Inadequate compaction necessitates massive remedy

These photos show a massive remedy utilizing anchors needed for an initially inexpensive geotextile reinforced wall. One reason that necessitated this remedy is poor compaction. Also, risers collecting surface water were embedded in the reinforced soil zone. These risers were connected sequentially by a 10-in. PVC pipe located in the reinforced soil.

Differential settlement of the poorly compacted backfill sheared the PVC pipes from the risers, essentially feeding surface water into loose soil causing further densification of the soil after construction was completed. The lesson in this case has to do with eliminating two related aspects of redundancy: poor compaction and locating the risers within the reinforced soil. Good compaction might have prevented the shear of the PVC pipes.