A Bibliometric Review of Reinforced Soil Wall Research Topics

Abstract

Reinforced soil or mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall structures offer straightforward construction techniques as an alternative to conventional retaining earth walls. The benefits of MSE wall structures are their low cost, rapid construction, minimal ground occupation, and high tolerance for differential settlements. In the past, a vast amount of research has been conducted on this specific topic, but there is no state-of-the-art overview on the general reinforced soil walls subject. In this paper, a bibliometric review of MSE walls literature is carried out to provide multiple data points regarding the state-of-the-art in MSE wall publications. To present/demonstrate the main traditional applications, current utility, and last developments of MSE walls, a thematic/keyword cluster categorization is performed to catalog and organize the numerous applications analyzed and published in the last 4 decades. Furthermore, a discussion of MSE wall characteristics is conducted to assist researchers in expanding their understanding of potential future research areas.