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TxDOT Bryan District I-45 Corridor Program 

Project Background

HVJ has provided geotechnical services for the TxDOT Bryan District I-45 Corridor Program over the past decade. The program is divided into multiple projects, or segments, including Segments 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 4, 5, 14 & 15, which in which HVJ has been involved.  

Ax explained by TxDOT, “As the main connection between Dallas and Houston, I-45 is a key corridor serving Texas travelers. The program aims to improve safety and mobility along the I-45.”  

Most recently, TxDOT selected the Jacobs team, including HVJ, as the Geotechnical Consultant to provide PS&E (Plans, Specs & Estimate) services for Segments 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 4 & 5. TxDOT also selected the LJA team, including HVJ, as the Geotechnical Consultant to provide PS&E services for Segments 14 & 15.  PS&E is essential to facilitate construction, provide contract control, estimate construction costs, and provide a uniform basis for bidding purposes. 

Practice: Geotechnical Engineering

Sector: Transportation/Roads

Location:  Walker, Madison, Leon, and Freestone Counties, Texas 

Services: Geotechnical Design

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The Problem

The project required stepped/tiered MSE/Soil Nail retaining walls along Seg 2A to meet the Bryan district requirements along this corridor. At some locations, the retaining walls were taller than 35 feet and located in soft soils with narrow TxDOT right-of-way behind the walls. The conventional geotechnical design would have required TxDOT to secure additional right of way or use expensive retaining wall alternatives. 

The Goal

Our goal was to conduct lab testing, conduct an analysis, and develop a PS&E that met the following needs:

  • Eliminate the need for TxDOT to acquire additional right of way.
  • Reduce the construction cost by not using expensive retaining wall alternatives.
  • Meet the corridor’s aesthetics requirements.

Our Solution

HVJ performed advanced lab testing and analyzed existing slopes at the site to obtain more accurate and less conservative soil parameters. Through this process, we were able to develop a plan that reduced the nail lengths within the existing right of way. 

The Results

By developing a plan that overcame the conventional design limitations, HVJ eliminated the need for additional right of way and expensive retaining wall alternatives. This resulted in cost savings and allowed the project to move forward without delays that would come from TxDOT needing to secure additional right of way. 

Retaining Wall

 

 

 

 

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