Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall for Bridge Abutment at NLEX-Ciudad de Victoria Interchange

The Challenge

An interchange project with road access connected to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Bocaue, Bulacan was implemented to improve mobility and accessibility within Bulacan road network, particularly in the towns of Bocaue, Sta. Maria, Pandi, Norzagaray, Angat, and other nearby towns. The Ciudad de Victory Interchange Overpass Bridge and Bypass Road was to provide direct access to the Philippine Arena in time for the 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games from November 30, 2019 to December 11, 2019.

There was only a time frame of less than 10 months before the start of the SEA Games. In addition to the time limitation, the bridge abutment was to be constructed above farm soil ie. soft foundation soil. The contractor required the best construction methodology for the project.

The Design & Construction

Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall using Polyfelt® PEC composite geotextile was selected as the final design for the project. The system allowed the use of on-site soil backfill as the composite geotextile had in-plane drainage properties. Polyfelt® PEC combined both reinforcement with superior filtration and drainage functionalities to enable finer-grained soils to be reinforced.

Installation was easy.The composite geotextile was laid horizontally on the prepared surface with slight tensioning. Backfill soil was placed and compacted.

The Performance

This system was proven to be the preferred choice for the designers and contractors alike because of the easy and rapid construction technique, the ideal performance properties of the geocomposite and its cost effectiveness.

Overview of the Interchange Overpass Bridge at NLEX, Philippine Arena-Sta. Maria Exit Bocaue, Bulacan