Cost Optimization and Design Alternatives for Structural Retaining Walls in Chicago’s Circle Interchange Area

• Tony Antonyuk
• Andriy Buha
• Daniel Kalafut
• Shamma Kram
• Joe Perez

With the current growth of the world’s population, engineers are faced with the challenge of completing complex projects while adhering to cost analysis and structural integrity of a design. As improvement in the construction industry continues, infrastructure is needed to make current and future projects more manageable and cost-efficient. An analysis of the Jackson Boulevard Interchange located in Chicago, Illinois, was completed with the prospect of redesigning the current retaining wall and drill shafts to provide a more effective and cost-efficient design. To provide successful improvements on the project, a study of the foundation is needed to understand the environment in which the project is built upon. With a review of the project geotechnical engineering reports (soil and environmental behavior), the permissible loads and forces that will be enacted upon the structure when presented to the area’s soil type and environment will be analyzed. Possible value engineering solutions that were considered in effectively modifying the project design are ground soil improvements and the incorporation  of design alternatives such as a secant wall and MSE wall. In essence, the application of these alternatives will adhere to current design standards and provide a more economical design. Key words: Cost, Cost- Efficient, Analyze, Retaining wall, Drill Shaft, Jackson Boulevard Interchange, Secant wall, MSE wall, Value Engineering.

See supporting documentation in the team’s Box drive.