Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE)

Mechanically stabilised earth systems are versatile and proven geotechnical solutions for the cost-effective stabilisation of slopes, embankments, and retaining structures.

They combine reliable, verifiable structural stability with design flexibility and offer a more resource-efficient and vegetation-capable alternative to conventional retaining structures.

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Benefits of Mechanically Stabilised Earth Structures

Verified stability and long service life

Resource-efficient system solutions

Active soil management by using locally available materials

Economical overall construction approach

Mechanically Stabilised Earth Systems and Their Functionality

What is Mechanically Stabilised Earth?

Reinforced earth refers to a geotechnical construction method in which bulk bodies are produced by horizontally inserting reinforcing geosynthetics or steel reinforcements.

The destabilising or sliding forces occurring in steep fills are transferred into these reinforcement layers through soil-reinforcement interaction and are effectively resisted.

The reinforcement absorbs defined tensile forces through frictional interaction and increases the shear strength of the soil mass.

Depending on the project requirements, various system types are used with different facing options, such as gabions, natural stone facings, or vegetated mats.

When are Mechanically Stabilised Earth Systems Required?

Mechanically Stabilized Earth systems are primarily used when high embankments or abrupt grade changes must be stabilised cost-effectively and with long-term reliability.

From a slope inclination of approx. 34°, the term steep slope generally applies. In such cases, the natural soil shear strength is often insufficient, and reinforcement becomes necessary to prevent the formation of slip or failure surfaces. Especially for slopes steeper than 45°, MSE systems offer a technically secure solution.

Application Areas of MSE Systems

Standard Applications

MSE is widely used in classic applications, especially in transportation infrastructure and civil engineering. Typical use cases include:

boeschungssicherung_fahrbahnverbreiterung

Roadway and bicycle path widening

along existing roads or railway lines

Retaining of grade separations

and stabilisation of embankments

Bridge abutments

Landslide remediation

and long-term stabilisation of slopes

Space optimisation

through steepening of existing embankments

Noise and protective berms

as alternatives to massive concrete structures

Specialised Applications

In addition to conventional uses, MSE systems are also suited for complex and special engineering challenges. These include:

Protection of watercourse banks or basin slopes

(e.g. stormwater retention basins), combined with vegetation and natural integration

Rock face stabilisation and cladding

in exposed or erosion-prone areas

Landfill footings

Embankment stabilisation at the base of landfills

We are happy to advise you on the wide range of application possibilities of MSE systems with geosynthetic reinforcement – tailored to your project requirements and site conditions.

Technical Properties and Materials of MSE Structures

Structure and Function

MSE structures consist of multiple functionally coordinated components: Reinforcement layers made of geosynthetics or steel are designed to resist tensile forces within the soil mass. Suitable fill materials transfer load into the reinforcements and must meet specific minimum standards regarding compactability and shear strength. Facings such as gabions, natural stone, or vegetated mats serve both aesthetic and erosion control purposes.

Technical Characteristics

MSE systems are characterized by low susceptibility to settlement, excellent adaptability to variable ground conditions, and high durability. Material selection should always be project-specific and based on the geotechnical, chemical, and durability demands of the site.

One of BECO BERMÜLLER’s MSE system solutions is based on a highly robust and durable steel wire mesh with duplex protection.

Advantages of using steel mesh reinforcement include:

High chemical resistance to low and high soil pH (3–13)
Exceptional durability under coarse fill stress (grain sizes up to 0/250 mm)
UV-Beständig und Tausalzbeständig für mindestens 120 Jahren
Modular design adaptability and pre-assembly
Excellent recyclability (e.g. re-melting after service life)

Mechanically Stabilised Earth System Solutions

BECO BERMÜLLER offers several tailored MSE system solutions – adapted to technical, environmental, and aesthetic requirements.

BEGREEN steep slope systems

The BEGREEN system combines geogrid reinforcement with a permanent greened front. It is ideal for environmentally sensitive projects that require both structural stability and ecological integration.

Based on the MSE principle, BEGREEN is flexible in its application across various slope inclinations and terrains. Components are designed for efficient installation – especially in urban areas, landscape engineering, and municipal infrastructure. Suitable for inclinations up to 70°.

To BEGREEN steep slope systems

TERRAMESH steep slope systems

TERRAMESH is a proven all-in-one solution for the construction of reinforced soil embankments with either a vegetated or gabion-style stone façade. The system follows the MSE principle with an envelope-style reinforcement method. This technique provides long-term performance and high durability. The primary structural element is a double-twisted, galvanised, and polymer-coated steel wire mesh.

TERRAMESH is suitable for a wide range of applications in infrastructure and civil engineering, including steep slopes and noise barriers.

To TERRAMESH steep slope systems

Overview of TERRAMESH System Variants:

GREEN TERRAMESH – vegetated slope system with integrated erosion control mat, inclinations up to 70°
MINERAL TERRAMESH 5×5 – steep slope system with gabion-like facing, inclinations up to 85°
TERRAMESH DUO – dual-panel system for modular embankment construction, inclinations up to 80°
TERRAMESH SYSTEM – gabion-fronted MSE system with full structural integration, inclinations up to 90°

TERRABENT slope stabilisation and sealing system

TERRABENT is a specialised solution for the stabilisation and sealing of slopes, e.g. in landfill or hydraulic engineering applications. The system combines preassembled TERRAMESH MSE elements with bentonite mats (Geosynthetic Clay Liners, GCLs) to unite mechanical strength and long-lasting impermeability. The GCL provides a homogeneous, thin mineral seal, while the TERRAMESH element ensures slope stability.

TERRABENT is suitable for landfill toe stabilisations, containment of contaminated sites, steep slopes in hydraulic works, or edge sealing in technical infrastructure. Depending on the setup, inclinations up to 85° are possible.

To TERRABENT slope stabilisation and sealing system

Our Service: Technical Support from the Start

Our application engineering team supports you throughout all project phases – from concept development to construction execution. We assist with:

Preliminary structural calculations
Customised system proposals
3D models and installation plans
Specification texts and CAD or BIM data
On-site briefings and supervision

With many years of experience in Mechanically Stabilised Earth, we ensure that your project is executed to the highest technical standards and in a cost-efficient manner.

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Mechanically Stabilised Earth Material and Environment

Compared to, for example, angled retaining walls or massive cast-in-place concrete walls, (geo)synthetic reinforced earth systems offer considerable advantages in terms of resource efficiency. While concrete structures involve high energy consumption in cement production, significant logistical effort and, where applicable, deep foundation work, reinforced earth systems rely on the use of locally available soils, a reduced material requirement and consequently straightforward site logistics. This also has a positive effect on the environmental balance. In addition, an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) according to ISO 14025 is available for our TERRAMESH system solutions.

Environmental benefits at a glance:

Weniger Transportaufwand durch Materialeinsparung
Resource-friendly construction by reusing locally available soil
Minimal land sealing due to slender design
The vegetation-capable front provides protection against vandalism

Greening

In addition, geosynthetic MSE structures with slope angles up to 70° can be vegetated, providing both ecological and visual integration into the landscape. Vegetation also protects against vandalism (e.g. graffiti) and promotes biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Effect on the Microclimate

Compared to concrete structures, which promote warming of the surrounding area through heat radiation, the vegetation on steep slopes can have a cooling effect on the microclimate and, in the event of heavy rainfall, can also help buffer and retain rainwater.

CO₂ Balance

Reinforced earth structures offer a lower CO₂ footprint in terms of material and production compared to conventional solutions, as well as the additional possibility of CO₂ sequestration through the plants growing on them.

Installation of Geosynthetic MSE Systems

Installing geosynthetic MSE systems follows a step-by-step process that requires coordinated execution:

After stripping the topsoil and preparing the base layer to meet structural requirements, system components are prepared – usually involving the cutting of roll materials. The facing formwork is properly placed, and the first reinforcement layer, cut to project-specific dimensions, is laid out. This is then covered with suitable fill material and compacted in layers.

Depending on the system type, different installation methods are used – critical aspects include correct reinforcement alignment, achieving required compaction levels, and incorporating relevant components for erosion control and facing support.

Advantages of Preassembled Systems

Factory-preassembled systems such as TERRAMESH or TERRABENT significantly reduce construction time. The prefabricated elements are simply placed onto the prepared subgrade, unfolded, filled and compacted. Required reinforcement lengths are pre-manufactured based on the design specifications. Training and on-site instruction by our technical and field service teams ensure correct installation.

Watch the TERRAMESH steep slope system installation video for a detailed step-by-step overview.

Contact us for Tailored Mechanically Stabilised Earth Solutions

Planning an MSE structure or need project-specific assistance? The BECO BERMÜLLER technical team is here to support you – from the initial idea through to engineering and construction. Whether you require structural pre-design, 3D layout planning or site support – we offer expert guidance at every stage.

Further information about:

Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE)

PRODUCTS

System solutions

BEGREEN steep slope systems

BEGREEN is an embankment protection system for inclinations of up to 70°. The system is based on laying layers of soil and geogrids alternately, whereby the geogrid acts as a structural reinforcement element.

System solutions

TERRAMESH steep slope systems

The reinforcing material in TERRAMESH systems comprises a mesh made of double twisted steel wire. The wire has duplex protection, consisting of a thick galvanised GalMac alloy coating and an additional Polimac coating.

System solutions

TERRABENT slope stabilisation and sealing system

TERRABENT is a sealed earthwork structure with a greenable slope inclination of 70°. It is a combination of the statically effective slope stabilization system GREEN TERRAMESH with the geosynthetic clay liner BENTOMAT.

Field Reports