The first use of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) polymer geogrid reinforcement in civil engineering was to reinforce and construct a 2.5m high temporary reinforced soil retaining wall in UK in 1980, just two years after the first polymer geogrid was invented by Tensar. HDPE geogrid Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall (RSRW) Systems have since been widely used around the world forming various geometries, reaching unprecedented retaining heights in excess of 60m and serving various functions from supporting open air recreation areas to airport runways.
This presentation will give a historic insight on how HDPE geogrid RSRW Systems have evolved in the past 40 years through presenting different case studies, showcasing both ‘standard’ granular fills as well as site-won, unusual and alternative fills, the aspects of their designs that need special attention, the challenges they presented, and some lessons learned.
Speaker
Yuli Doulala-Rigby is a chartered engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers with over 30 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering, and in particular with geosynthetics.
Yuli has worked as a geotechnical engineer for ten years in Hong Kong and since her return in the UK some 17 years ago, she has been working for Tensar International overseeing projects in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Russia and Asia Pacific.
Yuli has served as a past Chair of the UK Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) as well as a Chair of the ICE North West Regional Group.
Yuli is also a registered STEM ambassador and the first civilian to become a Fellow of the Institution of Royal Engineers.