Provo board hears technical update on Wasatch Elementary retaining-wall failure; contractor recommends phased drainage and rebuild

Provo City School Board members on April 29 heard technical findings and repair options after a portion of a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall failed at Wasatch Elementary, and the district’s contractor recommended a staged repair focused first on drainage and local reconstruction.

The update came during a study session presentation led by Chris Hogan, president of Hogan and Associates Construction, who said the district and contractor have prioritized safety and continuity of education while investigating the cause. “Our very top priority is the safety of this the students, the staff, the public in and around that area, and making sure that the education continues, you know, not interrupted,” Hogan said.

Engineers from IGES and geotechnical consultant AGEC described the site as having mixed native soils, large areas of imported fill and a clay layer that can trap water. Tyler Lercher, the retaining-wall designer from IGES, summarized why the team did borings and trenches: “the main purpose of these borings is to gather subsurface data… ground water would be something that you look for, but you’re also going to look for certain soil characteristics.” Jim Norquist of AGEC added, “Water goes where it wants to,” reflecting uncertainty about the water’s precise source.

Nut graf: The board was presented with a working technical explanation that the wall movement resulted after a previously dry fill zone became saturated by an unforeseen, relatively recent inflow of water; the saturation increased hydrostatic…