Soil Nailing

Soil nailing is a revolutionary construction technique that provides unparalleled stability for projects involving slopes and excavations. Steel or fiberglass rods are driven into the soil, providing an anchor in both natural and man-made slopes which can improve strength and resistance to erosion. The rods are then grouted in place to provide additional reinforcement that is often more secure than traditional construction materials such as mortar or concrete. Soil nailing is rapidly becoming the go-to method for large-scale projects, promising greater durability and stability than ever before.

The soil nailing method is increasing in popularity due to its versatility, longevity, and effectiveness. It involves driving steel or reinforced concrete nails into the soil at a specific sloped angle to stabilize slopes that have been damaged by erosion or stormwater runoff. Additionally, when incorporated into the construction of retaining walls and other structures, the technique helps to strengthen them substantially and can even be used to reinforce existing structures. As compared with other reinforcement systems, soil nailing offers a high degree of support and durability, so once installed correctly it should serve as an invaluable long-term solution for many years to come.

When is Soil Nailing Necessary?

Soil nailing is often used on slopes or embankments that are at risk of collapse. It can also be used to support structures built on unstable ground, such as cliffsides or sinkholes. In some cases, soil nailing may be used as an alternative to traditional foundation systems.

Despite its higher cost relative to other methods, soil nailing offers faster installation times and, because it does not require major excavations or drilling into rock, can be much less disruptive. This makes soil nailing an ideal choice for many situations where the construction site is heavily trafficked, such as highways and public venues. Beyond propping up unstable terrain with permanent nails, it can also be used effectively to stabilize local urban landscapes with minimal disruption to nearby businesses and residences. Ultimately, soil nailing may cost a bit more upfront but offers numerous cost-saving benefits further down the line.

Soil Nailing Techniques

Soil nailing is the technique of strengthening the soil to give it more stability. The process involves hammering steel bars into the soil, hence the name “soil nailing”. This process of soil nailing provides a resisting force against slope failures. The process is faster than other similar methods.

The procedure starts by drilling into the soil where the “nail” steel bar is going to be placed. After the drilling is completed, the exact depth must be provided by a geotechnical engineer, then the nail is inserted into the drilled hole. After that is completed, it is grouted into the soil to create a structure similar to a gravity wall.

My Foundation Repairs uses Earth Contact Products (ECP), for soil nailing. These ECP soil nails are 1-1/2″ and 1-3/4 square bars with both 6″ or 8″ helix flights. The shaft lengths are 5′ and 7′ with an ultimate tension strength of 70,000 lbs. and 100,000 lbs. The shaft is a solid bar.

Soil nailing is the technique of strengthening the soil to give it more stability. The process involves hammering steel bars into the soil, hence the name “soil nailing”. This process of soil nailing provides a resisting force against slope failures. The process is faster than other similar methods.

The procedure starts by drilling into the soil where the “nail” steel bar is going to be placed. After the drilling is completed, the exact depth must be provided by a geotechnical engineer, then the nail is inserted into the drilled hole. After that is completed, it is grouted into the soil to create a structure similar to a gravity wall.

My Foundation Repairs uses Earth Contact Products (ECP), for soil nailing. These ECP soil nails are 1-1/2″ and 1-3/4 square bars with both 6″ or 8″ helix flights. The shaft lengths are 5′ and 7′ with an ultimate tensions strength of 70,000 lbs. and 100,000 lbs. The shaft is a solid bar.

soil nailing

Soil Nailing For Foundation Repair

When you have soil failure, you will have foundation problems. The soil needs to be stabilized and secure in order for a foundation to be stable. Most foundation problems are caused by soil failure.

My Foundation Repairs installs ECP soil nails to stabilize the soil. These soil nails are installed in an evenly spaced close geometric pattern. When installing a soil nail stabilization project, the soil nail installation and the excavation must be accomplished in incremental depths of 4 to 6 feet until the final depth is accomplished. Immediately following the incremental excavation of the soil and the soil nail installations, the vertical face of the soil is covered with a steel reinforced coating.

Soil nails are passive structural elements and are not tensioned after installation. The soil nail gains pullout resistance from within the sliding soil mass in front of the slip plane and the stable soil mass located behind the slip plane. The geometric system of soil nail placements creates an internally reinforced soil mass that is stable. Figure 4 shows a sketch of a typical soil nail installation. Soil nails are not tensioned after installation. They gain pullout resistance from within the sliding soil mass in front of the slip plane and the stable soil mass located behind the slip plane.

Each soil nail has a great number of helical plates. These helical plates are evenly spaced along the entire length of the shaft (a tieback anchor only has a few helical plates attached).

Soil Nailing Contractors

The installation of soil nails is a specialized process that requires the use of heavy equipment and trained personnel. As a result, many homeowners and businesses hire soil nailing contractors to perform this work. Soil nailing contractors typically have a team of workers who are experienced in operating the equipment and performing the necessary excavation.

In addition, soil nailing contractors usually have a good understanding of the local geology and soils, which is essential for choosing the right type of nails and ensuring that they are installed correctly. As a result, hiring a reputable soil nailing contractor is often the best way to ensure that your project is completed safely and successfully.

If you are in need of soil nailing to stabilize soil to prevent foundation failure, contact My Foundation Repairs. Our contractors use only the best products for foundation repair manufactured by ECP. Contact us today!

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