Fortrac® geogrids make it possible:
21 m high mechanically stabilized earth
wall at the Nürburgring/Germany

The situation
Fortrac® geogrids make it possible: the construction of a 21 m high wall as part of the extension of the Formula 1 race circuit. The wall was integrated in the new Mercedes Benz Arena, and will be having a green finish.
The solution
The solution chosen by the client was a mechanically stabilised earth wall (MSEW) reinforced with different Fortrac® geogrid types, and with a maximum height of 21 m, a length of approximately 190 m and an inclination of 70°.
The construction stage was strictly limited to the winter time only (off-season).
The wall was finished with a green facing, by using an erosion control mat and hydro-seeding.
Since recycled slag material was used as fill material, the high pH level (up to 12) required the use of a chemically resistant reinforcement.
Furthermore the use of low creep material was necessary, in order to avoid excess deformation in this aesthetically high profile project.
Fortrac® M, consisting of PVA yarns with high chemical resistance and very low creep tendency, combined with excellent stress strain behaviour was selected and is performing excellently – during construction and in its final appearance.
The advantages
• Construction also possible in winter time during frost periods
• Very flexible solution, in construction, engineering and landscaping
• Ease of construction
• Minimal settlements, not susceptible to potential differential settlements
• Excellent integration in the environment
• Fortrac® allows the use of local fill or recycled construction waste
• Can be integrated harmoniously within other existing structures and elements
• Very economical solution
Location: Nürburgring Formula 1 racing track, Germany
Client: Nürburgring GmbH
Installation drawings: IBH – Ingenieurbüro Herold, Weimar
Contractor: Schnorpfeil, Treis-Karden, Germany
Year of construction: 2001/2002
Products: Fortrac® R110/25-20/30MP; Fortrac® 80/25-20/30MP; Fortrac® 35/20-20/30MP