Pre-stressed Segmental Retaining Walls (PSRWs)

This paper introduces an innovative system of retaining walls named “pre-stressed segmental retaining walls (PSRWs)”. In this system, interlocking blocks are assembled together with dry joints (mortarless) and the integrity of the wall is maintained by pre-stressing forces. The pro-posed system has a collection of advantages over the conventional systems for construction of cantilever retaining walls or mechanically stabilized earth walls. In particular precast concrete/masonry segments can be incorporated which reduces the construction time and cost for cantilever type structures and if combined with mechanically stabilized earth wall system, it can reduce the number of layers of reinforcement and add flexibility to the design. These walls will be suitable for both water front and soil retention purposes.