Second Stage of MSE Berm Construction at South Hadley Landfill Completed

ARM recently completed the construction of the second stage of the first ever mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) berm for a waste containment application in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

ARM recently completed the construction of the second stage of the first ever mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) berm for a waste containment application in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Cell 2D MSE berm facilitated a vertical expansion of the landfill located in South Hadley, Massachusetts. ARM was the engineer-of-record for the design of the MSE berm and also provided construction-phase engineering and construction quality assurance services.

The site conditions presented many challenges that made the design and construction of the Cell 2D vertical expansion very complex. Because space was limited, the MSE berm had to be founded on a historic landfill. In order to construct the berm, an existing cap system was removed, waste excavation commenced, and a replacement cap system was installed. Due to the variability in composition and thickness of the existing waste, subgrade reinforcement was required to ensure a stable foundation for the MSE berm. Settlement plates were installed to monitor vertical subgrade displacement during and following construction.

During construction of the MSE berm, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Section Chiefs from throughout the state conducted a tour of the facility. Representatives from both the Town and MassDEP have complimented the completed Cell 2D MSE berm vertical expansion. Construction of the Cell 2D, Stage 2 vertical expansion began in April 2011 and was completed in July of 2011.