Compacting is one of the most important aspects of installing a SRW and is critical to a wall’s long-term performance. Compaction uses mechanical force to make soil more dense and remove any looseness in the soil, so it will not settle over time or under additional load. Compaction also enhances soil strength.

You must compact each of the following:

• Foundation soils
• Leveling pad
• Drainage aggregate
• Reinforced soil
• Impervious soil
• Any overexcavated areas or disturbed soil

Loose soil that is not compacted properly will add pressure on walls, collect water, cause settlement and will not anchor geogrid properly.

Compacting continued on next page