The British Standards Institution (BSI) has published a new European Standard on geotechnical works - BS EN 14475:2006 Execution of special geotechnical works. Reinforced fill. BS EN 14475:2006 establishes general principles for the construction of reinforced fill.

It covers engineered fills which are reinforced by the inclusion of horizontal or sub-horizontal reinforcement placed between layers of fill during construction.

The scope of reinforced fill applications considered in this standard include:.

- Earth retaining structures, (vertical, battered or inclined walls, bridge abutments, bulk storage facilities), with a facing to retain fill placed between the reinforcing layers.

- Reinforced steep slopes with a facing, either built-in or added or wrap-around, reinforced shallow slopes without a facing, but covered by some form of erosion protection without a facing, reinstatement of failed slopes.

- Embankments with basal reinforcement and embankments with reinforcement against frost heave in the upper part.

Principles for the execution of other special geotechnical works using soil nails, bored piles, displacement piles, micro piles, sheet pile walls, diaphragm walls, grouting or jet grouting are established in other European Standards.

Reinforcement of road pavements is not covered by this Standard.

BS 8006 is currently undergoing major revision to bring it in line with BS EN 14475 and BS EN 1997-1.

Some of the requirements of BS 8006:1995 Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills will now be superseded by BS EN 14475:2006.