What is Soil Nailing?
Soil nailing is an earth retention construction technique to treat unstable soil slopes. Typically soil nailing is used as a remedial measure; however it can also be used in the construction of over-steepened soil embankments. Generally the structural integrity of the soil slope is greatly improved through the installation of steel reinforcement bars that are anchored into a particular soil stratum. Ultimately, the soil nail provides a resisting force against slope failures.
Brief Methodology
- If necessary, area is excavated and temporary bracing is put into place.
- The soil nail holes are then drilled at predetermined locations as set out by a design engineer.
- Hole can be made using rotary percussive methods or auguring, depending on soil conditions.
- The reinforcement tension bars (nails) are then inserted into the holes.
- The bars are then grouted into place thereby transferring the capacity of the bar to the soil.
- Nails heads are added to complete.