When a reinforced soil slope (RSS) has a slope failure, soil nails provide effective stabilization. Soil nails are thin bars that can go through an existing gabion wall and downward into slopes at various depths to reinforce a slope.
However, not all soil nails and soil nailing techniques are the same. The original purpose of conventional soil nails and nailing methods was to stabilize cut slopes and excavations, but they are not usually appropriate for reinforcing steep slopes or stabilizing active landslides. Factors such as collapsing holes, voids, grout loss, and continuous ground movement can significantly decrease the effectiveness of conventional nails on soil slopes.
That’s why GeoStabilization International® uses SuperNails™ along with the Soil Nail Launcher™ to repair failing reinforced soil slopes and gabion retaining walls. These tools are the most suitable for repair and restoration projects.
SuperNails™ are self-drilling bars that come in solid and hollow varieties. At GeoStabilization International®, our team uses this more potent option for addressing gabion wall repair when the landscape has collapsing holes and voids from active landslides. We often use them with the Soil Nail Launcher™.
The Soil Nail Launcher™ compressed air cannon shoots several nails simultaneously through existing gabions and into the soil at 250 miles per hour. As a result it’s often much more effective than using conventional soil nailing procedures or creating concrete gravity walls.
Once we install the soil nails, we may reinforce them with flexible wire mesh for additional erosion control. In some cases where wire mesh is insufficient, we use geogrid reinforcement to prevent erosion with a flexible geosynthetic material.
Compared to using conventional soil nails, SuperNails™ offers many benefits, including:
Using SuperNails™ alongside innovative soil nail launching techniques is also less disruptive than traditional methods. It usually results in fewer and shorter road closures and environmental disturbances.
Working with an experienced and trusted geohazard mitigation company is essential when restoring reinforced soil slopes. GeoStabilization International® provided landslide mitigation, gabion wall repair, soil stabilization, engineered soil repairs, and more for over 20 years.
When gabion retaining walls and reinforced soil slopes fail, GeoStabilization International® can be on the job quickly with specialty tools and techniques. Our team of geotechnical masons, equipment operators, geologists, and engineers tackle each project in a cost- and time-efficient manner, with as little environmental disturbance as possible.
At GeoStabilization International®, we back all our work with an industry-leading Design/Build/Warranty solution that guarantees a 75-year design life. Contact us at 855-579-0536 to learn how we can help you with our geohazard mitigation services in the United States, Canada, and Australasia.
If you are interested in a no-obligation site visit to determine if our services fit your geohazard mitigation needs, call us at 855-579-0536 or fill out our contact form.
