Civil Infrastructure – MSE Walls & Slopes
Location:
Toronto, Ontario
Featured Products:
Titan Earth Wall™ – Stoney
Featured Services:
Stamped Design, Construction Drawings and Product Supply
Product Category:
Titan Earth Wall™ MSE Systems
Project Overview
Casa Loma, a historic Gothic Revival castle in Toronto, is one of the city’s most treasured landmarks. Titan was entrusted with a crucial project to help preserve this historic structure, as lateral earth pressures were causing foundation wall cracking. The team assisted the engineers with the MSE design, supplied materials, supported the construction process by troubleshooting onsite technical issues and provided the final QVE certificate. With this project, we helped protect the castle’s South Balcony and West Rampart Garden Wall, extending the structure’s lifespan.
Historical Significance of Casa Loma
Casa Loma, designed by renowned architect E.J. Lennox, was constructed as a testament to Sir Henry Pellatt’s wealth and status. The castle, with its dramatic towers, extensive use of high-quality materials, and modern amenities, stands as a symbol of the early 20th-century Canadian elite’s ambition and opulence. Once the largest private residence in Canada, Casa Loma has become a major museum and tourist attraction, drawing over 350,000 visitors annually. Our preservation work helped ensure this iconic structure remains a vital part of Toronto’s cultural heritage.
Project Challenge
Titan designed a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall to support the historic Casa Loma in Toronto. The project presented several unique challenges:
- Existing Site Constraints: Numerous existing pipes and other obstructions were encountered during excavation. These required modifications to the original geogrid design to maintain the structural stability of the system while bypassing the existing structures and accommodating the site’s historical features.
- Tight Working Space: The historical nature of the site limited the available working area. Careful planning and coordination were necessary to ensure that the construction process did not disrupt the integrity of Casa Loma or its surrounding landscape, preserving the building’s historic fabric. Note: Titan did not provide installation, as it was done by the contractor.
- Preservation of Historical Integrity: Given Casa Loma’s status as a historic landmark, the project required a solution that reinforced the structure and respected its historical significance. The design needed to balance modern engineering needs while preserving the castle’s aesthetic and architectural heritage.
Titan’s Solution
The Titan Earth Wall™ – Stoney system was chosen for this project. By assisting the engineering team with the MSE design and supplying the necessary materials, Titan ensured that the solution met the project’s unique needs.
Galvanized wire forms were used to create the face of the MSE structure. Additionally, Titan TE-6, a 6oz non-woven geotextile, was installed within the front face of the galvanized baskets to prevent the reinforced fill from escaping, which ensured the stability and durability of the MSE system. Behind the wall, the Titan Pyramid Grid™ – UX geogrid provided crucial reinforcement to the soil structure.
Project Specification Summary
- Titan Earth Wall™ – Stoney
- Galvanized Wire Forms
- Titan Pyramid Grid™ – UX Geogrid
- Titan TE-6 – 6oz Non-Woven Geotextile
Project Results
The Titan Earth Wall™ – Stoney system successfully reduced the lateral pressures on Casa Loma’s historic structure.
Project Wins
- The MSE wall helps protect the structural integrity of Casa Loma and preserve its historical significance.
- The geogrid reinforcement reduced lateral pressures.
- The system offers long-lasting protection with minimal maintenance.
Titan Earth Wall™ – Stoney System
The Titan Earth Wall™ – Stoney system is a permanent MSE wall solution composed of galvanized wire baskets, uniaxial geogrid reinforcement, and well-graded stone facing. It’s designed for walls up to 90° vertical face and heights up to 30m, with a design life of up to a century. The system’s ease of construction, cost-effectiveness, and ability to handle settlement make it a preferred choice for civil construction projects.
The Stoney system works for a wide range of applications, including:
- MSE Walls for Highway Construction
- Bridge Abutments
- Wing Walls
- Submerged Walls
- Culvert Headwalls
- Landscaping Walls
Building for the future with expertise you can trust
Whether you’re preserving a historic landmark or constructing a modern infrastructure project, Titan is your partner in delivering lasting solutions. Our MSE wall systems, combined with comprehensive support and technical expertise, ensure that your projects stand the test of time and safeguard your investment.
Get in touch with our team
Interested in MSE Wall & Slope Systems? We have project specialists who are ready to help! Request a consultation using the form below.
Would you rather discuss over the phone? Give us a call at 1-866-327-1957