Strengthening Internal Stability: Transitioning to the Stiffness Method for MSE Walls

The 2020 edition of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications has introduced a pivotal change in the internal stability design of geosynthetic mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls with the adoption of the Stiffness Method. This marks a significant evolution from the legacy Simplified Method used in earlier editions, reshaping how reinforcement loads are calculated under operational conditions.

We are pleased to present this webinar in collaboration with Dr. Richard Bathurst, Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada, a globally recognized expert in the design and testing of MSE walls.

Key Highlights

• Explain the key differences between the Simplified Method and the Stiffness Method.
• Explore how the Stiffness Method incorporates reinforcement tensile stiffness as a defining parameter.
• Highlight the advantages of this approach, including its seamless application across both extensible (geosynthetic) and inextensible (steel-based) reinforcement materials.
• Review how the method was calibrated and the resulting impact on practical design outcomes.

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