Repair of Cracks in Nicol Blocks of a Reinforced Earth Wall

Abstract: Bangladesh's first access-controlled expressway is the Dhaka-Khulna (N-8) Expressway. The project consists of 8 lane road of 55 km length, 54 culverts, 20 underpasses, 2 interchanges, 4 major bridges, 25 minor bridges, and 5 flyovers. Teghoria Interchange of this project is structured with 19 Reinforced Earth Wall, out of which a crack appeared in a wall that has 146 meters length and 7 meters height. Detailed inspection and analysis were followed by repair and rectification work. The aim of this paper was to find out the likely causes of this crack, discuss detailed retrofitting methodology and bring forth some recommendation. This crack may form due to weak workmanship during compaction and installation of tendons of reinforced earth, environmental load, heavy-loaded vehicle travel above the RE wall etc. The specialist team of the consultants of the project and experts from development partner inspected the problem and worked out how to repair the cracked area. The development partner developed repair methodology and executed the crack repair work as well as the treatment plan under strict supervision of consultants. Surface preparation, preparation of precast veneer & epoxy-based mortar, placement and finishing work make up the treatment process.