553-3 04
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 553-3.04 Removal. The Contractor shall remove the temporary portion of the cofferdam installation or the waterway diversion structure, including anchor spuds if used, after such time that it is no longer necessary. The removal shall be sequenced to minimize turbidity and p revent the discharge of materials into the waterway. The cofferdam removal shall be in accordance with §107 -12 Water Quality Protectio n and §209 Soil Erosion and Sediment Control , and all applicable regulations and permit conditions.
553-4 Method of Measurement
553-4.01 Cofferdams. The quantity to be measured for payment will be the number of cofferdams
installed.
553-4.02 Temporary Waterway Diversion Structures. The quantity to be measured for payment will
be the number of temporary waterway diversion structures installed.
553-5 Basis of Payment
553-5.01 Cofferdams. The unit price bid for each cofferdam shall include the cost of furnishing all labor,
materials, and equipment necessary to satisfactorily complete the work, including the sediment removal methods. No separate payment will be made for any additional tempo rary erosion control measures required to facilitate removal. When a cofferdam is installed incorporating permanent or temporary sheeting required by the plans, payment will be made for each cofferdam established, including any miscellaneous sheeting, additional bracing, anchor spudding, or other material necessary t o complete the work. The permanent or temporary sheeting, if used as part of the cofferdam, will be paid for under a separate item. Progress payments will be made at 75% of the bid price after cofferdam installation, construction of the sediment removal area(s) and initial dewatering. The remaining 25% will be paid upon satisfactory removal of the cofferdam and restoration of the sedim ent removal areas.
553-5.02 Temporary Waterway Diversion Structures. The unit price bid for each temporary waterway
diversion structure shall include the cost of furnishing all labor, equipment, and materials necessary to satisfactorily complete the work. If the Contractor is required to extend the temporary waterway diversion structure beyond the limits shown in the contract documents, changes to the diversion structure will be considered extra work. Progress payments will be made at 75% of the bid price when the waterway diversion structure is satisfactorily installed. The remaining 25% will be paid when all temporary equipment and materials have been removed, and the waterway and impacted areas have been satisfactorily restored. Payment will be made under: Item No. Item Pay Unit 553.01nnnn Cofferdam (Type 1) Each 553.02nnnn Cofferdam (Type 2) Each 553.03nnnn Temporary Waterway Diversion Structure Each Note: nnnn denotes serialized pay item. SECTION 554 - FILL TYPE RETAINING WALLS (Last Revised May, 2020)
554-1 DESCRIPTION. This work shall consist of furnishing and installing a fill type retaining wall at
the location(s) and to the elevation(s) shown in the contract documents.
554-1 01.
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 554-1.01. General. The fill type classification refers to the construction method used for the installation of the wall. Fill type retaining walls are retaining structures constructed from the base of the wall to the top (i.e. “bottom -up” construction). The fill type retaining walls are further classified according to the basic mechanism of lateral load support. These classifications include internally stabilized fill structures and externally stabilized fill structures. The specification is supplemented with an Approved List which provides a listing of available designers and their corresponding fill type retaining walls. Fill type retaining walls are further defined in the pertinent subsequent section. For proprietary fi ll type retaining wall systems, approved designers, wall systems, and the components of each wall system appear on the Approved List, available on the Department’s web site. Designers wishing to have their wall systems reviewed for placement on the Approve d List shall follow the procedural directives of the Geotechnical Engineering Bureau as contained in Highway Design Manual Appendix 9A.
554-1.02 Definitions. Internally stabilized fill structures are structures which rely on friction developed
between closely -spaced reinforcing elements and the backfill to resist lateral soil pressure and are subcategorized in the retaining wall subsections of this specificatio n. Externally stabilized fill structures are structures which utilize the weight of the wall system elements and the weight of the infill to resist lateral soil pressure.
A.Wall System. A wall system is either a series of open top face units assembled to form bins which are connected in unbroken sequence or a combination of specific solid face units with a characteristic alignment and connection method, which utilize the weight of the wal l system elements and the weight of the infill to resist lateral soil pressure. As indicated, the bin volume is infilled with backfill material to supplement the face unit geometry, adding to the stability of the system.
B.Internally Stabilized Wall System. A wall system which, when constructed beyond wall heights exceeding the maximum allowable unreinforced height per the Approved List, relies on reinforcing elements within the backfill to provide stability.
C.Internally Stabilized Earth System. A series of tensile reinforcing elements which, when placed in multiple layers within the backfill volume, improves the strength such that the vertical face of the stabilized earth volume is essentially self supporting.
D.Internally Stabilized Fill Structures.
1.Fill Structure. A fill type retaining wall as described in §554 -1.01 Fill Type Retaining Walls which consists of either an internally stabilized wall system or an internally stabilized earth system.
a.Mechanically Stabilized Earth System (MSES). An MSES is an internally stabilized fill structure comprised of an unreinforced concrete leveling pad, precast concrete face panel units and coping units, earth backfill, subsurface drainage system, and reinforcing elements used to stabilize the backfill. Only MSES designers appearing on the Approved List will be acceptable for use. All necessary materials, except backfill, leveling pad, and subsurface drainage system, are obtained from the approved wall syste m designer.
b.Mechanically Stabilized Wall System (MSWS). An MSWS is an internally stabilized fill structure comprised of an unreinforced concrete or compacted granular fill leveling pad, face units (solid or open top) and coping units, earth backfill, subsurface drainage system, and reinforcing elements used to stabilize the backfill. Only MSWS designers with face units
554-1 02
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 appearing on the Approved List will be acceptable for use. All necessary materials, except backfill, face unit infill, leveling pad material, backfill drainage materials, and cast -in-place concrete, are obtained from the designer.
c.Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil System (GRSS). A GRSS is an internally stabilized fill structure comprised of earth backfill, geosynthetic reinforcing elements used for internal stabilization and surface protection to resist erosion.
1.GRSS Wall. For wall applications, the surface protection is the permanent facing elements (excluding precast units) or a geotextile face wrap which typically includes welded wire forms remaining from the installation operation.
2.GRSS Slope. For slope applications, the surface protection consists of a secondary reinforcing element to aid in stability of the slope face between primary reinforcing layers. To protect against erosion, the GRSS slope is covered by either a non -degradable erosion co ntrol mat or a granular fill slope protection blanket. Although GRSS is a fill type retaining wall, it is not a part of the selection process outlined in §554 -3.01A. Fill Type Retaining Wall Selection or supplemented by the Approved List for Fill Type Retaining Walls, as it is not a proprietary system. A GRSS will be designed and detailed in the contract documents by the Department or its representatives.
2.Leveling Pad. A compact surface which serves as a flat, level area for placing the initial course of face units.
a.Concrete. An unreinforced concrete slab.
b.Granular. A compacted granular fill pad.
3.Face Unit. A structural unit incorporating a means for attaching the backfill reinforcing element, which restrains the alignment of the wall system during installation compaction operations and provides support for the front edge of the backfill for the life of the w all system.
a.Panel Unit. A precast concrete panel incorporating a means for attaching the backfill reinforcing element, forming part of the face area of the MSES.
b.Solid Unit. A face unit which has a solid mass and incorporates a means for attaching the backfill reinforcing element, forming part of the face area of the MSWS.
c.Open Top Unit. A face unit which has an open structure, to allow placement of infill material, and incorporates a means for attaching the backfill reinforcing element, forming part of the face area of the MSWS.
d.Corner Unit. A corner unit is a face unit having two faces.
e.Geotextile Face Wrap. A layer of geotextile used to prevent loss of backfill, typically employed in a temporary wall application in conjunction with welded wire forms. In applications where a geotextile is used as the primary reinforcing element, it may be designed to also func tion as the face wrap.
554-1 02
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 (1) Welded Wire Forms. A non -structural system used in temporary walls to aid in compaction near the face of the wall.
f.Geocells. A three -dimensional, permeable polymeric honeycomb or web structure expandable panels used to confine fill materials to create structural stability.
g.Timbers. A dressed piece of wood used as a building material.
h.Gabions. A partitioned, wire fabric container filled with stone to form a flexible and permeable structure.
4.Alignment and Connection Device. Any device that is either built into or specially manufactured for the face units, such as shear keys, leading/trailing lips, or pins. The device is used to provide alignment and maintain positive location for a face unit and also provide a means for conne cting the reinforcing elements.
5.Fastener. Hardware used to connect the reinforcing element to the attaching device.
6.Coping. A precast or cast -in-place element placed on and attached to the top of the finished wall system to form a protective cap against the weather.
7.Joint Filler. Material used to fill the joints between face units.
8.Slip Joint. A vertical joint specific to the wall system used as a stress relief at wall step locations.
9.Geotextile. A permeable, planar polymeric textile material used to promote drainage, prevent infill and/or backfill material from releasing through the joints, or separating dissimilar granular materials.
10.Reinforcing Element. An inclusion connected to the face unit and extending into the backfill for the purpose of backfill stabilization.
a.Inextensible Reinforcement. A metal strip typically incorporating ribs on the top and bottom, or metal grids with design specific mesh openings.
b.Extensible Reinforcement. Geogrid or geotextile sheets typically made from high density polyethylene/ polypropylene geogrids or high tenacity polyester geogrids , or high strength geotextiles.
11.Unit Infill. Granular material placed within the open structure of an open top face unit or contiguous to the bevel sides of a solid face unit.
12.Backfill. Granular material placed and compacted in conjunction with the reinforcing elements and face units.
13.Geomembrane. An impermeable geosynthetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets used to isolate the backfill material from surface water and deicing salt infiltration as a means to prevent corrosion of the reinforcing elements.
554-1 02
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 14. Subsurface Drainage System. A system for removing water from behind the wall and channeling it to a point of positive drainage.
15.Identification Markers. Signs and marking tape, buried near the finished grade, to identify and prohibit excavation of the reinforced backfill.
E.Externally Stabilized Fill Structures.
1.Fill Structure. A fill type retaining wall as described in §554 -1.01 Fill Type Retaining Walls which consists of a prefabricated face unit.
a.Prefabricated Wall System (PWS). A PWS is an externally stabilized fill structure comprised of prefabricated face units & coping units, including leveling pads, unit infill, earth backfill, joint filler material and geotextile, and a subsurface drainage system to reduce hydrostatic pressu re on the wall system. Only PWS designers appearing on the Approved List will be acceptable for use. All necessary materials, except backfill, unit infill, backfill drainage materials, and cast -in-place concrete, are obt ained from the designer. When reinforcement is introduced to a PWS, they shall be reclassified as Mechanically Stabilized Wall Systems and the pertinent sections of the specification shall apply.
2.Leveling Pad. A compact surface which serves as a flat, level area for placing the initial course of face units.
a.Concrete. An unreinforced concrete slab.
b.Granular. A compacted granular fill pad.
3.Face Unit. A prefabricated concrete element, incorporating alignment and connection devices, that is able to be arranged, stacked, placed, combined, or interchanged easily into an assembled wall system.
a.Solid Unit. A face unit which has a solid mass, utilizing the weight of the wall system elements to resist lateral soil pressure. A solid unit may require some infill material depending on the geometric bevel of the units.
b.Open Top Unit. A face unit which has an open structure to allow placement of infill material, utilizing the weight of the wall system elements and the weight of the infill to resist lateral soil pressure.
4.Bin. Any volumetric space which is designated to be infilled, as defined in this section, and is encompassed within the dimensions of the open top unit.
5.Alignment and Connection Device. Any device that is either built into or specially manufactured for the face units, such as shear keys, leading/trailing lips, or pins. The device is used to provide alignment and maintain a positive location.
6.Coping. A precast or cast -in-place element placed on and attached to the top of the finished wall system to form a protective cap against the weather.
7.Joint Filler. Material used to fill the joints between face units.
554-2 01.
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 8. Slip Joint. A vertical joint specific to the wall system used as a stress relief at wall step locations.
9.Geotextile. A permeable, planar polymeric textile material used to promote drainage, prevent infill and/or backfill material from releasing through the joints, or separating dissimilar granular materials.
10.Unit Infill. Granular material placed within the bin, such as the open structure of an open top face unit or contiguous to the bevel sides of a solid face unit.
11.Backfill. Granular material placed directly behind and/or above the bins in conjunction with the wall assembly.
12.Subsurface Drainage System. A system for removing water from behind the wall and channeling it to a point of positive drainage.
F.Aesthetic Treatment. A treatment applied to the face either during or after the manufacture of the face units to modify the appearance of the units and of the wall as a whole. Aesthetic treatment can include modifications to color, texture, architectural pattern, the addition of exposed surface aggregate (real or artificial), the addition of simulated joints or cracks, or any other treatment or material that modifies the appearance, provided that the structural integrity, function, or life span of the wa ll is not negatively impacted.
554-2 Materials.
554-2.01 Fill Type Retaining Walls. Provide materials for the selected fill type retaining wall as
outlined in the pertinent subsequent section.
554-2.02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System. Not all materials listed below are required for each
MSES. Ensure that the proper materials are supplied for the chosen system design. Provide materials meeting the following requirements:
A.MSES Leveling Pad. Provide leveling pad material meeting the requirements of Section 501 Portland Cement Concrete - General , Class A concrete.
1.Leveling Pad Placement. For precast leveling pad installations, a substitution of cushion sand, meeting the requirements of §703 -06 Cushion Sand, in lieu of MSES backfill material directly beneath the leveling pad may be made to facilitate placement of the pad.
B.MSES Facing Panel Units. Fabricate precast concrete face panel units and incidental precast units in accordance with the requirements of §704 -14 Precast Concrete Panel Units . The default aesthetic treatment for an MSES facing panel is a plain, smooth concrete finish of natural concrete (gray) color.
1.Coping Unit. Fabricate precast concrete coping units, and incidental precast units in accordance with the requirements of §704 -14 Precast Concrete Panel Units .
C.MSES Fasteners and Attaching Devices. The fasteners and attaching devices are specific to each wall system and provided by the wall system manufacturer. The fasteners and attaching devices associated with each approved wall system appear on the Approved List under wall system components.
554-2 02
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 D. MSES Joint Fillers. Fill joints with material approved by DCES and approved by the wall system designer.
E.MSES Geotextile. Provide a geotextile meeting the requirements of §737 -01B Geotextile Separation .
F.MSES Slip Joints. The type of slip joints is specific to each wall system and are designed and supplied by the wall system manufacturer.
G.MSES Metal Reinforcing Strips. Provide reinforcing strips of ASTM Designated metal grades and galvanize in accordance with the requirements of §719 -01 Galvanized Coatings and Repair Methods, Type I . The reinforcing strips associated with each approved wall system appear on the Department’s Approved List under wall system components.
H.MSES Metal Reinforcing Mesh. Fabricate the reinforcing mesh from cold drawn steel wire conforming to the requirements of §709 -09 Cold Drawn Wire for Concrete Reinforcement , and weld into the finished mesh fabric in accordance with the requirements of §709 -02 Wire Fabric for Concrete Reinforcement . Galvanize in accordance with §719 -01 Galvanized Coatings and Repair Methods, Type I . The reinforcing mesh associated with each approved wall system appears on the Department’s Approved List under wall system co mponents.
I.MSES Geogrid Reinforcing Element. Provide geogrid reinforcing elements meeting the requirements of §737 -07 Geogrids . The grid(s) associated with each approved wall system appear on the Approved List under wall system components.
J.MSES Backfill. Provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System Backfill Material .
1.MSES Backfill – Winter Earthwork. If modified methods and procedures are not outlined in the Winter Earthwork Submittal, provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -16 Winter Earthwork Material for MSES Backfill.
K.MSES Geomembrane. Provide a geomembrane meeting the requirements of §737 -02 Geomembranes .
L.MSES Subsurface Drainage System. Provide underdrain and geotextile material for a backfill drainage system as shown in the contract documents or conforming to the designers Installation Manual:
1.Underdrain Pipe. Provide optional underdrain pipe conforming to Section 605 Underdrains .
2.Geotextile Drainage. Provide geotextile conforming to the requirements of §737 -01 Geotextiles , Geotextile Drainage, Strength Class 2, Drainage Class B.
M.MSES Identification Markers
1.Signs. These will be 7 in. x 10 in. (minimum) fiberglass. Include warning information as follows: WARNING Internally Stabilized Fill Structure
554-2 03
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 DO NOT EXCAVATE Call Regional Office of NYS DOT For signs installed on concrete units, provide ¼ in. diameter by 1 ½ in. long stainless -steel nail drive expansion anchors meeting GSA Specifications FF -S-325. For signs installed on timbers, provide ¼ in. diameter by 1 ½ in. long stainless -steel wood screws.
2.Marking Tape. This will be polyethylene material 3 in. wide, 4 mil. thick. Include warning markings.
554-2.03 Mechanically Stabilized Wall System. Not all materials listed below are required for each
MSWS. Ensure that the proper materials are supplied for the chosen system design. Provide materials meeting the following requirements:
A.MSWS Leveling Pad. MSWS height is measured from the top of the leveling pad to the top of the face coping unit.
1.Wall Heights Taller Than or Equal to 15 ft. For MSWS taller than or equal to 15 ft. in total height, provide a leveling pad of unreinforced Class A concrete - Section 501 Portland Cement Concrete – General .
2.Wall Heights Shorter Than 15 ft. For MSWS shorter than 15 ft. in total height, provide a leveling pad conforming to one of the following:
a.Concrete. Unreinforced Class A concrete - Section 501 Portland Cement Concrete – General , or
b.Granular. Select Granular Fill - §733 -11 Select Granular Fill , or Crushed Stone - §501 - 2.02, B.1.b. Coarse Aggregate Type CA -2 in Table 501 -2 Coarse Aggregate Gradations.
3.Leveling Pad Placement. For precast leveling pad installations, a substitution of cushion sand, meeting the requirements of §703 -06 Cushion Sand, in lieu of MSWS backfill material directly beneath the leveling pad may be made to facilitate placement of the pad.
B.MSWS Facing System. Provide a facing system in accordance with the requirements below
1.Solid Face Units. Provide face units fabricated and conforming to §704 -07 Dry Cast Concrete Wall Units or §704 -06 Precast Concrete Wall Units and Precast Concrete Cribbing. The default treatment for a MSWS face unit is a split face finish of natural concrete (gray) color.
a.Coping Unit. Provide coping units fabricated and conforming to §704 -07 Dry Cast Concrete Wall Units or §704 -06 Precast Concrete Wall Units and Precast Concrete Cribbing.
2.Open Top Face Unit. Provide face units meeting the requirements of §704 -06 Precast Concrete Wall Units and Precast Concrete Cribbing. The default treatment for a MSWS face unit is a plain, smooth concrete finish of natural concrete (gray) color.
a.Coping Unit. Provide coping units meeting the requirements of §704 -06 Precast Concrete Wall Units and Precast Concrete Cribbing.
554-2 03
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 C. MSWS Alignment and Connection Devices. Provide devices conforming to the designers Installation Manual.
D.MSWS Joint Fillers. Fill joints with material meeting the requirements of §705 -07 Premolded Resilient Joint Filler and approved by the wall system designer.
E.MSWS Geotextile. Provide a geotextile meeting the requirements of §737 -01B Geotextile Separation .
F.MSWS Slip Joints. The type of slip joints is specific to each wall system and are designed and supplied by the wall system manufacturer.
G.MSWS Reinforcing Element. Provide geogrid or geotextile reinforcing elements meeting the requirements of §737 -07 Geogrids .
H.MSWS Unit Infill. Provide infill material meeting the requirements of §733 -02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System Backfill Material .
1.MSWS Unit Infill – Coarse Aggregate Option. For units where the shape impedes the compaction procedures within the area of the bin, provide unit infill material meeting the requirements of §733 -02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System Backfill Material that consists of crushed stone with a gradation conforming to §703 -02 Coarse Aggregate , Size Designation 2 with the percent passing the No. 200 sieve requirement in Table 703 -4 adjusted to 0 – 2%.
2.MSWS Unit Infill – Winter Earthwork. If modified methods and procedures are not outlined in the Winter Earthwork Submittal, provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 - 16 Winter Earthwork Material for MSES Backfill .
I.MSWS Backfill. Provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System Backfill Material .
1.MSWS Backfill – Winter Earthwork. If modified methods and procedures are not outlined in the Winter Earthwork Submittal, provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -16 Winter Earthwork Material for MSES Backfill .
J.MSWS Geomembrane. Provide a geomembrane meeting the requirements of §737 -02 Geomembranes .
K.MSWS Subsurface Drainage System. Provide underdrain, geotextile material, and prefabricated structural drain for a backfill drainage system as shown in the contract documents or conforming to the designers Installation Manual:
1.Underdrain Pipe. Provide optional underdrain pipe conforming to Section 605 Underdrains .
2.Geotextile Drainage. Provide geotextile conforming to the requirements of §737 -01 Geotextiles , Geotextile Drainage, Strength Class 2, Drainage Class B.
3.Prefabricated Composite Structural Drain. Provide structural drain conforming to the requirements of §737 -04 Prefabricated Composite Structural Drain .
554-2 04
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 L. MSWS Identification Markers. Provide identification markers conforming to §554 -2.02 M. MSES Identification Markers.
554-2.04 Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil System. Not all materials listed below are required for each
GRSS. Ensure that the proper materials are supplied for the chosen system design. Provide materials meeting the following requirements:
A.GRSS Geosynthetic Reinforcing Element. Provide a geogrid or geotextile primary and secondary reinforcing elements meeting the requirements of §737 -07 Geogrids .
B.GRSS Backfill. Provide backfill material conforming to the following:
1.Walls. Provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -14 Select Structural Fill with the exception that the pH requirements are waived.
a.GRSS Wall Backfill – Winter Earthwork. If modified methods and procedures are not outlined in the Winter Earthwork Submittal, provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -16 Winter Earthwork Material for Select Structural Fill.
2.Slopes. Provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -03 Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil System Slope Backfill Material.
a.GRSS Slope Backfill – Winter Earthwork. If modified methods and procedures are not outlined in the Winter Earthwork Submittal, provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -16 Winter Earthwork Material for Select Structural Fill.
C.GRSS Wall Facing Foundation. Provide a pad of material meeting the requirements of §703 -02 Crushed Stone, Size Designation 2.
D.GRSS Facing System. Provide a facing system shown in the contract documents and in accordance with the requirements below.
1.Welded Wire Forms. Provide welded wire forms and wire struts as shown in the contract documents, conforming to the material requirements of §709 -02 Wire Fabric for Concrete Reinforcement . For applications other than staging walls, provide galvanization to the forms in accordance with the requirements of ASTM A 641 Class 3 for zinc coating (including the zinc coating on the Style 2 fabric), ASTM A 856M Class 3 for Zn -5Al-MM coating, or AST M A 809 for aluminum coating. Provide geotextile face wrap material meeting the requirements of §737 -01B Geotextile Separation and as shown in the contract documents. Proposed alternate, non -structural facing systems used to aid in compaction near the face of the wall shall be included in the submittal outlined in §554 -3.03 A. GRSS Submittal.
2.Geocells. Provide geocells, anchoring devices, and staples as shown in the contract documents, conforming to the material requirements of §737 -08 Geocells . Provide infill material conforming to §733 -14 Select Structural Fill , with the added stipulation that the maximum particle size is 2 in. Where a vegetated face is called for, the outermost cells are to be filled with topsoil meeting the material requirements of §713 -01 Topsoil .
3.Timbers. Provide timbers as shown in the contract documents, graded for an extreme fiber stress of at least 1000 psi conforming to the material requirements of §712 -14 Stress Graded
554-2 05
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 Timber and Lumber . Treat timbers in accordance with §708 -31 Wood Preservative - Waterborne and applied in conformance with American Wood Preservers Association (AWPA) Use Category Designation UC4B.
4.As Shown in the Contract Documents. Provide materials in accordance with the contract documents. Precast units are excluded as a design -specific GRSS facing system,
E.GRSS Surface Protection. Provide erosion resistant covering of the finished GRSS slope surface meeting the requirements of §713 -07 Rolled Erosion Control Products and Soil Stabilizers Class III Type C.
F.GRSS Subsurface Drainage System. Provide underdrain and geotextile material for a backfill drainage system conforming to §554 -2.02 L. MSES Subsurface Drainage System.
G.GRSS Identification Markers. Provide identification markers conforming to §554 -2.02 M. MSES Identification Markers.
554-2.05 Prefabricated Wall System. Not all materials listed below are required for each PWS. Ensure
that the proper materials are supplied for the chosen system design. Provide materials meeting the following requirements:
A.PWS Leveling Pad. Provide a leveling pad conforming to the following:
1.Open Top Face Units. For PWS utilizing open top face units, provide a leveling pad of unreinforced Class A concrete - Section 501 Portland Cement Concrete – General . For precast leveling pad installations, a substitution of cushion sand, meeting the requirements of §703 -06 Cushion Sand, in lieu of PWS backfill material directly beneath the leveling pad may be made to facilitate placement of the pad.
2.Solid Face Units. For PWS utilizing solid face units, provide a leveling pad conforming to the requirements of §733 -11 Select Granular Fill or §501 -2.02, B.1.b. Coarse Aggregate Type CA -2 in Table 501 -2 Coarse Aggregate Gradations.
B.PWS Face Unit. Provide face units meeting the following:
1.Open Top Face Units. For PWS utilizing open top face units, provide units meeting the requirements of §704 -06 Precast Concrete Wall Units and Precast Concrete Cribbing. The default treatment for a PWS open top face unit is a plain, smooth concrete finish of natural concrete (gray) color.
a.Coping Unit. Provide coping units meeting the requirements of §704 -06 Precast Concrete Wall Units and Precast Concrete Cribbing.
2.Solid Face Units. For PWS utilizing solid face units, provide units meeting the requirements of §704 -07 Dry Cast Concrete Wall Units or §704 -06 Precast Concrete Wall Units and Precast Concrete Cribbing. The default treatment for a PWS solid face unit is a split face finish of natural concrete (gray) color.
a.Coping Unit. Provide coping units fabricated and conforming to §704 -07 Dry Cast Concrete Wall Units or §704 -06 Precast Concrete Wall Units and Precast Concrete Cribbing.
554-2 06
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 C. PWS Joint Fillers. Fill joints with material meeting the requirements of §705 -07 Premolded Resilient Joint Filler and approved by the wall system designer.
D.PWS Geotextile. Provide a geotextile meeting the requirements of §737 -01B Geotextile Separation .
E.PWS Slip Joints. The type of slip joints is specific to each wall system and are designed and supplied by the wall system manufacturer.
F.PWS Backfill. Provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -14 Select Structural Fill.
1.PWS Backfill – Winter Earthwork. If modified methods and procedures are not outlined in the Winter Earthwork Submittal, provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -16 Winter Earthwork Material for Select Structural Fill.
G.PWS Unit Infill. Provide unit infill material meeting the requirements of §733 -14 Select Structural Fill. For systems which allow plantings to integrate the structure into the surrounding environment, the front pocket of the unit shall be filled with a minimum of 8 in. of topsoil conforming to the material requirements as specified in §713 -01 Topsoil .
1.PWS Unit Infill – Coarse Aggregate Option. For units where the shape impedes the compaction procedures within the area of the bin, provide unit infill material consisting of crushed stone conforming to §703 -02 Coarse Aggregate , Size Designation 2 with the percent passing the No. 200 sieve requirement in Table 703 -4 adjusted to 0 – 2%.
2.PWS Unit Infill – Winter Earthwork. If modified methods and procedures are not outlined in the Winter Earthwork Submittal, provide backfill material meeting the requirements of §733 -16 Winter Earthwork Material for Select Structural Fill.
H.PWS Subsurface Drainage System. Provide underdrain, geotextile material, and prefabricated structural drain for a backfill drainage system as shown in the contract documents or conforming to the designers Installation Manual:
1.Underdrain Pipe. Provide optional underdrain pipe conforming to Section 605 Underdrains .
2.Geotextile Drainage. Provide geotextile conforming to the requirements of §737 -01 Geotextiles , Geotextile Drainage, Strength Class 2, Drainage Class B.
3.Prefabricated Composite Structural Drain. Provide structural drain conforming to the requirements of §737 -04 Prefabricated Composite Structural Drain .
554-2.06 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment. The requirements for color, texture and
pattern will be described in the contract documents using industry -standard descriptions and terminology. Other requirements will be vividly described in the contract documents using special notes and sketches, as needed.
554-3 Construction Details
554-3.01 General.
554-3 01
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 A. Fill Type Retaining Wall Selection. Approved designers of proprietary Fill Type Retaining Walls, wall systems, and the components of each wall system appear on the Approved List, available on the Department’s web site. Proprietary Fill Type Retaining Walls include Mechanically Stabilized Ear th Systems, Mechanically Stabilized Wall Systems, and Prefabricated Wall Systems. Select a designer appearing on the Approved List for Fill Type Retaining Walls. The selection shall be based on the maximum wall height shown in the contract documents.
B.Fill Type Retaining Wall Submittal. Obtain from the chosen designer a Fill Type Retaining Wall design stamped by a Professional Engineer. Submit the design package, including working drawings of the wall design, design calculations, and the designers Installation Manual at least 30 work days before starting work to the following:
1.Mechanically Stabilized Earth System. Submit the design package to the Deputy Chief Engineer Technical Services (DCETS) Attn: Materials Bureau in accordance with the requirements for Drawing in §704 -03 Precast Concrete – General . The design shall be consistent with the design methods employed in obtaining acceptance to appear on the Department’s Approved List. The design package shall also include identification of backfill material gradation type(s) (outlined in §733 -02B Gradation ) suitable for the cons truction of the wall system, fabrication drawings for precast panels and coping and, for treatments applied to the face panel units other than the default treatment, a face panel unit sample for color and texture approval by the Regional Landscape Architec t.
2.Mechanically Stabilized Wall System. Submit the design package to the Deputy Chief Engineer Technical Services (DCETS) Attn: Geotechnical Engineering Bureau. The design shall be consistent with the design methods employed in obtaining acceptance to appear on the Department’s Approved List. Th e design package shall also include identification of backfill material gradation type(s) (outlined in §733 -02B Gradation ), infill material gradation change, if necessary (outlined in §554 -2.03 H.1. MSWS Unit Infill – Coarse Aggregate Option ) suitable for the construction of the wall system and, for treatments applied to the face units other than the default treatment, a face unit sample for color and texture approval by the Regional Landscape Architect.
3.Prefabricated Wall System.
a.Open Top Face Units. For PWS utilizing open top face units, submit the design package to the Deputy Chief Engineer Technical Services (DCETS) Attn: Materials Bureau in accordance with the requirements for Drawing in §704 -03 Precast Concrete – General . The design shall be consistent with the design methods employed in obtaining acceptance to appear on the Department’s Approved List. The design package shall also include infill material gradation change, if necessary (outlined in §554 -2.05 G.1. PWS Unit In fill – Coarse Aggregate Option ), fabrication drawings for the face units and, for treatments applied to the face units other than the default treatment, a face unit sample for color and texture approval by the Regional Landscape Architect.
b.Solid Face Units. For PWS utilizing solid face units, submit the design package to the Engineer for approval. For solid face units consisting of units manufactured via the wet - casting process, submit the design package in accordance with the requirements for Drawing in §704 -03 Precast Concrete – General . The design shall be consistent with the design methods employed in obtaining acceptance to appear on the Department’s Approved List. For treatments applied to the face units other than the default treatment, the design package
554-3 01
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 submittal shall also include a face unit sample for color and texture approval by the Regional Landscape Architect.
4.Additional Requirements for Internally Stabilized Fill Structures. Due to the dependency on the construction methods, progression of panel/unit placement, compaction of reinforced volume, and sequence of panel/unit loading, if an MSES or MSWS is chosen from the Approved List, the following additional requirements are to be included in the Fill Ty pe Retaining Wall design submittal to ensure the successful installation, evaluation, and long -term performance:
a.Leveling Pad Steps. Vertical steps in the leveling pad for MSES walls shall not be greater than half the standard panels height and the minimum length of wall between leveling pad elevation changes shall be the width of two standard panels. Vertical steps in the leveling pad for MSWS shall not be greater than 2.5 ft. and the minimum length of wall between leveling pad elevation changes shall be 10 ft.
b.Geomembrane. If the Contractor elects to provide an Internally Stabilized Fill Structure (either MSES or MSWS) which utilizes inextensible (metallic) reinforcing elements, the design submittal shall include a geomembrane barrier above the top layer of metallic reinforc ements to protect the reinforcements from accelerated corrosion rates due to the infiltration of runoff containing deicing salts. If the design requires the geomembrane barrier to be installed at a lower elevation than the top layer of meta llic reinforcements, design the reinforcements situated above the geomembrane for an exaggerated service life (and supplied with identification markers for the Inspection Staff). The details of the geomembrane barrier, including details showing the geomembrane tied into a drainage system to collect and discharge runoff, shall be included in the shop drawings submitted for review and approval. Ensure that the geomembrane will isolate the reinforced mass, will drain away from the MSES face panels/MSWS face units, and that all subsurface drainage has a positive outlet. The geomembrane shall extend a minimum distance of 5 ft. beyond the length of the reinforcement.
c.LiDAR Survey. After installation, the MSES or MSWS shall be surveyed using terrestrial LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) system.
1.The following data should be submitted in duplicate on 2 USB drives:
a.Report identifying the established permanent survey control indicating the control method (i.e. RTK GPS, etc.) control locations, registration residuals and control values.
b.Raw point cloud in proprietary file format for each laser scan setup.
c.Individual scan setup data shall overlap the next scan setup data by no less than 15 ft.
d.Individual points in a point cloud shall have less than 0.1 ft. separation horizontally for area of mapping.
e.Point cloud with first returns and digital camera overlay.
554-3 02
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 f) Point cloud as a Leica PTS file or ASCII comma delimited file with values X, Y, Z, and intensity for the whole project. The X, Y values should be in the project’s mapping horizontal datum projected to the proper state plane coordinate system zone and the Z values shall be in the project’s vertical datum. All coordinate values shall have thousandths of a foot precision.
2.The following data accuracies are required:
a.Vertical and Horizontal Point cloud accuracy of 0.08 feet or better on hard surfaces at 95% confidence level using National Spatial Data Accuracy standards as defined in Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy Part 3: National St andards for Spatial Data Accuracy. After receipt of all pertinent information, the Department requires 10 work days or 2 work days per drawing sheet, whichever is greater, to review the submission.
C.Winter Earthwork. For Contractors choosing to proceed with earthwork construction operations requiring soil compaction from November 1st thru April 1st, provide the Engineer with a Winter Earthwork submittal, with a copy to the Regional Geotechnical Engineer, in accordance with §203 - 3.01 A. Winter Earthwork Submittal . In all work incorporated into the final product, the Contractor shall not place material that is frozen, or place fill material on ground that is frozen to any depth. Winter earthwork restrictions state that if the air temperature, ground temperature, or material temperature is at or below 32° F, earthwork will only proceed using material that meets the requirements of §733 -16 Winter Earthwork and/or standard earthwork material placement utilizing the modified methods and procedures. Therefore, the Winter Earthwork submittal shall provide details of whether a material change will be used or if methods and procedures will be modified to adjust fo r the weather influence on the compaction operations. If a material change is proposed, the submittal shall provide details of when the change will occur and how many times the material will change within the construction of the wall.
554-3.02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System.
A.Pre -Operation Meeting. A Pre -Operation Meeting will be held between the Engineer, Contractor, Regional Geotechnical Engineer, Geotechnical Engineering Bureau and other appropriate Department representatives to discuss the Contractors proposed construction methods. Begin work onl y after receiving the DCES written approval and holding the Pre -Operation Meeting. Supply technical assistance, by a Professional Engineer from the designated Wall System, for consultation throughout the installation of the wall. The technical assistant shall be on -site during the initial installation of the wall panels, during critical installation phases designated at the Pre - Operation Meeting, and as requested by the Engineer. This requirement shall apply for all wall locations depicted in the contract documents. Subsequent to the completion of the wall but before the start of the work elements above the final top of wall elevation, the technical assistant shall conduct an engineering survey of the wall and provide a report to the Engineer. The report shall contain the following elements:
1.A summary of the work procedures used to construct the wall, including backfill material moisture content, compactive effort/equipment specifications, lift thicknesses, initial panel back - batter, initial bracing techniques.
554-3 02
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 2. A description of any procedures that deviated from the designers Installation Manual, including the reasoning for the change.
3.An inspection of the wall joints, including offset per panel, gap tolerance, spacers (appropriate use of, and subsequent removal of, temporary wooden wedges, bearing pad placement), and joint fillers/geotextile.
4.An inspection of the wall system, including alignment and overall plumbness of the wall.
5.An account of the wall reinforcing elements, including storage and handling methods, procedures used to attach and fasten reinforcements, methods used to minimize disturbance to compacted material at attachment locations, and technique employed to remove s lack.
6.A summary of the field conditions and drainage control, including installation of subsurface drainage system, methods for positive control and discharge of all surface drainage during the walls construction, and any adverse weather impacts to the wall syst em.
7.An account of the geomembrane installation, including the elevation in relation to the reinforced mass, placement technique, details/materials used at connections to vertical projections extending through the geomembrane, seam sealing method/equipment spec ifications, installation of subsurface drainage system.
8.Identification of any approved field changes.
9.Remarks on the construction procedure and a conclusion regarding whether or not the completed wall construction has met the designated Wall Systems design and installation requirements.
B.MSES Excavation and Disposal. Excavation shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 206 Trench, Culvert and Structure Excavation and the details specified in the contract documents.
C.MSES Foundation. Prior to erection of the wall system, the foundation shall be inspected and approved by the Engineer.
1.Placement Area. Grade the area under the MSES, level for a width equal to, or in excess of, the distance from a minimum of 3 ft. extending past the MSES face to the end of the reinforcing element length. Prior to wall system construction, compact this area to a minimum of 90% of Standard Proctor Maximum Density. Treat all soils found to be unsuitable, or incapable of being satisfactorily compacted because of moisture content, in a manner directed by the En gineer, in conjunction with the recommendations of the Regional Geot echnical Engineer.
D.MSES Subsurface Drainage System. Install the subsurface drainage system simultaneously with the erection and backfill of the MSES to ensure a continuous, uninterrupted system to prevent the accumulation of destabilizing water pressure on the wall. In all cases, the subsurface drainage sys tem will be installed to drain all intercepted water to a point of positive drainage.
E.MSES Facing Panel Unit Inspection, Storage, and Handling
1.Face Panel Units. An inspection will be made prior to installation to determine if any damage has occurred to the panel unit(s). Handle and store the panel units with care to prevent damage.
554-3 02
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 2. Damaged Panel Units. Repair damaged panel units in a manner approved by the Engineer. Replace panel units that are not repairable at no additional cost to the State.
F.MSES Leveling Pad. Provide an unreinforced concrete leveling pad as required by the contract documents. Cast the concrete, in accordance with the requirements Section 555 Structural Concrete, or place the precast leveling pad for the foundation of the MSES to ensure a flat s urface for placing the initial course of precast facing panel units. Step the leveling pad to conform to grade changes as shown in the contract documents or approved Shop Drawings.
G.MSES Erection
1.Methods and Equipment. Install panel units in accordance with the designers approved shop drawings and Installation Manual, unless otherwise modified by the contract documents. Prior to installation of the panel units, furnish the Engineer with detailed information concerning the proposed construction method, as well as the equipment planned for use. Erection is to begin on the leveling pad at the lowest elevation and proceed in horizontal lifts.
2.Panel Unit Installation
a.Place panel units such that, after completion of compaction, the tolerances of Table 554 -1 MSES Facing Panel Unit Alignment and Joint Offset Tolerances are not exceeded. After placement, maintain each panel unit in position. If wedges are used, do not allow them to remain in place below three panel unit heights during installation, and compaction. Remove all wedges remaining in the top three panel unit he ights upon completion of the MSES. External braces may be required for initial placements. Install jo int fillers in the manner indicated by the Installation Manual.
b.Correct all misalignments of installed panel units in excess of the tolerances allowed by Table 554 -1 MSES Facing Panel Unit Alignment and Joint Offset Tolerances , at no additional cost to the State. TABLE 554 -1 MSES FACING PANEL UNIT ALIGNMENT AND JOINT OFFSET TOLERANCES Horizontal Alignment ± ¾ in./10 ft. Joint Offset per Panel Unit ± ¾ in. Overall Vertical Plumbness (Top to Bottom of Wall System) ± ½ in./10 ft.
H.MSES Backfill. Do not mix backfill material from different sources behind any wall without the written permission of the Director, Geotechnical Engineering Bureau.
1.Moisture Content. Place backfill materials, other than Type B, at or within 2% dry of the Optimum Moisture Content. Rework or replace all backfill material which is at a moisture content in excess of the Optimum Moisture content. Determine the Optimum Moisture Content in conformance with the latest Geotechnical Test Methods for compaction that incorporate moisture content determination. Rework or replace backfill material at no additional cost to the State.
2.Backfill Placement. Prior to placement of the reinforcing element, backfill and compact the area within 3 ft. of the panel units horizontally to 2 in. above the required reinforcing element elevation. Roughly grade the backfill beyond the 3 ft. line to the reinforcing element elevation.
554-3 02
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 a. Place granular backfill material in uniform layers not exceeding 12 in. loose lift thickness per layer. Compact each layer to a minimum of 95% of Standard Proctor Maximum Density.
b.Place Type B backfill in uniform layers not exceeding 16 in. loose lift thickness. Compact in accordance with requirements determined by the Engineer.
c.Place any backfill material in the area within 3 ft. of the panel units in uniform layers not exceeding 6 in. loose lift thickness per layer. Compact in accordance with requirements determined by the Engineer.
3.Surface Drainage Control. Provide positive control and discharge of all surface drainage that will affect the installation of the MSES throughout the construction of the wall. Maintain all vertical drains, weeps, ditches, pipes, or conduits used to control surface water during construction. Repair damage caused by surface water at no additional cost.
4.QA Program. The Department will sample and test backfill from the grade in accordance with the Quality Assurance Program outlined in §733 -02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System Backfill Material. If the material is determined to not meet the specification requirements, the material will be rejected.
5.Geomembrane. As outlined in §554 -3.01.B.4.ii Geomembrane, if the MSES reinforced mass requires a geomembrane, install the geomembrane in accordance with §207 -3.02 Geomembranes .
I.MSES Reinforcing Elements. Place reinforcing elements in accordance with the designer’s recommendations or as described in the designers Installation Manual. Before attaching the reinforcing elements to the panel units, repair all damage to the zinc coating in accordance with the requirements of §719 -01 Galvanized Coatings and Repair Methods, Type I .
1.Placement. Place reinforcing elements normal to the panel units unless indicated otherwise by the contract documents or approved shop drawings. Take care to avoid breaking, distorting, or disturbing the reinforcing elements. Replace reinforcing elements which are bro ken or distorted.
2.Connections. Prior to the attachment of the reinforcing elements, as required, fill all openings, or attachment locations, with grease, or other protective material. Obtain the grease or other protective materials from the chosen designer. Remove only enough backfill material placed in accordance with §554 -3.02 H.2. Backfill Placement to properly join and secure the connection. Connect reinforcing elements to the face panel unit before placement of subsequent face panel units, or as directed by the approved shop drawings.
3.Reinforcing Elements. All soil reinforcing elements shall be vertically separated from other reinforcing elements by a minimum of 3 in.
J.MSES Identification Markers. Install MSES identification markers. Place the marking tape at the highest possible elevation that will not damage the tape. For walls supporting a pavement section, install the tape 6 in. below top of subbase elevation. For walls supporting earth, install the tape 6 in. below finished grade. Install the marking tape on top of the reinforced backfill area, parallel to the wall face in rows at 5 ft. intervals until the back edge of the reinforced backfill area is reached. Drill two, 5/16 in. diameter, holes for mounting, located ½ in. from the ends of the sign and 3 ½ in. from the top of the sign. Secure the sign using anchorage appropriate for the supporting material.
554-3 03
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 K. Equipment Movement. Movement of construction equipment and all other vehicles and loads over and adjacent to MSES shall be done at the Contractor's risk. Govern the operations and procedures to prevent misalignment of the installed panel units. Precautionary measures include, but are not limited to, keeping vehicular equipment a minimum of 3 ft. from the panel units. Within 3 ft. of the panel units use compaction equipment meeting the requirements of Compaction Equipment for Confined Areas in Section 203 Excavation and Embankment . Operate rubber -tired equipment on top of reinforcing elements only at low speeds (less than 5 mph) and without making sharp turns or braking sharply. Do not operate tracked equipment directly on reinforcing elements. Cover reinforcing elements with a minim um 6 in. thick soil layer prior to operating tracked equipment over reinforced areas. Repair or replace damaged reinforcing elements in strict accordance with the designers written instructions at no additional cost to the State .
554-3.03 Mechanically Stabilized Wall System.
A.Pre -Operation Meeting. A Pre -Operation Meeting will be held between the Engineer, Contractor, Regional Geotechnical Engineer, Geotechnical Engineering Bureau and other appropriate Department representatives to discuss the Contractors proposed construction methods. Begin work onl y after receiving the DCETS written approval and holding the Pre -Operation Meeting. Supply on -site technical assistance and an engineering survey report on the wall in accordance with §554 -3.02 A. Pre-Operation Meeting .
B.MSWS Excavation and Disposal. Excavation shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 206 Trench, Culvert and Structure Excavation and the details specified in the contract documents.
C.MSWS Foundation. Prepare the foundation in accordance with the requirements of §554 -3.02 C. MSES Foundation .
D.MSWS Subsurface Drainage System. Install the subsurface drainage system simultaneously with the erection and infill/backfill of the MSWS to ensure a continuous, uninterrupted system to prevent the accumulation of destabilizing water pressure on the wall. In all cases, the subsurface drain age system will be installed to drain all intercepted water to a point of positive drainage.
E.MSWS Leveling Pad. Provide an unreinforced concrete leveling pad or compacted granular fill leveling pad as shown in the contract documents to ensure a flat surface for placing the initial course of face units. Step the leveling pad to conform to grade changes as shown in th e contract documents or approved Shop Drawings.
1.Concrete . Cast the concrete leveling pad, in accordance with the requirements of Section 555 Structural Concrete, or place the precast leveling pad, for the foundation of the MSWS.
2.Granular . Place and compact granular fill in conformance with Section 203 Excavation and Embankment.
F.MSWS Facing Unit Erection
1.Methods and Equipment. Install face units in accordance with the designers approved shop drawings and Installation Manual, unless otherwise modified by the contract documents. Prior to installation of the face units, furnish the Engineer with detailed information concerning the proposed construction method, as well as the equipment planned for use. Erection is to begin on the leveling pad at the lowest elevation and proceed in horizontal lifts.
554-3 03
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 2. Solid Face Unit Erection
a.Install by placing, positioning, and aligning face units in conformance with the designers Installation Manual and within the tolerances in Table 554 -2 MSWS Solid Face Unit Alignment Tolerances .
b.Correct all misalignments of installed face units that exceed the tolerances allowed in Table 554 -2 MSWS Solid Facing Unit Alignment Tolerances . TABLE 554 -2 MSWS SOLID FACE UNIT ALIGNMENT TOLERANCES Vertical Control ± ¼ in. over a distance of 10 ft. Horizontal Control ± ½ in. over a distance of 10 ft. Rotation from established plan wall batter ± ½ in. over a distance of 10 ft.
3.Open Top Face Unit Erection. During erection, any face unit damaged beyond repair shall be removed and replaced by the Contractor with approved face units at no additional cost to the State.
a.All face units shall be assembled and handled in accordance with the designer’s instructions and the contract documents. Erect the face units conforming to the lines, grades, and typical sections shown on the contract documents and in accordance with the d esignated manufacturer's installation manual.
b.Place the face units side by side and in full contact with the installed leveling pad.
c.Maintain the minimum face unit tolerances shown in Table 554 -3 MSWS Open Top Face Unit Tolerances. Correct all misalignments of installed face units that exceed the tolerances allowed in a manner satisfying the Engineer: TABLE 554 -3 MSWS OPEN TOP FACE UNIT ALIGNMENT TOLERANCES Vertical Control (plumbness) ± ¾ in. over a distance of 10 ft. Horizontal Location Control (alignment) ± ¾ in. over a distance of 10 ft. Vertically overall (plumbness from top to bottom) ± ½ in. over a height of 10 ft.
d.Adjust face unit spacing for curved sections according to the manufacturer's installation recommendations.
G.MSWS Facing Unit Bin Infill
1.Solid Face Unit Bin Infill
a.Placement. Place unit infill to the limits indicated in the contract documents. Before installing the next course of face units, compact the unit infill and brush the tops of the face units clean to ensure an even placement area.
b.Protection . Protect unit infill from contamination during construction.
2.Open Top Face Unit Bin Infill.
554-3 03
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 a. Placement. Place and compact backfill and face unit infill simultaneously with the erection of the PWS and in accordance with Compaction in Section 203 Excavation and Embankment. Placement of infill in the wall and backfill behind the wall shall closely follow the erection of successive courses of face units.
b.Protection. Protect unit infill from contamination during construction.
H.MSWS Backfill. Do not mix backfill material from different sources behind any wall without the written permission of the Director, Geotechnical Engineering Bureau.
1.Moisture Content. Place backfill materials (other than Types B and D) at or within 2% dry of the Optimum Moisture Content. Rework or replace all material which is at a moisture content exceeding the Optimum Moisture Content. Determine Optimum Moisture Content in conformance with Geotechnical Test Methods (excluding GTM -6) for compaction that incorporates moisture content determination. Rework or replace backfill material at no additional cost to the State.
2.Backfill Placement. Prior to placement of the reinforcing element, backfill and compact the area within 3 ft. of the face units horizontally to 2 in. above the required reinforcing element elevation. Roughly grade the backfill beyond the 3 ft. line to the reinforcing element elevation.
a.Place granular backfill material in uniform layers so that the compacted thickness of each layer does not exceed 10 in. or one unit height, whichever is less. Compact each layer to a minimum of 95% of Standard Proctor Maximum Density.
b.Place Type B backfill in uniform layers so that the compacted thickness of each layer does not exceed 10 in. or one unit height, whichever is less. Compact each layer in conformance with Compaction in Section 203 Excavation and Embankment.
3.Separation Geotextile. Place the geotextile separation, if required, loosely but in intimate contact with the soil so that placement of the overlying material will not stretch or tear the geotextile.
4.Surface Drainage Control. Provide positive control and discharge of all surface drainage that will affect the installation of the MSWS throughout the construction of the wall. Maintain all vertical drains, weeps, ditches, pipes, or conduits used to control surface water during construction. Repair damage caused by surface water at no additional cost.
5.QA Program. The Department will sample and test backfill from the grade in accordance with the Quality Assurance Program outlined in §733 -02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System Backfill Material. If the material is determined to not meet the specification requirements, the material will be rejected
6.Geomembrane. As outlined in §554 -3.01.B.4.ii Geomembrane, if the MSWS reinforced mass requires a geomembrane, install the geomembrane in accordance with §207 -3.02 Geomembranes .
I.MSWS Reinforcing Element
1.Reinforcing Element Placement. Place the reinforcing element normal to face units unless otherwise indicated in the contract documents. Replace all broken, damaged or distorted reinforcing elements at no additional cost to the State.
554-3 04
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 2. Reinforcing Element Connection. Install the reinforcing element within/between courses of face units conforming to the designers Installation Manual. Pull taut and secure the reinforcing element before placing the backfill.
J.MSWS Identification Markers. Install MSWS identification markers in accordance with the requirements of §554 -3.02 J. MSES Identification Markers .
K.Equipment Movement. Movement of construction equipment and all other vehicles and loads over and adjacent to MSWS shall be done at the Contractor's risk. Control all operations and procedures to prevent misalignment of the face units. Precautionary measures include, but are n ot limited to, keeping vehicular equipment at least 3 ft. behind the back of the face units. Compaction equipment used within 3 ft. of the back of the face units must conform to Compaction Equipment for Confined Areas in Section 203 Excavation and Embankment. Operate rubber -tired equipment on top of reinforcing elements only at low speeds (less than 5 mph) and without making sharp turns or braking sharply. Do not operate tracked equipment directly on reinforcing elements. Cover reinfo rcing elements with a minimum 6 in. thick soil layer prior to operating tracked equipment over reinforced areas. Repair or replace damaged reinforcing elements in strict accordance with the designers written instructions at no additional cost to the State.
554-3.04 Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil System.
A.GRSS Submittal. Submit the geogrid or geotextile reinforcing element certifications, verifying that the material meets the requirements of §737 -07 Geogrids for the specified long -term design tensile strength shown in the contract documents, to the Engineer prior to start of work. Begin work only after receiving the Engineer’s approval.
B.GRSS Storage of Geosynthetic. Store and protect geosynthetic materials in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations prior to installation.
C.GRSS Excavation and Disposal. Excavation shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 206 Trench, Culvert and Structure Excavation and the details specified in the contract documents.
D.GRSS Foundation. Prior to erection of the GRSS system, the foundation shall be inspected and approved by the Engineer. Grade the area under the GRSS level for the width shown in the contract documents. A minimum of 90% of Standard Proctor Maximum Density will be required. For GRSS wall systems, a pad of crushed stone shall be incorporated into the foundation directly below the wall facing.
E.GRSS Subsurface Drainage System. Install the subsurface drainage system simultaneously with the erection and backfill of the GRSS to ensure a continuous, uninterrupted system to prevent the accumulation of destabilizing water pressure on the wall. In all cases, the subsurface drainage sys tem will be installed to drain all intercepted water to a point of positive drainage.
F.GRSS Placement of Materials.
1.Geosynthetic Reinforcing Element. Place and secure the primary and secondary reinforcing element in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, in continuous strips without joints, seams or connections throughout the embedment length, to the line, grade and orientation
554-3 05
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 shown in the contract documents. Place reinforcing elements to lay flat with no creases and pull taut to remove any slack prior to placement of backfill.
2.Welded Wire Forms. Place welded wire forms where required, as shown in the contract documents. Position and connect the welded wire forms to overlap 2 in. with adjacent forms and connect with wire ties. Install wire struts as shown in the contract documents and as required t o stiffen the welded wire forms.
3.Geotextile Face Wrap. Place geotextile face wrap as shown in the contract documents. If used in conjunction with welded wire forms, place the geotextile face wrap so as to conform closely to the welded wire forms.
4.Backfill. Replace any damaged geosynthetic prior to placement of any overlying material at no cost to the State. Place the backfill onto the geosynthetic reinforcing elements in such a manner that no damage occurs. Progress placement of backfill materials so as to m inimize the development of slack in the reinforcing element. The thickness of a compacted lift of backfill is not to exceed 12 in. or the measured vertical distance between geosynthetic layers, whichever is less. Compact the backfill to a mini mum of 95% of Standard Proctor Maximum Density in accordance with the requirements contained in Compaction in Section 203 Excavation and Embankment. Only hand operated equipment is allowed within 3 ft. of the face. Lift thickness may have to be reduced to achieve required compaction.
5.Surface Protection. Place and secure erosion control material in accordance with Section 209 Soil Erosion and Sediment Control and as shown in the contract documents.
6.Permanent Facing. Place and connect permanent facing as shown in the contract documents.
7.Surface Drainage Control. Provide positive control and discharge of all surface drainage that will affect the installation of the GRSS throughout the construction of the wall. Maintain all vertical drains, weeps, ditches, pipes, or conduits used to control surface water during construction. Repair damage caused by surface water at no additional cost.
G.GRSS Construction Monitoring. Monitor the system face during fill placement and compaction. If verticality or the required batter of a system is not being maintained, stop work until compaction equipment and/or operational procedures are modified.
H.GRSS Identification Markers. For applications other than staging walls, install GRSS identification markers in accordance with the requirements of §554 -3.02 J. MSES Identification Markers.
I.Equipment Movement. Movement of construction equipment and all other vehicles and loads over and adjacent to GRSS shall be done at the Contractor's risk. Operate rubber -tired equipment on top of reinforcing elements only at low speeds (less than 5 mph) and without making shar p turns or braking sharply. Do not operate tracked equipment directly on reinforcing elements. Cover reinforcing elements with a minimum 6 in. thick soil layer prior to operating tracked equipment over reinforced areas. Repair or rep lace damaged reinforcing elements in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions at no additional cost to the State.
554-3.05 Prefabricated Wall System.
554-3 05
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 A. PWS Excavation and Disposal. Excavation shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 206 Trench, Culvert and Structure Excavation and the contract documents.
B.PWS Foundation. Prior to erection of the wall system, the foundation shall be inspected and approved by the Engineer. Grade the area under the PMWS level for the width shown in the contract documents. A minimum of 90% of Standard Proctor Maximum Density will be required. Construct the wall system to meet the line and grade shown in the contract documents.
C.PWS Subsurface Drainage System. Install the subsurface drainage system simultaneously with the erection and infill/backfill of the PWS to ensure a continuous, uninterrupted system to prevent the accumulation of destabilizing water pressure on the wall. In all cases, install the subsurfac e drainage system to drain all intercepted water to a point of positive drainage.
D.PWS Leveling Pad. Provide an unreinforced concrete leveling pad or compacted granular fill leveling pad as shown in the contract documents to ensure a flat surface for placing the initial course of face units. Step the leveling pad to conform to grade changes as shown in th e contract documents or approved Shop Drawings.
1.Concrete . Cast the concrete leveling pad, in accordance with the requirements of Section 555 Structural Concrete, or place the precast leveling pad, for the foundation of the PWS.
2.Granular . Place and compact granular fill in conformance with Section 203 Excavation and Embankment.
E.PWS Erection. During erection, remove and replace any face units damaged beyond repair with approved face units at no additional cost to the State.
1.Assembly . All PWS shall be assembled and handled in accordance with the designer’s instructions and the contract documents. Erect the PWS conforming to the lines, grades, and typical sections shown on the contract documents and in accordance with the designated manufacturer's installation manual.
2.Placement . Place the PWS side by side and in full contact with the installed leveling pad.
3.Tolerances . Maintain the minimum PWS tolerances shown in Table 554 -2 MSWS Solid Face Unit Alignment Tolerances or Table 554 -3 MSWS Open Top Face Unit Alignment Tolerances as appropriate. Correct all misalignments of installed face units that exceed the tolerances allowed in a manner satisfying the Engineer:
4.Adjustments. Adjust PWS spacing for curved sections according to the manufacturer's installation recommendations.
5.Coping . Apply the coping unit to the top of the wall using mastic adhesive, in accordance with, and conforming to the unit manufacturer's installation recommendations.
F.PWS Infill and Backfill. Immediately prior to backfilling, the Engineer will inspect the face units for damage. Face units which are damaged beyond repair shall be removed and replaced by the Contractor with approved face units at no additional cost to the State.
554-3 06
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 Place and compact backfill and unit infill simultaneously with the erection of the PWS and in accordance with Compaction in Section 203 Excavation and Embankment. Placement of infill in the wall and backfill behind the wall shall closely follow the erection of successive courses of face units.
G.Equipment Movement. Movement of construction equipment and all other vehicles and loads over and adjacent to PWS shall be done at the Contractor's risk. Control all operations and procedures to prevent misalignment of the PWS. Precautionary measures include, but are not limit ed to, keeping vehicular equipment at least 3 ft. behind the back of the face units. Compaction equipment used within 3 ft. of the back of the face units must conform to the Compaction Equipment for Confined Areas in Section 203 Exca vation and Embankment. Any damage to face units from any cause shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the State.
554-3.06 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment. Provide aesthetic treatment as specified in the
contract documents. Any damage to the treatment shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Engineer at no additional cost to the State.
554-4 Method of Measurement.
554-4.01 General. Vacant.
554-4.02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System. A MSES will be measured in square feet of face area,
measured to the nearest square foot from the payment lines shown in the contract documents.
554-4.03 Mechanically Stabilized Wall System. A MSWS will be measured in square feet of face area,
measured to the nearest square foot from the payment lines shown in the contract documents.
554-4.04 Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil System. A GRSS will be measured in square feet of vertical
face area, measured to the nearest square foot from the payment lines shown in the contract documents.
554-4.05 Prefabricated Wall System. A PWS will be measured in square feet of vertical face area,
measured to the nearest square foot from the payment lines shown in the contract documents.
554-4.06 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment. Aesthetic treatment will be measured in
square feet of treated face area, measured to the nearest square foot from the payment lines shown in the contract documents. Include only those visual standards incorporated into the finished wall into the measurements.
554-5 Basis of Payment
554-5.01 General. Vacant.
554-5.02 Mechanically Stabilized Earth System. Include in the unit price bid the cost of all labor,
materials, and equipment, including backfill, reinforcing elements, leveling pads, fasteners, joint fillers, geotextiles, face panel and coping units, subsurface drainage system, geomembrane, and the cos t of adding water for backfill compaction, unless items for Furnishing Water Equipment and Applying Water are included in the contract, necessary to satisfactorily complete the work.
554-5.03 Mechanically Stabilized Wall System. Include in the unit price bid the cost of all labor,
material, and equipment, including backfill, infill, reinforcing elements, leveling pads, fasteners, geotextiles, face units and coping units, subsurface drainage system, geomembrane, and the cost of add ing
554-5 04
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 water for backfill compaction, unless items for Furnishing Water Equipment and Applying Water are included in the contract, necessary to satisfactorily complete the work.
554-5.04 Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil System. Include in the unit price bid the cost of all labor,
materials, and equipment, including backfill, geosynthetic reinforcing elements, facing system, subsurface drainage system, and the cost of adding water for backfill compaction, unless items for Furnishi ng Water Equipment and Applying Water are included in the contract, necessary to satisfactorily complete the work.
554-5.05 Prefabricated Wall System. Include in the unit price bid the cost of all labor, materials, and
equipment, including backfill, infill, leveling pads, joint fillers, geotextiles, face units and coping units, subsurface drainage system, and the cost of adding water for backfill compact ion, unless items for Furnishing Water Equipment and Applying Water are included in the contract, necessary to satisfactorily complete the work.
554-5.06 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment. Include in the unit price bid the cost of all
labor, material, and equipment needed to provide aesthetic treatment for the wall and the cost of production and transportation of visual standards from the precast facility to the project site for Region appro val and back to the precast facility for use during production. Payment will be made under: Item No. Item Pay Unit 554.30XX Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil System Wall Square Feet XX Facing System 01 Welded Wire Forms 02 Geocells 03 Timbers 05 Other; As Shown in the Contract Documents 554.31 Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil System Slope Square Feet 554.40 Fill Type Retaining Wall (0 – 6 ft.) Square Feet 554.41 Fill Type Retaining Wall (Greater than 6 ft. – 12 ft.) Square Feet 554.42 Fill Type Retaining Wall (Greater than 12 ft. – 18 ft.) Square Feet 554.43 Fill Type Retaining Wall (Greater than 18 ft. – 24 ft.) Square Feet 554.44 Fill Type Retaining Wall (Greater than 24 ft. – 30 ft.) Square Feet 554.45 Fill Type Retaining Wall (Greater than 30 ft.) Square Feet 554.5001 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment - Textured Surface (Hand Tooled, Raked, etc.), No Color Square Feet 554.5002 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment - Textured Surface (Hand Tooled, Raked, etc.), Integral Color Square Feet 554.5101 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment - Exposed Aggregate Finish, No Color Square Feet 554.5102 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment - Exposed Aggregate Finish, Integral Color Square Feet 554.5201 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment - Architectural Pattern, No Color Square Feet 554.5202 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment - Architectural Pattern, Integral Color Square Feet 554.53 Fill Type Retaining Wall Aesthetic Treatment - Other; As Shown in the Contract Documents Square Feet
555-2 01
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 202 4 Volume 2 SECTION 555 - STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
555-1 DESCRIPTION. This work shall consist of furnishing and placing portland cement concrete for
structures as indicated in the contract documents and as directed by the Engineer.
555-2 Materials
555-2.01 General. The materials used for structural concrete shall comply with the material
requirements of Section 501, Portland Cement Concrete, General. Additional materials, listed below, required specifically for use in conjunction with structural concrete items shall meet the requirements of the following subsections: Concrete Grout Material 701-05 Vertical and Overhead Patching Material 701-08 Rapid Hardening Concrete Repair Material 701-09 Concrete Repair Material - High Early Strength 701-12 Preformed Cork Joint Filler 705-01 Preformed Rubber Joint Filler 705-03 Caulking Compound for Structures 705-06 Preformed Elastic Bridge Joint Sealer 705-09 Polyvinyl Chloride Extruded Shapes and Sheet Material 705-11 Lubricant for Preformed Elastic Joint Sealer 705-13 Bar Reinforcement, Grade 60 709-01 Wire Fabric for Concrete Reinforcement 709-02 Quilted Covers (for curing) 711-02 Plastic Coated Fiber Blankets (for curing) 711-03 Polyethylene Curing Cover (White Opaque) 711-04 Membrane Curing Compound 711-05 Burlap 711-06 Form Insulating Materials for Cold Weather Concreting 711-07 Admixtures 711-08 Water 712-01 Asphalt Roofing Felt 712-12 Epoxy Resin System 721-01 Epoxy Polysulfide Grout 721-03 Copper Flashing 725-01 Sheet Gasket (treated both sides) 728-06 Concrete Cylinder Curing Box 735-01
555-2.02 Concrete for Structures. The class of concrete required for the various structural concrete
items will be indicated in the contract documents. Mixtures using a CA2 gradation shall be used when the minimum placement dimension is 5 inches or greater, except for pedestal repairs, where Class D or DP concrete may be used when placement dimensions are greater than 1½ inches but do not exceed 12 inche s. The same source of aggregates shall be used for all faces and surfaces of concrete exposed to view.
555-3 Construction Details
555-3.01 Concrete Manufacturing and Transportation. Unless otherwise specified in the contract
documents, the construction details for manufacturing and transporting concrete shall comply with §501 - 3, Portland Cement Concrete - Construction Details.
Source: New York Standard Specifications, 2024 Edition. Pages 269–294 of 1,264.