reinforcedearth

Reinforced earth, also called reinforced soil, is a family of earth-retaining and slope-stabilization systems that use a layered combination of backfill, reinforcing elements, and a facing to create a stable, modular structure.

A typical installation includes a drainage layer, a facing of precast panels or blocks, and reinforcing members such as geosynthetic nets or steel strips embedded within the backfill and anchored to the facing.

The method relies on the interaction between soil and reinforcement; the reinforcement resists lateral earth pressures while the facing provides external support. Design combines empirical guidelines with limit-equilibrium or numerical methods, considering backfill gradation, reinforcement type and spacing, drainage, and seismic demands.

Reinforced earth was developed in the mid-20th century and has since been widely adopted worldwide for retaining walls and slope stabilization projects.

Common applications include highway and railway cuttings, bridge approaches, coastal and river slopes, and embankments where rapid construction and reuse of excavated material are advantageous. Benefits include faster construction, reduced pouring of large concrete structures, and adaptability to irregular profiles, while considerations include long-term reinforcement performance, drainage maintenance, and quality control.