Soil Nails

Soil nails are used in the process of reinforcing slopes and blocks of  for earth for retention and stabilization. They have helical bearing plates spaced along the entire length of the shaft for continuous bonding with the earth. As opposed to grouted anchors which are generally 4 to 6 inches in diameter, helical soil nails mobilize a bonded diameter that is 8 or 10 inches in diameter for a greater reinforcing effect. This process permits the use of relatively thin shotcrete facing or steel mesh to prevent raveling between nails as opposed to the heavy reinforced facing required for soil anchor walls. Since they are intended for earth reinforcement, the termination criteria for the anchors is based on length as opposed to minimum installation torque. Lengths then are fixed length (typically 0.7 to 0.8 times the slope/wall height). Fixed length allows for the shafts to be manufactured with an integrated thread bar adapter. There is no need to cut-off and re-drill the shaft. Helical soil nails have many advantages over traditional grouted soil nails. Installation is very rapid. There are no issues with caving soils and/or groundwater, and there is no waiting for grout to set. 

Additional information

Shaft Diameter (in)

3

Max. Allowable Shear Strength (tons)

5

Max. Allowable Tensile Strength (tons)

11

Description

Soil nails are used in the process of reinforcing slopes and blocks of  for earth for retention and stabilization. They have helical bearing plates spaced along the entire length of the shaft for continuous bonding with the earth. As opposed to grouted anchors which are generally 4 to 6 inches in diameter, helical soil nails mobilize a bonded diameter that is 8 or 10 inches in diameter for a greater reinforcing effect. This process permits the use of relatively thin shotcrete facing or steel mesh to prevent raveling between nails as opposed to the heavy reinforced facing required for soil anchor walls. Since they are intended for earth reinforcement, the termination criteria for the anchors is based on length as opposed to minimum installation torque. Lengths then are fixed length (typically 0.7 to 0.8 times the slope/wall height). Fixed length allows for the shafts to be manufactured with an integrated thread bar adapter. There is no need to cut-off and re-drill the shaft. Helical soil nails have many advantages over traditional grouted soil nails. Installation is very rapid. There are no issues with caving soils and/or groundwater, and there is no waiting for grout to set.