Initially, an aging causeway linked Titusville, FL, to the high-profile NASA Kennedy Space Center. The goal was to construct a modernized replacement bridge that required approaches on both sides of the bridge. According to the project drawings, one of the approaches needed to be located along the causeway road. One of the challenges in building this approach was that NASA required the road to remain open during construction since access was needed to the Space Center for its employees, scientists, researchers, general staff, the public, and dignitaries visiting for space launches and tours.

Because the road needed to remain accessible, the project took place in two parts. While one part of the road was closed for construction of the bridge approach, the other part remained open for traffic. After completion of the initial section, it was opened for traffic while the remaining portion was constructed to complete the width of the approach.

The engineering of the project carefully considered several factors, including marshlands and the surrounding environment, cost, speed of construction, and the need for a flexible structure. The final structure resulted in a mechanically stabilized earth wall with soil reinforcement and black steel wire forms. The length of the approach was 1005′ (305 m), with a maximum height of 27.5′ (8.4 m).

Construction in the sensitive marine environment of South Florida posed challenges. The system needed to be rapidly constructed to minimize downtime caused by frequent thunderstorms. Additionally, even though temporary, the façade facing the road needed to be visually appealing due to high-profile traffic to the center.

Several conventional options such as soldier piles and sheet piles were considered but were not suitable. A flexible system that was easy to install, removable after project completion, and compatible with the bridge approach was required. A temporary Strata reinforced soil retaining wall was selected.

The temporary reinforced soil wall consists of PET uniaxial StrataGrid (SGU 40, SGU 60, and SGU 80) along with locally available backfill material. These geogrids are wrapped and protected using nonwoven geotextile (Strata ST 160). The façade is formed using welded steel forms aligned for a consistent and aesthetic finish. The wall was constructed progressively to match the height of the approach.

The approach was completed and opened to traffic. The temporary reinforced soil wall was designed to handle full traffic loads with a minimum design life of three years, exceeding the expected construction duration for the remaining portion.

A key feature of the design was its ability to accommodate a large-diameter pipe penetrating the structure without compromising performance.

Advantages of the temporary reinforced soil wall solution:

Competitive cost
Robust reinforced soil retaining wall system
Flexible system allowing traffic flow and optional removal after completion
Adaptable design to accommodate large-diameter pipes
Aesthetic façade suitable for high-profile locations
Ease and speed of construction