Evaluation of the Tensar ARES\uT\uM Retaining Wall System

The Highway Innovative Technology Evaluation Center (HITEC) serves as a clearinghouse for implementing highway innovation by conducting nationally focused, collaborative evaluations of new products and technologies. This report, ""Evaluation of the Tensar ARES Retaining Wall System"", was prepared as part of the HITEC evaluation for Earth Retaining Systems (ERS). This evaluation was performed on the ARES Retaining Wall System (ARES System), a mechanically stabilized earth structure (MSE) developed, designed, and supplied by Tensar Earth Technologies, Inc. This report describes a HITEC evaluation designed to determine the basic capabilities and limitations of the ARES System for use as a technically viable precast MSE retaining wall system. The evaluation was conducted based on design, construction, performance, and quality assurance information outlined in the HITEC Protocol. The ARES System features segmental precast concrete facing panels five feet high by nine feet wide (1.52 by 2.74 m) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) geogrid soil reinforcement that is connected to the facing panels using a newly developed slot connection method.