square panel shape facilitates efficient manufacturing and installation while providing high tolerance for potential wall settlements. The Fractured Fin finish has been historically proven to provide an aesthetically-appealing, natural texture that helps moderate the tonal variances inherent in cast concrete. Fractured Fin's deep texture also discourages graffiti vandalism.

Despite the difficult nature of the project, the wall construction has gone remarkably well with the final walls exceeding the expectations of all parties involved:

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