--- title: North Texas Distressed CIP Wall description: HVJ provided engineering services for a North Texas Distressed CIP Wall at a busy commuter rail station. image: https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/CIP%20Wall.jpg --- [![HVJ Logo](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVJ%20logo_141x71.png?width=110&height=71&name=HVJ%20logo_141x71.png "HVJ Logo")](https://www.hvj.com/?hsLang=en) ** [ Let's talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ** ** Geotechnical Engineering Soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at every site are different. We assess the specific site conditions and design earth structures (slopes, channels, and dikes), foundations (retaining walls, bridges, buildings, tanks), and subsurface structures (clarifiers, lift stations, buried utilities, tunnels) to economically achieve the specific project objectives. Learn More → Construction Materials Engineering & Testing Construction material performance is key to the function and durability of any project. We engineer and test materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt so you get what you pay for and the project performs as expected.     Learn More → Civil/Pavement Engineering A successful project starts with clear understanding of the project’s specific needs. We prepared street rehabilitation PS&E, traffic control designs, pavement designs, and asset management systems based on careful understanding of design requirements.   Learn More → Environmental Geology & Engineering Impact from hazardous waste, wetlands, faulting, and/or NEPA processes are serious concerns for project development. We identify such concerns early in project development, and provide strategies to mitigate impacts and provide the proper regulatory approval so the project can proceed on time and achieve the project goals. Learn More → Roads & Bridges Congestion and failing road surfaces cause delays, vehicle damage, and even driver safety issues. Solving these problems requires our specialized knowledge of pavement and roadway structures. Learn More → Water, Wastewater & Flood Control Drinking water, flushing toilets, and dry streets for granted – until they are gone. We specialize in keeping these systems running effectively. Learn More → Airports, Ports & Dredging Expanding and maintaining ports and airports is crucial to our economic development. HVJ’s specialized pavement, wharf, and navigation channel experience makes it happen. Learn More → Rail & Transit Rail and public transit facilities enable efficient transportation of people and goods. Our detailed knowledge of AREMA requirements keeps projects on track. Learn More → Buildings & Parks Schools, universities, courts, parks, solid waste facilities are all critical to our society. HVJ has specialized knowledge and experience with a multitude of public projects. Learn More → [About Us](https://go.hvj.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [News & Resources](https://www.hvj.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Locations](https://www.hvj.com/all-locations?hsLang=en) [Partners](https://www.hvj.com/partners?hsLang=en) HVJ Difference Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive. Learn More → Culture We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results. Learn More → Benefits We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits. Learn More → Employee Stories Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project. Learn More → Current Openings We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams. Learn More → The Opportunity Own a successful engineering business by adding our proven systems to your engineering talent and network. Learn More → How It Works Help us branchise – you help us build a branch office and then convert it into your own franchise. Learn More → Who's A Fit? Are you energetic and confident? See if this might be an opportunity that fits you. Learn More → FAQs What do you want to know?  Find the answers to common questions. Learn More → Success Stories Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems. Learn More → [![HVJ Logo](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVJ%20logo_141x71.png?width=110&height=71&name=HVJ%20logo_141x71.png "HVJ Logo")](https://www.hvj.com/?hsLang=en) ** [ Let's talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ** ** Geotechnical Engineering Soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at every site are different. We assess the specific site conditions and design earth structures (slopes, channels, and dikes), foundations (retaining walls, bridges, buildings, tanks), and subsurface structures (clarifiers, lift stations, buried utilities, tunnels) to economically achieve the specific project objectives. Learn More → Construction Materials Engineering & Testing Construction material performance is key to the function and durability of any project. We engineer and test materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt so you get what you pay for and the project performs as expected.     Learn More → Civil/Pavement Engineering A successful project starts with clear understanding of the project’s specific needs. We prepared street rehabilitation PS&E, traffic control designs, pavement designs, and asset management systems based on careful understanding of design requirements.   Learn More → Environmental Geology & Engineering Impact from hazardous waste, wetlands, faulting, and/or NEPA processes are serious concerns for project development. We identify such concerns early in project development, and provide strategies to mitigate impacts and provide the proper regulatory approval so the project can proceed on time and achieve the project goals. Learn More → Roads & Bridges Congestion and failing road surfaces cause delays, vehicle damage, and even driver safety issues. Solving these problems requires our specialized knowledge of pavement and roadway structures. Learn More → Water, Wastewater & Flood Control Drinking water, flushing toilets, and dry streets for granted – until they are gone. We specialize in keeping these systems running effectively. Learn More → Airports, Ports & Dredging Expanding and maintaining ports and airports is crucial to our economic development. HVJ’s specialized pavement, wharf, and navigation channel experience makes it happen. Learn More → Rail & Transit Rail and public transit facilities enable efficient transportation of people and goods. Our detailed knowledge of AREMA requirements keeps projects on track. Learn More → Buildings & Parks Schools, universities, courts, parks, solid waste facilities are all critical to our society. HVJ has specialized knowledge and experience with a multitude of public projects. Learn More → [About Us](https://go.hvj.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [News & Resources](https://www.hvj.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Locations](https://www.hvj.com/all-locations?hsLang=en) [Partners](https://www.hvj.com/partners?hsLang=en) HVJ Difference Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive. Learn More → Culture We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results. Learn More → Benefits We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits. Learn More → Employee Stories Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project. Learn More → Current Openings We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams. Learn More → Agencies HVJ has been proud to support hundreds of public agencies meet and exceed service expectations from their constituents.  Learn More → Consultant Clients We’ve developed ongoing teaming relationships with many consulting firms based on delivering outstanding client satisfaction. Learn More → Providers Our success strongly depends on our business associates that provide the products and services we need. Learn More → HVJ Difference Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive. Learn More → Culture We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results. Learn More → Benefits We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits. Learn More → Employee Stories Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project. Learn More → Current Openings We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams. Learn More → The Opportunity Own a successful engineering business by adding our proven systems to your engineering talent and network. Learn More → How It Works Help us branchise – you help us build a branch office and then convert it into your own franchise. Learn More → Who's A Fit? Are you energetic and confident? See if this might be an opportunity that fits you. Learn More → FAQs What do you want to know?  Find the answers to common questions. Learn More → Success Stories Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems. Learn More → Search **Menu** ** ** [![Let's Talk](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5496911/6233d0db-c76c-4678-9152-08331c17b6f1.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5496911/6233d0db-c76c-4678-9152-08331c17b6f1) ![Commuter Rail Compressed](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Commuter%20Rail%20Compressed.jpg?width=1277&name=Commuter%20Rail%20Compressed.jpg "Commuter Rail Compressed") # Commuter Rail Station Distressed CIP Wall  ## Project Background A commuter rail service station in North Texas required engineering services for a retaining wall at one of its highly utilized rail stations. Visible signs of structural distress were observed on the Cast-In-Place (CIP) wall, raising concerns about its long-term performance and safety. A thorough investigation was necessary to determine the root cause of the distress and to develop appropriate mitigation measures.  The client engaged Jacobs Engineering, which selected HVJ North Texas to provide services for this project, given our proven expertise in geotechnical evaluations and a strong, ongoing working relationship with Jacobs on similar infrastructure projects.  Our services included subsurface investigations, soil analysis, and geotechnical recommendations to support the assessment and remediation of the wall distress.  ### **Practice:** [Geotechnical Engineering](https://www.hvj.com/geotechnical-engineering-services?hsLang=en) ### [**Sector:** Rail and Transit](https://www.hvj.com/rail-transit?hsLang=en) ### **Location:**  North Texas ### **Services: **Geotechnical investigation, analysis, and recommendations ![CIP wall](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CIP%20wall.jpg?width=854&name=CIP%20wall.jpg "CIP wall") ## The Problem  We needed to evaluate and remediate progressive structural distress in the cast-in-place retaining wall, which included multiple diagonal and vertical cracks along the wall face. Several cracks had increased in size, and new ones have formed over time. Persistent water seepage at the base of the wall, accompanied by signs of efflorescence and rust staining, suggested improper drainage and potential internal deterioration. Additionally, the adjacent sidewalk showed noticeable separation from the wall, with gaps likely caused by soil movement, wall displacement, or settlement of backfill. These observations suggested ongoing structural movement and deterioration, warranting further investigation to determine appropriate remediation.  ## The Goal Our goal was to develop a feasible and constructible solution to mitigate the ongoing structural distress and prevent further deterioration of the retaining wall. To achieve this, we needed to understand the root causes of the wall movement and distress through a comprehensive geotechnical evaluation.  We completed a detailed geotechnical exploration behind the wall to assess subsurface conditions, including the characteristics of the backfill soils and the presence of groundwater. We used the data we collected to back-calculate existing earth pressures acting on the wall and determine whether additional resistance or structural support would be necessary. These analyses provided the foundation for us to develop practical and effective remediation strategies that aligned with the client’s goals of ensuring long-term wall stability and safety.  ## Our Solution Faced with signs of wall distress and drainage issues, our team approached the problem with a strong technical strategy that combined our expertise in geotechnical engineering, structural assessment, and practical construction solutions. We explored multiple repair and mitigation options, evaluating each based on long-term performance, cost efficiency, and minimal disruption to the surrounding infrastructure during construction.  After conducting a detailed assessment of the wall conditions, we identified key issues, such as cracking, drainage failure, and soil pressure concerns. Based on the evaluation, we developed three potential solutions:  1. Minimal Approach – A conservative option involving crack repair, sidewalk sealing, and installing weep holes draining into a trench drain. While effective in addressing surface-level symptoms, our analysis showed that wall movement could persist if the drainage material behind the wall remained clogged.   2. Additional Lateral Support – A more robust option that involved installing drilled shafts and anchor rods to provide lateral support to the wall, accompanied by crack sealing and sidewalk replacement. This solution would stabilize the wall more permanently but would come with higher costs and surface disruption.   3. Remove and Replace the Drainage System Behind the Wall – This option involves removing the existing backfill, replacing the collector drainage system, and using crushed stone as backfill. This approach would improve drainage performance and reduce lateral pressure on the wall. Additionally, with the back of the wall exposed, we proposed installing counterfort braces from the wall to the footing, further increasing wall stability.  The Results Our work on this ongoing project has laid a strong foundation for a successful outcome and enabled the design team to make well-informed decisions. Through a comprehensive evaluation and design process, we developed technically sound, practical, and forward-thinking solutions. Our proposed design demonstrates HVJ’s ability to blend innovation with constructability.  For example:   - Our experienced team knew incorporating a drilled shaft and anchor system would provide critical lateral support to stabilize the retaining wall and prevent further movement. This solution is particularly important when existing drainage or backfill improvements may not sufficiently arrest wall movement independently. This system would ensure both immediate stabilization and long-term structural integrity. - Including counterfort braces was a unique and strategic recommendation based on our team’s insight into long-term structural performance. This element was not originally part of the wall’s design, but we identified it as a proactive measure that would significantly enhance stability, especially given the signs of movement already observed. - Selecting crushed stone backfill in the active wedge was another improvement. We selected this material not only for its drainage capacity but also for its ability to reduce hydrostatic and soil pressure, thus offering a long-term benefit that surpassed the original fill design.  We also prioritized communication and collaboration with the design team throughout the process. We presented options, cost-benefit guidelines, anticipated construction impacts, and long-term performance outcomes.  Share this story [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Fnorthtexascipwall%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Fnorthtexascipwall%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Fnorthtexascipwall%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Fnorthtexascipwall%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=North%20Texas%20Distressed%20CIP%20Wall) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Fnorthtexascipwall%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Fnorthtexascipwall%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) #### HVJ Associates, Inc. 6120 S. 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