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Project scope was Development of Gabion Wall (700 M Length, Max height of 34m and Average Height 25 M Length) On Eastside of East Cell Red Mud Pond (RMP) Including Design, Vetting and SPCB Approval for Vedanta, Odsiha.

Problem

Due to space constrain, Client was wanted to construct of Soil retaining wall so that space can be utilised fully without compromising the structural stability of the pond. Client wanted to build the Soil retaining wall in east & south side of the pond area so that holding volume of the pond can be enhanced further. Total approx. length is about 700m & height of the wall shall be 34m maximum and height of the wall varied as per the site contour and condition.

Client wanted to carry out the detailed survey & geotechnical investigation, design, drawing & construction of gabion wall on east & south side of pond (as per plan drawing) to enhance the storage capacity of the pond. Along with this they needed a tailored solution for the soil erosion of the dry stacking area.

Solution

We have visited the site and after survey, proposed construction of GTI GX Earth wall for Increasing the dumping capacity at Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh, Odisha. GTI GX Earth Wall are Gabion Fascia Geogrid reinforced soil walls which are also used in response to difficult design conditions such as very high structures, restricted space, unstable slopes and poor foundation conditions.

The inherent strength and flexibility of the overall wall system gives designers a powerful way to economically solve difficult stability issues of structures subject to seismically active area.

Typical Cross section Proposed for this Project is given below

Zn + PVC coated Gabion boxes were used as fascia and Nonwoven geotextile is provided behind wall as filter media as red mud was used as fill material. PET uniaxial geogrid was used as reinforcement for GTI GX Earth Wall system. Our scope included Design, Vetting and Construction of Gabion wall of Length 700m and Average height of 25m.

Advantages of GTI GX Earth Wall over conventional solution as mentioned below

•  No need for the heavier or deeper foundation that a conventional retaining wall would have

•  Strong the fastening procedure ensures that the units act as one extremely strong monolithic structure.

•  The permeable nature of this system guarded against hydrostatic pressure build up and uplifts from turbulent flow. Gabions fascia helped to slow the velocity of concentrated runoff or to stabilize slopes with seepage problems and/or non-cohesive soils.

• Allowed to withstand some differential settlement without fracturing the structure, particularly when a structure is installed on unstable and uneven ground

• Allowed Vegetation to grow with this system, thus enabling it to blend into the natural environment

•  The structure was more cost efficient as it requires min labour and plant and faster and easier to construct compare to other rigid similar function structures.

• Low Maintenance usually, minimal maintenance is required as Gabions are extremely durable and long lasting.

• Environmentally Friendly Gabions have much less impact on the environment than other construction materials such as concrete. They have even improved environmental quality at a number of locations

•  Sustainable Carbon footprint analyses show that the use of a gabion solution can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to a concrete retaining wall of the same height.

Conclusion: We faced many challenges to execute this project but we found solution and completed project within given timeline. Client was very happy with timely delivery of best quality products as well as good quality execution of gabion work. Project was successfully completed in Feb 2021 by GTI.

Written by Namrata Bichewar

Regional Manager (Maharashtra)

Gabion Technology India Pvt Ltd

Email id : namrata@gabionindia.com

Mobile  : +91-93115 29115