Soil Nailing Guide Specification, First Edition, 2010-PDF

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Pdf Summary

The 2010 Deep Foundations Institute Soil Nailing Guide Specification provides a model framework for specifying the design, testing, materials, and construction of soil-nailed excavation-support and earth-retention systems. Intended primarily for private-sector projects, it should be adapted to site-specific conditions and coordinated with project drawings and other specifications.<br /><br />The guide addresses contractor and designer qualifications; geotechnical information and design criteria; submittals and construction records; nail tendons, grout, corrosion protection, drainage, and facings; installation procedures; testing; and measurement and payment. Design must consider global and internal stability, grout–ground bond, component capacity, construction sequence, drainage, and relevant subsurface or corrosion risks. Contractors and wall designers must demonstrate suitable project experience, and design documents require approval before work begins.<br /><br />Construction generally proceeds top-down in staged excavations. Nails are drilled, positioned, and grouted, with drainage and reinforced construction facing installed at each lift. Excavation to the next level is delayed until required installation, testing, and strength milestones are met. The guide also sets material and workmanship standards, including grout and shotcrete strength requirements, placement and curing procedures, and quality-control testing.<br /><br />Nail testing uses verification tests and/or production proof tests to confirm bond assumptions and performance. The specification defines test loads, loading sequences, movement monitoring, and acceptance criteria; failed tests may require design or construction changes.<br /><br />A supplement covers hollow-bar soil nails, specifying installation and grout provisions. Based on the industry’s experience at the time, the committee endorsed hollow-bar nails for temporary applications only, pending further research into their suitability for permanent systems.

Keywords

soil nailing

deep foundations

excavation support

earth retention

geotechnical design

verification testing

proof testing

shotcrete facing

grout bond

hollow-bar soil nails