Overview of the Risk Assessment of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls

This paper presents an approach for assessing the risks associated with mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls commonly used in bridge abutments and highway projects as an alternative to traditional gravity walls. The stability and performance of MSE walls are influenced by different components, and any changes in these factors can considerably impact transportation and potentially place the wall at high risk. Risk assessment involves evaluating the significance and tolerability of estimated risks, considering the likelihood that the wall's design will meet performance requirements and the severity of any expected shortfall. More than 25 factors are introduced to evaluate the risk rank of a wall during inspections. A semi-quantitative risk assessment based on 10 major influencing factors is described to demonstrate the application of the proposed method to assess the risks associated with MSE wall failure and evaluate the potential impacts and consequences.