Free Draining Seal Device and Installation Method for Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall Structures

Abstract

A mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall system that permits water drainage through joints while also preventing undesirable migration of backfill through joints, thus dramatically reducing or eliminating undesirable vegetation by incorporation of a free draining seal (FDS) in panel joints, wherein the FDS structure blocks backfill but permits water migration.

1 . A method for sealing a joint of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, comprising the steps of:
 obtaining a compressible free draining seal device, said free draining seal device constructed to permit water flow therethrough, and said free draining seal device constructed to prevent passage of particulate matter;   compressing and inserting said free draining seal device in the joint of the MSE wall; and   allowing said free draining seal device to decompress and seal the joint.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 obtaining a filter fabric and an adhesive;   applying said adhesive between said filter fabric and the MSE wall;   securing said filter fabric proximate the MSE wall.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 prior to insertion of said free draining seal device in the joint of the MSE wall, removing vegetation from the joint of the MSE wall.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 prior to insertion of said free draining seal device in the joint of the MSE wall, removing any filter fabric that may be present proximate the joint of the MSE wall.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the joint of the MSE wall is on the face side of the panels of the MSE wall. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the joint of the MSE wall is on the backfill side of the panels of the MSE wall. 
     
     
         7 . A free draining seal, comprising:
 an elongate compressible core member and   a filtration layer, said filtration layer encircling said elongate compressible core member and secured relative thereto.   
     
     
         8 . The free draining seal of  claim 7 , wherein said elongate compressible core member is further comprised of open cell foam. 
     
     
         9 . The free draining seal of  claim 7 , wherein said filtration layer is further comprised of a nonwoven filter fabric. 
     
     
         10 . The free draining seal of  claim 9 , wherein said nonwoven filter fabric is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, and a synthetic polymer blend. 
     
     
         11 . The free draining seal of  claim 7 , wherein said filtration layer is adhesively bonded to said core member. 
     
     
         12 . The free draining seal of  claim 7 , wherein said filtration layer is heat sealed to said core member. 
     
     
         13 . A method of making an mechanically stabilized earth wall sealing device, comprising the steps of:
 obtaining an elongate member with characteristics of compressibility and porosity;   obtaining a filtration medium;   surrounding an outer periphery of said elongate member with said filtration medium;   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said elongate member is formed from open cell foam. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said open cell foam has a generally dense structure. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said filtration medium is formed from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene and is formed as a nonwoven fabric. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said filtration medium is a nonwoven geotextile. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said outer periphery of said compressible core member is surrounded by a plurality of layers of said filtration medium.