Roadside Excavation Shoring and Slope Stabilization

A southeastern U.S. state experienced a massive landslide on a major interstate highway. The geotechnical group of the local Department of Transportation (DOT) quickly developed a repair plan, which involved the installation of a rock buttress by making a 100-foot-high excavation on a 1:1 slope.

The DOT Regional Engineer’s team then stepped in to lead the repair operation onsite. Sometime after the work commenced, the Regional Engineer decided to shore the excavation temporarily. However, due to site constraints, excavation shoring with traditional soil nails would set back the project by a month.

To save time and money, the DOT opted for launched nails instead and contracted GeoStabilization International® to perform the job. Unlike traditional driven or drilled nails, launched nails can bear load immediately after installation.

GeoStabilization’s crews were able to complete the temporary shoring in just four days – all during the active excavation and without delays to the overall project. According to the Regional Engineer, the use of launched nails and the resulting time savings saved the state hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What Is Excavation Shoring?

Excavation shoring systems are temporary structures that provide lateral soil support and stabilize the walls of a pit and the surrounding structures during excavation. Shoring systems help ensure the safety of workers and prevent costly accidents.

There are many different systems for shoring excavation. The appropriate solution for a given project depends on the soil and site conditions, the depth of the excavation, and other factors. Popular excavation shoring systems include:

• Hydraulic shoring: This cost-effective method supports excavations by pressing hydraulic pistons against the walls or surrounding structures. Hydraulic systems are versatile and safe, as crews do not need to enter the excavation area to set up or remove hydraulic shoring.
• Contiguous pile shoring: These shoring systems consist of closely spaced bored micropiles. This method is appropriate at sites with underground utility footings.
• Pneumatic shoring: Pneumatic shoring systems use pressurized air to drive micropiles into the ground. This method requires continuous access to an air compressor.

24/7 Emergency Response for Slope Stabilization and Landslides

GeoStabilization International® stockpiles materials nationally, allowing it to maintain a 24/7 emergency response capability across the United States and Canada. Often, the company can have an engineer or representative inspect a site within 48 hours of the initial call during a no-cost, no-obligation visit.

After surveying the area and gathering data, GeoStabilization’s engineers prepare a design with a guaranteed fixed-cost proposal. In emergencies, the company’s crews can often start working on the site just two days after the incident.

Upon completion of the project, GeoStabilization issues a warranty statement covering not just the materials and installation but also the performance and stability of the repaired structure. No other mitigation company can match this warranty guarantee.

Choose the Leader in Geohazard Mitigation

With over 5,500 projects successfully mitigated to date, GeoStabilization International® is the premier provider of landslide mitigation, slope stabilization, and excavation shoring services. Contact GeoStabilization to learn more about its services or discuss your project.