VSoL - VSL RETAINED EARTH

DESIGN

ENGINEERING

SUPPLY

INSTALLATION

Economic and rapid to constructIn addition to excellent structural performance,the VSoL system is extremely quick to install,leading to significant savings in time and costover conventional retaining wall solutions. Usingproven components, construction methods andVSLs extensive company network, the VSoL

system provides an economical retaining wallsystem wherever your site location.

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THE VSOL SYSTEM VSOL CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS DESIGNING WITH VSOL

AestheticThe use of precast panels permits a wide range of architectural finishes to be considered tomeet the aesthetic requirements of a project.

Foundation solutionsVSoL walls can be designed to accommodatesignificant foundation settlements and forparticularly poor foundation conditions, whereground improvement is the only option,combined wall and foundation packages can be provided to suit project requirements.

Package SolutionsThe VSoL package is tailored to meet thespecific project and customer's requirementswith options including component supply,design and component supply through to designand construction of complete turnkey projects.

The VSoL SystemA versatile solution for retaining wall construction

T hroughout the World, VSoL - VSL's

Retained Earth wall system - has provedit's performance as a cost effective

construction technique in a variety of retainingwalls applications. VSoL is a reinforced soilwall system which combines advancedengineering, reliable performance, ease ofconstruction and good aesthetics to provide avery economic wall solution.

Nundah Bypass, Queensland, Australia.

Chuquicamata mine, Chile.

Himeem-Sahil Road, Abu Dhabi.

THE VSOL SYSTEM VSOL CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS DESIGNING WITH VSOL

Versatile systemAvailable using steel mesh reinforcement as theVSoL Steel system, or with polyester straps asthe VSoL Polymeric system, the VSoL

technique uses a range of facing panel shapes,sizes and finishes, which connect to the soilreinforcement using simple, reliable connectiondetails. When combined with compactedbackfill these components form an internallystable reinforced soil block, suitable for bridgeabutments, approach ramps and generalretaining wall construction.

Soilreinforcement

Backfill

Facingpanels

Pho Moi, Vietnam.

Pennys Bay, Hong Kong.

3PANEL FINITIONS

Steel system: Superior interaction The reinforcing mesh ladders inthe VSoL Steel system develop thegreatest soil to reinforcementinteraction and pull out resistanceof any reinforced soil wall system.

Polymeric system: Increased versatilityIn recent years the VSoL systemhas developed to include the useof geosynthetic reinforcement inthe VSoL Polymeric system. This development increases theversatility of VSoL as the use ofpolymeric friction ties extends therange of projects where the VSoL

system can provide an effectiveeconomic solution.

Two-stage construction: Time saving A further recent development tothe VSoL system for weakfoundation soils is 2-Stage wallconstruction. With this technique

A system under continuous developmentSan Joaquin Wall, California, USA.

Collahuasi mine,Chile.

Castle Peak Road, Hong Kong.

Pennys Bay AccessRoad, Hong Kong.

VSOL FACINGS

S ince its development inCalifornia in 1981 theVSoL Retained Earthsystem has been continuouslyimproved. In its original form,VSoL was developed usinggalvanised steel meshreinforcement to withstand theforces generated within andapplied to the reinforced soil mass.In the VSoL Steel system, the soilreinforcing mesh connects to thefacing panels using a simplepinned connection to galvanised

clevis loops cast into in thefacing panel. This enables a

rapid, reliable connection.

a mesh faced VSoL wall is quicklyerected to generate foundationconsolidation settlement andpermit adjacent constructionactivities to continue. Oncefoundation soil settlement iscomplete, concrete panels areinstalled and tied back to the meshfaced structure to create anaesthetically pleasing permanentwall facing.

4THE VSOL SYSTEM VSOL CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS DESIGNING WITH VSOL

Simple cost effective installationThe simplicity of the installation methodcoupled with rapid reinforcementconnections ensures cost effective wallinstallation. VSoL walls are easilyconstructed using a simply proven method:

1. Casting of the mass concrete levellingpad.

2. Erection and alignment of the first row ofhalf and full height panels.

3. Installation of joint and drainagematerials.

4. Fill placement and compaction up to thelevel of the first layer of reinforcement.

5. Installation of soil reinforcement andconnection to facing panels.

6. Placing and compaction of additionallayers of fill up to top of the half heightpanels.

7. Installation of the second row of panels. 8. Repeat steps 3-7 until full wall height is

achieved.9. Installation of copings and crash barriers

at the top of the wall to suit projectrequirements.

Rapid installation: 10-25m2 per manper dayDepending on wall geometry and siteconditions, wall construction is normallyundertaken using a 4 man crew, a smallcrane or crane truck and conventionalearthmoving/compaction plant. Installationis normally undertaken entirely from theback of the wall, thus permitting easyconstruction on restricted sites.

VSoL constructionA simple and rapid process

Pennys Bay Hong Kong.

Ultrera, Spain.

Pennys Bay Hong Kong.

Sainte-Foix-La-Grande,France.

KCRC 601, Hong Kong.

5VSOL FACINGS

Proven system and components The VSoL Steel system useslaboratory and site proven materials.Key features of the system are thepinned reinforcement to panelconnection and the ability of thereinforcing mesh to develop highpullout resistance in the soil at lowstrains. Extensive testing of themesh with a variety of backfills hasclearly demonstrated the superiorinteraction of VSoL mesh withtypical project fill.

Development and approval When developing the VSoL Steelsystem, extensive testing wascarried out on the componentsand their interaction, leading tooptimised designs for mesh,clevis connections and facingpanels. This data was also usedto assist the development ofdesign standards for reinforcedsoil construction resulting in theapproval of VSoL design to allmajor design standards.

Quality AssuranceAll VSoL components are testedby suppliers and checked inaccordance with VSLs qualityassurance procedures. The use of standard componentsdesigned and manufactured inaccordance with nationalstandards minimises projectspecific testing requirementswhilst offering the security of atried and tested system.

VSoL SteelEngineered for performance

VSoL pinnedconnection.

Mesh-soilinteraction test.

Clevis connector pullout test.

6THE VSOL SYSTEM VSOL CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS DESIGNING WITH VSOL

Applications VSoL Steel

T he VSoL Steel system is suitable for a

wide range of projects including: highwayretaining walls, bridge abutments, and

general landscaping walls. Modular and easy to install the system can be used for a range of backfill soils and foundation conditions.Straight, curved, tiered, superimposed or backto back walls can all be accomodated by thedesign flexibility of the VSoL Steel system.

The VSoL Steel system mesh compriseslongitudinal and transverse bars with aconnection loop at one end of each longitudinalwire. Wires of 8-12mm diameter are normally used with longitudinal wires at150mm centres and transverse wire spacingsvarying from 150-900mm, depending onloading conditions.

During installation the mesh end loops interlockwith similar loops in the panel clevis and the fullstrength joint is achieved using a connectionpin. The simplicity of the pinned connection is a key feature of the system, enabling rapidinstallation on site.

Galvanised steel mesh.

Yarrie Mine, Australia.

Simple moment free pinnedconnection to panel clevis loops.

Pinned connection

7VSOL FACINGS

T he VSoL Polymeric system increases the

versatility of VSoL as the polymericfriction ties extend the range of projects

where the VSoL system can provide aneffective economic solution.

Applications VSoL Polymeric

Friction tie installation.

Kralupy-Vranany project, Czech Republic.

Kralupy-Vranany project, Czech Republic.

Truck Road project with polymeric system, Dubai.

West Side Marina project with polymeric system, Dubai.

Increased durabilityOne of the major advantages of using the VSoL

Polymeric system is that, through the use of thepolymeric components, long term durability ofthe structure in all site conditions is assured.The VSoL Polymeric system reinforcement ismade from high strength polyester yarnsencased in a durable polyethylene sheath whichprovides physical and chemical protection to thereinforcing yarns.

Fiction ties to reinforce the backfillThe VSoL Polymeric system uses polyesterfriction ties to reinforce the backfill and create a stable soil mass. A simple high strengthconnection system attaches the reinforcementto the panel and soil forces are transferred byfriction into the soil reinforcing straps.

8THE VSOL SYSTEM VSOL CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS DESIGNING WITH VSOL

VSoL design and supply package In support of the VSoL system, VSL can providefull design calculations to suit local designstandards. By the use of comprehensive softwarefor wall design, drafting and project costing, VSLcan provide rapid and cost effective designevaluations as part of its VSoL supply package.

Proven, standard componentsVSoL design solutions are tailored to individualproject requirements. By using this approachwith proven, standard components, a bespokecost effective design is achieved for each project.

Foundation versatilityVSoL walls, being internally stable reinforcedsoil structures are more accommodating tosettlement than most other forms of wallconstruction. Through the use of flexiblereinforcement connections and settlementtolerant facing details, VSoL walls canaccommodate larger construction and postconstruction settlements than conventionalretaining wall methods. Hence VSoL walls canbe built on site with poorer foundation soils thanconventional walls, without affecting thestructural integrity and performance of thefinished wall.

Design versatilityDue to the cost effectiveness of the systemVSoL walls are commonly used to replace otherwall construction methods. Often proposed byVSL as design alternatives at time of tender,VSoL walls are typically built as replacementsfor cantilever gabion and bored pile walls orviaduct structures. The design flexibility andstructural performance of the VSoL system alsopermits the removal of expensive foundationsystems on many projects.

Designing with VSoL

VSoLreinforcement

Precast facingpanels

Retainedearth fill

...... .... .

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VSoL design software.

Truck Road,Contract No.2,

Dubai.

Upper BukitTimah Road,Singapore.

Voray Devecey, France .

VSoL wall solution.Traditional cantilever wall.Traditional Viaduct structure.

La Polvora, Chile.

Frutillar, Chile.

VSOL FACINGS

Marga Marga, Chile.

Mount Arthur, Australia.

Lantau Toll Plaza, Hong Kong.

Vatry, France.

DB 350, Hong Kong.

Valentin, France.

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THE VSOL SYSTEM VSOL CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS DESIGNING WITH VSOL

S quare or rectangular panelsare most commonly usedwith the VSoL system asthey offer fabrication andconstruction benefits. However,many projects have been builtusing the traditional hexagonalpanel design or T-shaped panels.

A 1.5m x 1.5m square panel isgenerally used as the standardpanel size, although panels up to2.5m x 2.5m are often used.Special panel sizes make itpossible for VSoL walls of almostany geometry to be built.

VSoL Facings

South East Transit,Brisbane, Australia.

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VSOL FACINGS

Nundah Bypass, Queensland,Australia.

AmericasARGENTINAVSL Sistemas Especiales deConstruccin Argentina S.A.BUENOS AIRESPhone: +54 11 4 393 28 07Fax: +54 11 4 326 26 50

CHILEVSL Especiales deConstruccin S.A.SANTIAGOPhone: +56 2 233 10 81Fax: +56 2 233 67 39

MEXICOVSL Corporation Mexico S.A.de C.V.MEXICOPhone: +52 55 5 396 86 21Fax: +52 55 5 396 84 88

UNITED STATESVStructural LLCHANOVERPhone: +1 410 850 7000Fax: +1 410 850 4111

Middle EastUNITED ARAB EMIRATESVSL Middle East OfficeDUBAIPhone: +971 4 282 08 03Fax: +971 4 282 94 41

AfricaSOUTH AFRICAVSL Systems (South Africa)Pty LtdKya Sand, RANDBURGPhone: +27 11 708 2100Fax: +27 11 708 2120

HEADQUARTERSVSL International Ltd.Scheibenstrasse 70 Bern - CH-3014 SwitzerlandPhone: +41 32 613 30 30 - Fax: +41 32 613 30 55

www.vsl-intrafor.com

EuropeAUSTRIAGrund- Pfahl- und SonderbauGmbHHIMBERGPhone: +43 2235 8777 7Fax: +43 2235 86 561

BELGIUMN.V. Procedes VSL S.A.BERCHEMPhone :+32 3 230 3634Fax: +32 3 230 89 65

CZECH REPUBLICVSL Systemy (CZ), s.r.o.PRAGUEPhone: + 420 2 67 07 24 20Fax: + 420 2 67 07 24 06

FRANCEVSL FRANCE S.A.St-Quentin-en-YvelinesPhone: +33 1 39 44 85 85Fax: +33 1 39 44 85 86

Intrafor S.A.St-Quentin-en-YvelinesPhone: +33 1 39 44 85 85Fax: +33 1 39 44 85 86

GERMANYVSL Systems GmbHBERLINPhone: +49 30 53 01 35 32Fax: +49 30 53 01 35 34

GREAT BRITAINVSL SYSTEMS (UK) LtdST. NEOTS, CAMBSPhone: +44 1480 404 401Fax: +44 1480 404 402

Intrafor (UK)BRACKNELLPhone: +44 1 344 742 115Fax: +44 1 344 742 146

GREECEVSL Systems S.A.ATHENSPhone: +30 1 0363 84 53Fax: +30 1 0360 95 43

NETHERLANDSVSL Benelux B.V.AT LEIDENPhone: +31 71 576 89 00Fax: +31 71 572 08 86

Intrafor (Netherlands)AC LEIDERDORPPhone: +31 71 581 70 22Fax: +31 71 581 70 21

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POLANDVSL Polska Sp.z.o.o.WARSAWPhone: +48 22 817 84 22Fax: +48 22 817 83 59

PORTUGALVSL Sistemas Portugal Pre-Esforo,S. DOMINGOS DE RANAPhone: +351 21 445 83 10Fax: +351 21 444 63 77

SPAINCTT StrongholdBARCELONAPhone: +34 93 289 23 30Fax: +34 93 289 23 31

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SWEDENInternordisk SpnnarmeringABSOLNAPhone: +46 8 504 37 200Fax: +46 8 753 49 73

SWITZERLANDVSL (Switzerland) Ltd.SUBINGENPhone: +41 32 613 30 30Fax: +41 32 613 30 15

VSL (Suisse) SAVOUVRYPhone: +41 24 48157 71Fax: +41 24 48157 72

AsiaBRUNEIVSL Systems (B) Sdn. Bhd.BRUNEI DARUSSALAMPhone: +673 2 380 153

/ 381 827Fax: +673 2 381 954

HONG KONGVSL Hong Kong Ltd.WANCHAIPhone: +852 2590 2288Fax: +852 2590 0290

Intrafor (Hong Kong branch)WANCHAIPhone: +852 2836 31 12Fax: +852 2591 61 39

INDIAVSL India PVT Ltd.CHENNAIPhone: +91 44 5214 56 78Fax: +91 44 2433 99 02

INDONESIAPT VSL IndonesiaJAKARTAPhone: +62 21 570 0786Fax: +62 21 573 1217

JAPANVSL Japan CorporationTOKYOPhone: +81 3 3346 8913Fax: +81 3 3345 9153

KOREAVSL Korea Co. Ltd.SEOULPhone: +82 2 553 82 00Fax: +82 2 553 82 55

MAINLAND CHINAVSL Engineering Corp. Ltd. HEFEIPhone: +86 551 557 6008 Fax: +86 551 557 6018

VSL Engineering Corporation Ltd.Shanghai Branch Co.SHANGHAIPhone: +86 21 6475 4206Fax: +86 21 6475 4255

MALAYSIAVSL Engineers (M) Sdn. Bhd.KUALA LUMPURPhone: +60 3 7981 4742Fax: +60 3 7981 8422

PHILIPPINESVSL Philippines Inc.MADALUYONG CITYPhone: +632 638 7686Fax: +632 638 7691

SINGAPOREVSL Singapore Pte. Ltd.SINGAPOREPhone: +65 6559 1222Fax: +65 6257 7751

TAIWANVSL Taiwan Ltd.TAPEIphone: +886 2 2759 6819Fax: +886 2 2759 6821

THAILANDVSL (Thailand) Co. Ltd.BANGKOKPhone: +66 2 237 32 88

/89/90Fax: +66 2 238 24 48

VIETNAMVSL Vietnam Ltd.HANOIPhone: +844 8245 488 Fax: +844 8245 717

Ho Chi Minh CityPhone: +84 8 8258 144Fax: +84 8 9102 596

Australia/PacificAUSTRALIA QueenslandVSL Prestressing (Aust.) Pty. Ltd.GEEBUNGPhone: +61 7 3265 64 00Fax +61 7 3265 75 34

AUSTRALIA New SouthWalesVSL Prestressing (Aust.) Pty. Ltd.THORNLEIGHPhone: +61 2 9 484 59 44Fax: +61 2 9 875 38 94

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brochure including technical andengineering data is presented forgeneral information only. Whileevery effort has been made toinsure its accuracy, this informa-tion should not be used or reliedupon for any specific applicationwithout independent professio-nal examination and verificationof its accuracy, suitability andapplicability. Anyone using thismaterial assumes any and all lia-bility resulting from such use.VSL disclaims any and all exp-ress or implied warranties ofmerchantability fitness for anygeneral or particular purpose orfreedom from infringement ofany patent, trademark, or copy-right in regard to the informationor products contained or referredto herein. Nothing herein contai-ned shall be construed as gran-ting a license, express or impliedunder any patents.