Soil Nailing

In this technique, soil is reinforced with slender elements such as reinforcing bars which are called as nails. These reinforcing bars are installed into pre-drilled holes and then grouted. These nails are installed at an inclination of 10 to 20 degrees with vertical.

Soil nailing is used to stabilize the slopes or excavations where required slopes for excavation cannot be provided due to space constraints and construction of retaining wall is not feasible. It is just an alternate to retaining wall structures.

As the excavation proceeds, the shotcrete, concrete or other grouting materials are applied on the excavation face to grout the reinforcing steel or nails. These provide stability to the steep soil slope.

Soil nailing technique is used for slopes or excavations alongside highways, railway lines etc.