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Soil Nail Walls��Module 2: Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Introduction

Training support files are available as attachments from the resources link.

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Course Map

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Course Map

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Module 4

Module 5

Introduction to Soil Nail Walls

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Walls

Pre-Construction and Construction

Construction Inspection Activities

Testing and Monitoring

Production: Please add relevant icons for each module. Do not use the example shown for Module 2.

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Module Overview

This module will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

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Module Overview

Overall Construction Process

Components of Soil Nail Wall

Advantages and Limitations

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Module Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:

Summarize the overall process of constructing soil nail walls for highway transportation applications
Identify the basic components of a typical soil nail wall
List the advantages and limitations of soil nail walls for highway transportation projects

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Module Learning Outcomes

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Fundamentals of Soil Nail Walls

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Fundamentals of soil nail walls

In the last module, we covered the basics of soil nail walls…

1a

Let’s explore soil mechanics…

1b

Production: Find any close-up or cross section soil image.

1a

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Jake): In the last module, we covered the basics of soil nail walls—what they are, where they’re used, and how they compare to other types of walls in highway projects. Now that you’ve got a solid foundation, let’s explore soil mechanics and how soil nail walls are designed to support and interact with the surrounding soil.

Production: Recreate an animated sequence part 1 of 4 (all parts are on the same slide)

Navigation: Animated sequence advances to the next screen.

Image: An equipment operator uses a track hoe to install soil nails for a highway abutment

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, August 5). Soil nailing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_nailing#/media/File:Soil_nail_installation_for_a_highway_abutment.jpg

Image: Cross section of soil

Source: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/cut-of-ground-gm496239631-40853564?searchscope=image%2Cfilm

Image: Man in hard hat and vest smiling with hands out

Source: Articulate

Image: Man in hard hat gesturing to his left

Source: Articulate

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Fundamentals of Soil Nail Walls

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Fundamentals of Soil Nail Walls

Soil nail walls stabilize excavations by reinforcing the soil with nails and a facing…

2a

Earth pressure influences how forces act on the wall and how loads are distributed.

2b

As soil is excavated, earth pressures push against the wall…

2b

2c

Meredith, this is from the 2003 version of GEC no.7. Is it appropriate here?

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Jake): Soil nail walls stabilize excavations by reinforcing the soil with nails and a facing that holds everything in place. They work best in soils that can temporarily stand unsupported because walls rely on the interaction between soil and reinforcement for stability.

Earth pressures influence how forces act on the wall and how loads are distributed.

As soil is excavated, earth pressures push against the wall to create potential creating weak points where the soil could move. Soil nails hold the wall in place by reinforcing the ground and reducing movement.

Production: Recreate an animated sequence part 2 of 4 (all parts are on the same slide)

Navigation: Animated sequence advances to the next screen.

Image: Soil nails on slope with mesh

Source: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:Soilnailing.jpg

Image: Figure 5.1 Potential failure surfaces and soil nail tensile forces

Source: GEC No.7 Soil Nail Walls March 2003, p. 64

Image: Man with construction hat, talking and gesturing with hands out

Source: Articulate

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Fundamentals of Soil Nail Walls

In Module 3, we'll cover the construction process in greater detail, but for now, let's take a big-picture…

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Fundamentals of Soil Nail Walls

3a

Production: Please remove the descriptions and step numbers on each image.

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Jake): In Module 3, we'll cover the construction process in greater detail, but for now, let's take a big-picture look at how a soil nail wall is constructed:

[step 1] First, excavation happens in stages, removing a small section of soil at a time. This controlled process helps maintain stability as the wall is built downward.
[step 2] Next, holes are drilled into the exposed soil face. The spacing and depth of these holes depend on the wall’s design and soil conditions.
[step 3] Once the holes are ready, steel soil nails are inserted and secured with grout. This process strengthens the surrounding soil. At this stage, drainage strips are also installed behind the wall to prevent water buildup, which could increase pressure on the structure.
[step 4] After securing the nails, a facing layer is applied by spraying shotcrete onto the excavation face. This temporary facing often includes welded wire mesh for reinforcement.

Production: Recreate an animated sequence part 3 of 4 (all parts are on the same slide). Each step is highlighted as narrated.

Navigation: Animated sequence advances to the next screen.

Image: Figure 2.2. Typical soil nail wall construction sequence

Source: FHWA GEC 007 February 2015

Image: Man with construction hat, talking and gesturing with hands out

Source: Articulate

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Fundamentals of Soil Nail Walls

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Construction sequence overview

There are two types of soil nails used in construction. Solid bars are the standard choice…

Hollow bars, on the other hand, are installed by drilling directly…

For this course we’ll focus on solid bars since they are the industry standard.

4a

Solid bars

Hollow bars

4b

4c

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Jake): There are two types of soil nails used in construction. Solid bars are the standard choice for highway projects because they are strong and reliable. They are placed into pre-drilled holes and secured with grout.

Hollow bars, on the other hand, are installed by drilling directly into the soil while injecting grout at the same time. This means the bar stays in place as part of the reinforcement. Hollow bars are less common in DOT projects but are sometimes used in smaller walls.

For this course, we’ll focus on solid bars since they are the industry standard.

Production: Recreate an animated sequence part 4 of 4 (all parts are on the same slide).

Navigation: Animated sequence ends. Advance to the next screen.

Image: Figure 3.2 Threaded solid bars

Source: FHWA GEC 007 February 2015, p. 35

Image: Figure 3.7 Typical steel centralizers attached to Hollow Bar Soil Nails (HBSNs)

Source: FHWA GEC 007 February 2015, p. 41

Image: Man with construction hat, talking and gesturing with hands out

Source: Articulate

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Knowledge Check – Define It!

Use the drop-down menu to correctly label each construction activity on the screen. Select Submit when you are satisfied with your labels.

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Knowledge check – Define it!

Soil is removed in small sections, working from the top down in stages

Openings are made in the exposed soil face, with spacing and depth based on soil conditions

Steel bars are placed into the openings and secured to reinforce the surrounding soil

A layer of shotcrete is applied to the exposed surface to hold the soil in place.

********

Drilling

Facing

Excavating

Soil nail installation

Drilling

Facing

Excavating

Soil nail installation

Drilling

Facing

Excavating

Soil nail installation

Drilling

Facing

Excavating

Soil nail installation

Submit

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Narrator): It’s time for our first knowledge check in Module 2. Can you get all four answers correct the first time? Use the drop-down menu to correctly label each construction activity on the screen. Select Submit when you are satisfied with your labels.

Debrief for incorrect: Not quite. Try once more to get all four!

Debrief for correct, or after two attempts:

Excavating: Excavation is the first step in constructing a soil nail wall. Removing soil in stages helps maintain stability before reinforcement is added.
Drilling: This step prepares the soil for reinforcement by creating precise openings where soil nails will be placed."
Soil nail installation: Installing soil nails strengthens the soil and helps the wall resist pressure. The nails are secured in place with grout to ensure stability
Facing: The facing helps stabilize the wall by holding the soil between the nails in place. It often includes shotcrete and may have welded wire mesh for reinforcement.

Production: Reveal answers and debrief text when all 4 are correct, or after the second try

Navigation: Auto-advance following debriefing

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

Solid bars

1. Soil Nail

2. Reinforcement

3. Facing

4. Drainage System

5. Corrosion Protection

Production: Remove all existing labels so only the text boxes are present. Improve colors.

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

Solid bars

1. Soil Nail

2. Reinforcement

3. Facing

4. Drainage System

5. Corrosion Protection

1.Soil Nail

Tendons
Connection components

Plate
Bolt
Washer
Nut

Hi Meredith! I have an ID question, please! I included a bulleted summary but do you think we need it if the narration is synced with the animation? Will it be distracting?

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Narrator): 1. Soil Nail: This is a soil nail. It is made up of a tendon and a threaded steel bar installed in a drilled hole to provide reinforcement. It is secured with grout, which bonds the tendon to the soil. The grout’s water-to-cement ratio is typically between 0.4 and 0.5. To ensure even grout coverage, centralizers keep the tendon properly positioned inside the hole. At the facing, connection components—including the bearing plate, bolt, washer, and nut—anchor the tendon and transfer forces to the wall. Together, these elements create a stable soil nail system that reinforces the ground.

Production: Each element (tendons, connection, grout, centralizer) is highlighted as it is being narrated

Navigation: All 5 labels must be explored before moving on.

Image: Illustration. Main components of a solid bar soil nail and associated wall facing

Source: GEC – 007 Soil Nail Walls Reference Manual, 2015, p. 34

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

Solid bars

1. Soil Nail

2. Reinforcement

3. Facing

4. Drainage System

5. Corrosion Protection

2.Reinforcement

Reinforcement distributes loads and strengthens the facing
Welded wire mesh provides initial stability
Reinforcement bars add strength around nail heads

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Narrator): 2. Reinforcement: Reinforcement is what helps distribute loads and strengthen the facing. This diagram shows how welded wire mesh and reinforcement bars are embedded in the wall structure. Welded wire mesh is placed against the excavation face. The mesh provides initial stability before shotcrete is applied. Additional reinforcement bars are positioned around the nail heads to increase its strength and connect it to the facing. These elements work together to improve the soil nail wall’s durability and resistance to pressure over time.

Production: Each element (reinforcement, welded wire mesh) is highlighted as it is being narrated

Navigation: All 5 labels must be explored before moving on.

Image: Figure 2.1: Typical Cross-Section of a Soil Nail Wall

Source: GEC – 7 Soil Nail Walls, March 2003, p. 6

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

Solid bars

1. Soil Nail

2. Reinforcement

3. Facing

4. Drainage System

5. Corrosion Protection

3.Facing

Facing stabilizes the wall in the short and long term

Production: Consider purchasing this photo from istock

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

Solid bars

1. Soil Nail

2. Reinforcement

3. Facing

4. Drainage System

5. Corrosion Protection

4.Drainage System

Drainage system prevents water buildup
Strip drain collects water
Underdrain and outlets remove water

Strip drain

Drainage pipe

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

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Basic Components of Soil Nail Walls

Solid bars

1. Soil Nail

2. Reinforcement

3. Facing

4. Drainage System

5. Corrosion Protection

5.Corrosion Protection

Permanent nails need extra corrosion protection
Epoxy coating prevents rust
A grout-filled sheath adds double protection

1a

1b

Narrator: This photo shows tendons coating with…

Narrator: Here, the tendons have a corrugated sheath…

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Narrator): 5. Corrosion Protection. Corrosion protection for temporary soil nail applications is usually not required. Cement grout typically provides enough protection against corrosion because these nails are only in place for a short time. In contrast, permanent soil nails need additional protection because they remain in the soil long-term. Common protection methods include grout cover, epoxy coating, galvanization, or encapsulation to prevent rust and extend the nail's lifespan.

[Left section] This photo shows tendons coated with fusion-bonded epoxy, which seals the steel to prevent rust. The purple coating is for harsh environments. The gray coating is for general corrosion resistance.

[Right section] Here, the tendons have a corrugated sheath. When fully installed, grout fills the sheath, creating two layers of protection against corrosion.

Production: Each section of the split photo is highlighted when they are narrated.

Navigation: Auto-advance when all 5 components have been explored.

Image: Figure 3.9 Photo. Solid tendons with gray and purple epoxy coating…

Source: GEC – 007 Soil Nail Walls Reference Manual, 2015, p. 43

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Knowledge Check – Label It!

Label each component of the soil nail wall cross-section diagram by selecting the correct term in the drop-down menu

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Knowledge Check – Label It!

Solid bars

1. Steel tendon secured with grout to reinforce the soil

2. Wire mesh and bars that strengthen the facing

3. Shotcrete or concrete layer that protects the wall

4. Moves water away to reduce pressure on the wall

5. Epoxy coating or encapsulation to prevent rust

Production: Remove all existing labels so only the knowledge check text boxes are present

Drop Down choices for all 5 :

A. Soil Nail

B. Reinforcement

C. Facing

D. Drainage System

E. Corrosion Protection

Submit

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Knowledge Check - Debrief

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Knowledge Check - Debrief

Solid bars

1. Steel tendon secured with grout to reinforce the soil

2. Wire mesh and bars that strengthen the facing

3. Shotcrete or concrete layer that protects the wall

4. Moves water away to reduce pressure on the wall

5. Epoxy coating or encapsulation to prevent rust

Production: Remove all existing labels so only the knowledge check text boxes are present

Drop Down choices for all 5 :

A. Soil Nail

B. Reinforcement

C. Facing

D. Drainage System

E. Corrosion Protection

Soil Nail

Drainage System

Corrosion Protection

Reinforcement

Facing

Script (Narrator): How did you do? Here is a brief summary: Soil Nails are steel tendons secured with grout to reinforce the soil. Reinforcement is wire mesh and bars that strength the facing. The facing is a shotcrete or concrete layer that protects the wall. The drainage system moves water away to reduce pressure on the wall. Finally, corrosion protection is an epoxy coating or encapsulation to prevent rust.

We’ve covered a lot in this module! Now it’s time to consider the advantages and limitations of soil nail walls for highway transportation projects. Select “Next” to continue.

Production: Highlight each term and text book as it is being narrated

Navigation: Users select “Next” to advance to the next slide

Image: Figure 1: Schematic Soil Nail Wall

Source: Caltrans Geotech Manual – Soil Nail Walls p. 1

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

Best Uses

Ideal Applications

Construction

Speed and Access

Performance

Flexible and Reliable

Cost

Material and Labor

Production: Improve icons

I’ve worked on highway project where soil nails were…

Select each category to explore its key advantages

1a

1b

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

Best Uses

Ideal Applications

Construction

Speed and Access

Performance

Flexible and Reliable

Cost

Material and Labor

Stabilizes landslides above the slide area
Works well in firm clay-like soil, layered rock, and compacted fill
Ideal for urban areas and limited-space sites
Suitable for steep slopes and deep excavations

Best Uses

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

Best Uses

Ideal Applications

Construction

Speed and Access

Performance

Flexible and Reliable

Cost

Material and Labor

Requires less space than alternative wall systems
Reduces traffic disruption and environmental impact
Allows faster construction
Can be built in remote or difficult-to-access locations
Enables step-by-step excavation with flexible nail placement
Accommodates curves and irregular shapes

Construction

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Jake): Soil nail walls offer key advantages during construction. They require less space than other wall systems, making them ideal for tight job sites. Their installation reduces traffic disruption and minimizes environmental impact. Soil nail walls are also built faster than many alternatives. They can be constructed in remote or hard-to-reach locations and allow for step-by-step excavation with flexible nail placement. Their design also accommodates curves and irregular shapes, adding to their versatility.

Production: User each category text box to trigger a pop-up with more information. They select the “X” to return to the menu.

Navigation: Each bulleted point is highlighted as it is narrated

Image: Four-up Menu

Source: Adapted from “5G” Slides at Infographia.com

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

Best Uses

Ideal Applications

Construction

Speed and Access

Performance

Flexible and Reliable

Cost

Material and Labor

Flexible and tolerates ground movement
Maintains stability during earthquakes
More reliable due to multiple reinforcement points
Evenly distributes pressure across all nails
Includes established quality testing procedures
Provides long-term stability with minimal maintenance

Performance

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

Best Uses

Ideal Applications

Construction

Speed and Access

Performance

Flexible and Reliable

Cost

Material and Labor

More economical than traditional walls over 12-15 feet tall
Less expensive than ground anchor walls
Uses fewer materials than conventional retaining walls
Reduces labor costs with faster construction
Lowers long-term maintenance expenses

Cost

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Advantages of Soil Nail Walls

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

Subsoil Conditions

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

Now that we’ve covered the advantages…

1a

Common Challenges

Design Constraints

1b

1a

1c

1d

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Jake): Soil nail walls rely on stable ground to perform effectively. Certain subsurface conditions can make construction difficult or even impossible. Organic soil has low strength and breaks down over time. Expansive soil swells and shrinks with moisture changes, leading to instability. Soft, highly plastic clay deforms easily and drains poorly. Collapsible soil loses strength when wet, causing sudden settlement. Poorly graded loose sand has low cohesion and can lead to liquefaction. Cobbles and boulders create drilling challenges, making nail installation inconsistent. Lastly, weathered rock with weak bedding planes can shift under pressure, reducing wall stability.

Production: The soil text boxes are highlighted (or zoomed into) as they are narrated

Navigation: Auto advance to next slide

Image: Man in construction hat and vest gesturing with both hands out

Source: Articulate

Image: Green grass and cross section

Source: Adobe Stock #589451423

Images: Soil text boxes

Source: Articulate

Images: Unfavorable soil chart

Source: Claude AI

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

High Groundwater

Steep, Unsupported Cuts

Right of Way Limits

Corrosive Soil and Water

Utilities and Optic Fiber

Conflicts with Structures

Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

High Groundwater

Steep, Unsupported Cuts

Right of Way Limits

Corrosive Soil and Water

Utilities and Optic Fiber

Conflicts with Structures

High Groundwater

May require extra drainage
Weakens soil stability

SMEs – please provide a suitable image

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

High Groundwater

Steep, Unsupported Cuts

Right of Way Limits

Corrosive Soil and Water

Utilities and Optic Fiber

Conflicts with Structures

Corrosive Soil and Water

Can damage reinforcement
Protective measures may be needed

SMEs – please provide a suitable image

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

High Groundwater

Steep, Unsupported Cuts

Right of Way Limits

Corrosive Soil and Water

Utilities and Optic Fiber

Conflicts with Structures

Steep, Unsupported Cuts

Risk of collapse before instllation
May not provide enough support

SMEs – please provide a suitable image

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

High Groundwater

Steep, Unsupported Cuts

Right of Way Limits

Corrosive Soil and Water

Utilities and Optic Fiber

Conflicts with Structures

Utilities and Optic Fiber

Obstructs nail placement
May interfere with optic fiber

SMEs – please provide a suitable image

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

High Groundwater

Steep, Unsupported Cuts

Right of Way Limits

Corrosive Soil and Water

Utilities and Optic Fiber

Conflicts with Structures

Right of Way Limits

Nails must stay in the ROW
Limited space can restrict use

SMEs – please provide a suitable image

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

High Groundwater

Steep, Unsupported Cuts

Right of Way Limits

Corrosive Soil and Water

Utilities and Optic Fiber

Conflicts with Structures

Nails must stay in the ROW
Limited space can restrict use

SMEs – please provide a suitable image

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Common Challenges of Soil Nail Walls

That was a lot to cover. Great job…

Select Common Challenges to learn more.

Common

Challenges

Constraints

1a

1b

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Common Challenges of Soil Nail Walls

Common

Challenges

Grouting Issues

Voids
Incomplete coverage
Misalignment

Quality Control

Each step must be done carefully and monitored

Site & Safety Risks

Be aware of potential slope failure
Tight spaces can increase safety risks

There are some common challenges to …

SMEs – Can you provide video clips or a series of photos that we can animate to show issues like misalignment or a slope failure?

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Jake): Common Challenges: There are some common challenges to watch for when constructing soil nail walls. First, grouting issues can occur if the grout doesn’t fully surround the nail, leading to voids or misalignment between the nail and the drill hole. These gaps weaken the bond and reduce the nail’s strength. Quality control is another concern. Every step—drilling, placing nails, and grouting—must be done carefully. Small mistakes can compromise the wall’s integrity over time, so regular checks are essential. Working near existing infrastructure, steep slopes, or tight spaces can be difficult and potentially dangerous. Steep slopes increase the risk of soil movement and slope failure. Tight spaces make it harder to position equipment and create safety risks for workers. Being aware of these challenges helps keep the project on track and reduces hazards on-site.

Now, take a moment to review the brief list of challenges and select “next” when you’re ready to move on.

Production: Text headers are highlighted with narration (e.g. “Grouting Issues, Quality Control, Site & Safety Risk”)

Navigation: User selects Next to advance to the next slide

Image: Man in construction hat and vest gesturing with hands folded in front

Source: Articulate

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Constraints of Soil Nail Walls

Ok, so now you’re aware of some of the common challenges…

Select Common Challenges to learn more.

Common

Challenges

Constraints

1a

1b

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Constraints of Soil Nail Walls

Engineering & Depth

Nails must reach required depth for stability

Specialized Personnel

Skilled crews are needed for drilling, grouting, and quality control

Cost Constraints

Materials, equipment, and labor can increase costs

Right-of-Way

Nails must stay within ROW limits or permits may be necessary

Spacing Requirements

Excavation needs to allow room for drilling and material handling

There are some common challenges to …

Constraints

SMEs – Can you provide video clips or a series of photos that we can animate to show issues like ROW limitations, special equipment, etc.?

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Jake): Constraints: There are several constraints you need to be aware of when planning and constructing soil nail walls. First, engineering and depth limitations can restrict how deep the nails can go. If they don’t reach the required depth, the wall may not perform as expected. Next, specialized personnel such as trained crews with experience in drilling, grouting, and quality control, are needed. Without skilled workers, the project could face delays or errors. Cost constraints are another factor. Extra materials, special equipment, and labor costs can add up, making soil nail walls less practical for some projects. Then, there’s right-of-way (ROW) constraints. The full length of the soil nails must stay within the ROW limits. If space is tight, permits may be required, or nail placement may need adjustments. Staged spacing requirement need to be considered. Staged excavation requires enough room for drilling rigs and material handling. If space is too restricted, installation can be challenging or even impossible.

Now, take a moment to review the brief list constraints and select “next” when you’re ready to move on.

Production: Text headers are highlighted with narration (e.g. “Engineering & Depth, Specialized Personnel, Cost Constraints, Right-of-Way, and Spacing Requirements”)

Navigation: User selects Next to advance to the next slide

Image: Man in construction hat and vest gesturing with hands folded in front

Source: Articulate

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

Read each statement and decide if it is an Advantage or a Limitation of soil nail walls. Put a check mark in the correct column to record your decision. Select “submit” to check your answers.

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Knowledge Check – Categorize it!

	Advantage	Limitation
1. Soil nail walls are constructed sequentially in a top-down process that provides immediate slope stabilization with minimal digging
2. When the groundwater table is above the toe of the wall, water pressure can affect soil stability and may require additional drainage measures.
3. Soil nail walls distribute forces across multiple reinforcement points and may be able to adjust to seismic activity like earthquakes.
4. Compared to gravity walls, soil nail walls require a different budget structure based on materials, equipment needs, and the construction timeline.

Submit

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Knowledge Check – Debrief

	Advantage	Limitation
1. Soil nail walls are constructed sequentially in a top-down process that provides immediate slope stabilization with minimal digging
2. When the groundwater table is above the toe of the wall, water pressure can affect soil stability and may require additional drainage measures.
3. Soil nail walls distribute forces across multiple reinforcement points and may be able to adjust to seismic activity like earthquakes.
4. Compared to gravity walls, soil nail walls require a different budget structure based on materials, equipment needs, and the construction timeline.

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

Script (Narrator): How did you do? Let’s quickly review the answers. The statement is an advantage of soil nail walls. They are constructed sequentially in a top-down process that provides immediate slop stabilization with minimal digging. Now let’s look at the second statement: When the groundwater table is above the toe of the wall, water pressure can affect stability and may require additional drainage measures. That is a limitation of soil nail walls. Moving on to the third statement: Soil nail walls distribute forces across multiple reinforcement points and may be able to adjust to seismic activity like earthquakes. That is a clear advantage of soil nail walls. Finally, let’s review the 4^th statement: Compared to gravity walls, soil nail walls require a different budget structure based on materials, equipment needs, and the construction timeline. Number 4 is an advantage because soil nail walls often require fewer materials and less excavation than gravity walls. Their construction sequence allows for staged installation, which can improve efficiency and reduce overall costs.

If you had trouble identifying the advantages and limitations of soil nail walls, you can go back and review that section of the course. Otherwise, select “Next” for a quick review of what you learned in this module.

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Learning Outcomes

You should now be able to:

Describe the negative effects of landslides and roadway movements
Identify the factors that affect soil foundations and the indicators of roadway foundation movement
Summarize a typical process that maintenance technicians would follow when soil movement or roadway foundation movement is suspected or identified

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Learning Outcomes

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Summary

This concludes Module 2: Signs of Soil Foundation Movement.

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Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

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Limitations of Soil Nail Walls

Now that we’ve covered the advantages…

Select each category to learn more about the limitations…

1a

1b

Subsurface

Conditions

Design

Constraints

Common

Challenges

1a

Fundamentals of Soil Nail Wall Construction