Soil Nail Wall Contractors
As a trusted expert in Geostructural Design and Construction, Schnabel offers reliable soil nailing solutions that ensure secure excavation support, even under challenging conditions.
Soil nailing is a method that uses passive elements, or nails, combined with a layer of pneumatically applied shotcrete, to reinforce soils in their natural state. When conditions allow, soil nailing often becomes the quickest and most cost-effective option for excavation support.
With extensive experience in earth retention and specialized foundations, Schnabel is well-prepared to help you choose the optimal support solution for your project.
ENHANCING GROUND STABILITY WITH SOIL NAILING SOLUTIONS
Soil nailing is a technique used to stabilize existing soil or rock by inserting steel tendons into grouted, drilled holes, forming a stable structure. To reinforce the exposed surface, shotcrete, often enhanced with wire mesh or steel, is applied to hold the soil in place between the nails. This method follows a top-down approach, progressing in excavation stages of 4 to 6 feet.
Primarily used for temporary excavation support, permanent retaining wall construction, and landslide stabilization, soil nailing proves effective in various soil types. Schnabel, a top U.S. soil nail wall contractors, has successfully implemented this technique in numerous projects. However, it is unsuitable for cohesionless soils, organic soils, or below the water table excavations.
Soil nail walls are constructed using compact, easily mobilized equipment and require minimal steel fabrication, shortening startup time and making this method ideal for confined sites.
This approach is also beneficial in areas with height restrictions, such as near bridge abutments or under power lines, as it requires no vertical elements. Compared to tiebacks, soil nails are generally shorter for similar excavation depths, making them more suitable for restricted right-of-way or property boundaries. In compatible soil and groundwater conditions, soil nail walls can be installed faster and more affordably than other retaining wall systems.
Renowned nationwide for expertise in soil nailing, Schnabel has successfully built durable soil nail walls in diverse soil types. Though highly effective in various conditions, soil nailing is generally not recommended for cohesionless or organic soils or for excavations below the water table.
To learn more about Schnabel’s advanced soil nailing techniques and earth retention solutions, reach out to one of our regional offices today.
Achieving outstanding results for our clients time and again.
EXAMPLES OF SOIL NAILING PROJECTS
725 Ponce | Atlanta, GA
Schnabel engineered and implemented both long-term and temporary earth retention systems to stabilize excavations reaching depths of up to 50 feet. These systems were essential in supporting the Beltline pathway, surrounding streets, and nearby homes. The retention solutions included 50,000 square feet of soil nail wall structures.
The drilling on this job was tough – nested cobbles and gravels with some boulders mixed in. We punched it out with multiple drill rigs and a steady supply of tooling. The tough conditions meant our field crews could not have done it without support from our equipment division. They rose to the occasion and kept the machines working and tooled up.
