Soil Nailing Contractors
As a top contractor in Geostructural Design and Construction, Schnabel delivers reliable soil nailing solutions that provide stable excavation support, even in the most challenging environments.
Soil Nailing involves using passive inclusions, or nails, combined with a layer of shotcrete that is pneumatically applied, to reinforce soils in place. Under suitable conditions, soil nailing is often the quickest and most cost-effective option for excavation support.
As a leading expert in earth retention and specialty foundations, Schnabel offers the knowledge to help you choose the optimal support solution for your project.
GROUND STABILIZATION SOLUTIONS WITH SOIL NAILING
Soil nailing is a technique for reinforcing existing soil or rock at a site by embedding steel tendons in grouted drilled holes to create a stable structure. Shotcrete, strengthened with wire mesh and/or reinforcing steel, is applied to the excavation face to secure the soil between the nails. This process is done from the top down, with excavation advancing in 4 to 6-foot increments.
This method is commonly used for temporary excavation support, building permanent retaining walls, and managing landslide-prone areas. As one of the top soil nailing contractors in the U.S., Schnabel has successfully applied this technique in a variety of soil conditions. However, soil nailing is not suitable for cohesionless soils, organic soils, or cuts below the water table.
Soil nail walls are typically constructed with compact, easily mobilized equipment and require minimal steel fabrication, which shortens startup time and makes them ideal for confined sites.
This approach is also effective where there are height restrictions, such as near bridge abutments or under power lines, since no vertical components need to be installed. Soil nails are generally shorter than tiebacks for the same excavation height, making them a better choice where right-of-way or property space is limited. When conditions of soil and groundwater are favorable, soil nail walls can be built more quickly and cost-effectively than other retaining wall methods.
As one of the nation’s leading experts in soil nailing, Schnabel has built reliable soil nail walls across diverse soil types. Although suitable for numerous applications, soil nailing is generally not recommended for cohesionless soils, organic soils, or for excavations below the water table.
For more information on Schnabel’s advanced soil nailing installations and earth retention solutions, reach out to one of our regional offices today.
Continuously achieving successful results for our clients.
SOIL NAILING PROJECT EXAMPLES
725 Ponce | Atlanta, GA
Schnabel engineered and built both permanent and temporary earth retention systems to enable excavations reaching depths of 50 feet. These systems provided essential support for the Beltline pathway as well as nearby city streets and residential buildings. The retention structures included 50,000 square feet of soil nail walls.
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.
