The performance of mechanically stabilized earth walls: the case of Jordan

This study examines the performance of MSE walls in Jordan, based on case studies, and discusses the interaction between soil conditions, reinforcing materials, and environmental factors. MSE wall failure was back-analyzed using the limit equilibrium method based on the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. The failure was found to have been initiated by water seepage along cracks in the road, which saturated the reinforced fill. It decreased its shear strength, leading to instability. The fill was split into two regions: a 5-meter saturated top zone with lower shear strength (φ′ = 31°) and a 10-meter bottom unsaturated zone with parameters (φ′ = 35°). The analysis yielded marginal stability, with a factor of safety (FoS) of 1.1, consistent with localized instability observed in the site. The failure mechanism accurately captured field observation, highlighting the model's validity. The results highlight the critical influence of moisture variation and soil stratification on MSE wall performance under semi-arid conditions. The study provides recommendations for optimizing material selection, design processes, and construction processes to enhance the resilience of MSE walls in similar climatic conditions. The results promote sustainable infrastructure in similar conditions.