As part of the improvements to a grade separated interchange, six 8 m high Websol (or Freyssisol) walls were constructed in Western Sydney. The performance of one of these walls was monitored. This work involved a precision survey of panel movements, vertical earth pressure cells, bar extensometers to record movements within the clay shale backfill, and vibrating wire load bolts attached to the reinforcing strips. In addition, the dynamic response of the wall was evaluated. The average panel displacement was in the order of 50 mm. Base pressures indicated a load eccentricity during construction. Maximum strip tensions were some 40% below design values. Vibration measurements showed a
dominant frequency of about 16 Hz, a shear modulus of 470 MPa (at a strain level of 9xl0-4%) and a damping ratio of 4%.
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