Soil nailing – best practice guidance (C637)

Soil nailing is a technique where either natural ground or fill material is reinforced by the insertion of slender tension-carrying elements called soil nails. A soil-nailed slope or wall usually consists of the soil nails themselves, a hard, flexible or soft facing to a slope or wall surface, and surface water and subsurface drainage systems. This already-popular technique is likely to see increased use in the near future for transport and other infrastructure projects.

Based on a detailed review of published literature, consultation with industry experts and practitioners, case studies, and existing codes and standards, the book sets out best practice for soil nailing. It provides a guide for routine use of the technique for developers, infrastructure- and property-owners, designers, suppliers, contractors and maintenance managers. The design, construction, testing and maintenance of soil-nailed walls and slopes are covered, with the aim of encouraging confident, appropriate and effective use of soil nails.