U.S. Department of Transportation Publication No. FHWA-NHI-14-007

Federal Highway Administration FHWA GEC 007

February 2015

NHI Course No. 132085

Soil Nail Walls 

Reference Manual

Developed following:

AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications,

7th Edition.
NOTICE 

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and 

accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect policy of the Department 

of Transportation. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The United 

States Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or manufacturers′ names appear 

herein only because they are considered essential to the objective of this document.
Technical Report Documentation Page

1. Report No.

FHWA-NHI-14-007

2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No.

4. Title and Subtitle

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING CIRCULAR NO. 7

SOIL NAIL WALLS - REFERENCE MANUAL

5. Report Date

February 2015 

6. Performing Organization Code

7. Author(s)

Carlos A. Lazarte, PhD, PE, GE; Helen Robinson, PE; Jesús E. Gómez, 

PhD, PE; Andrew Baxter, PE, PG; Allen Cadden, PE*; Ryan Berg, PE†

8. Performing Organization Report No.

9. Performing Organization Name and Address

†Ryan R. Berg & Associates, Inc., Woodbury, MN 55125 

*Schnabel Engineering, Rockville, MD 20850 

10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS)

11. Contract or Grant No.

DTFH61-13-T-70011

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address

National Highway Institute

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC 20590

13. Type of Report and Period Covered

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

15. Supplementary Notes

FHWA COTR: Heather Shelsta

FHWA Technical Working Group Leader: Barry Siel, PE

FHWA Technical Working Group: Silas Nichols, PE; Scott Anderson, PE; Khalid Mohamed, PE; Vernon Schaefer, PhD, 

PE; and Richard Barrows, PE

16. Abstract

This document presents information on the analysis, design, and construction of permanent soil nail 

walls in highway applications. The main objective is to provide practitioners in this field with sound 

and simple methods and guidelines that will allow them to analyze, design, construct, and inspect safe 

and economical structures. This document updates the information contained in FHWA0-IF-03-017 

(Lazarte et al. 2003). The focus is on soil nailing techniques that are commonly used in U.S. practice. 

The contents of this document include: an introduction; chapters on applications and feasibility, 

construction materials and methods, information required for design, analysis and design of soil nail 

walls, corrosion protection; and chapters on contracting approach, technical specifications and design 

examples. This manual introduces a framework for the design of soil nail walls that takes into account 

factors of safety used in the ASD method while integrating LRFD principles.

17. Key Word

Soil nail, soil nail wall design, LRFD, ASD, earth- retaining structures, construction, soil nail load 

test, facing, shotcrete, specifications. 

18. Distribution Statement

No restrictions.

19. Security Classification (of this report)

Unclassified

20. Security Classification (of this page)

Unclassified

21. No. of Pages

425 

22. Price

Form DOT F 1700.7 Reproduction of completed page authorized
CONVERSION FACTORS

Approximate Conversions to SI Units Approximate Conversions from SI Units

When You Know Multiply By To Find When You Know Multiply By To Find

(a) Length

inch (in.) 25.4 millimeter (mm) millimeter (mm) 0.039 inch (in.)

foot (ft) 0.305 meter (m) meter (m) 3.28 foot (ft)

yard (yd) 0.914 meter (m) meter (m) 1.09 yard (yd)

mile (mi) 1.61 kilometer (km) kilometer (km) 0.621 mile (mi)

(b) Area

square inches (in2) 645.2 square millimeters (mm2) square millimeters (mm2) 0.0016 square inches (in2)

square feet (ft2) 0.093 square meters (m2) square meters (m2) 10.764 square feet (ft2)

Acres (ac) 0.405 hectares (ha) hectares (ha) 2.47 Acres (ac)

square miles (mi2) 2.59 square kilometers (km2) square kilometers (km2) 0.386 square miles (mi2)

square inches (in2) 645.2 square millimeters (mm2) square millimeters (mm2) 0.0016 square inches (in2)

(c) Volume

fluid ounces (oz) 29.57 milliliters (mL) milliliters (mL) 0.034 fluid ounces (oz)

Gallons (gal) 3.785 liters (L) liters (L) 0.264 Gallons (gal)

cubic feet (ft3) 0.028 cubic meters (m3) cubic meters (m3) 35.32 cubic feet (ft3)

cubic yards (yd3) 0.765 cubic meters (m3) cubic meters (m3) 1.308 cubic yards (yd3)

(d) Mass

ounces (oz) 28.35 grams (g) grams (g) 0.035 ounces

pounds (lb) 0.454 kilograms (kg) kilograms (kg) 2.205 pounds

short tons (2000 lb) (T) 0.907 megagrams (tonne) (Mg) megagrams (tonne) (Mg) 1.102 short tons (2000 lb)

(e) Force

pound (lb) 4.448 Newton (N) Newton (N) 0.2248 pound (lb)

(f) Pressure, Stress, Modulus of Elasticity

pounds per square foot (psf) 47.88 Pascals (Pa) Pascals (Pa) 0.021 pounds per square foot (psf)

pounds per square inch (psi) 6.895 kiloPascals (kPa) kiloPascals (kPa) 0.145 pounds per square inch (psi)

(g) Density

pounds per cubic foot (pcf) 16.019 kilograms per cubic meter

(kgm3)

kilograms per cubic meter 

(kgm3) 0.0624 pounds per cubic feet (pcf)

(h) Temperature

Fahrenheit temperature (oF) 5/9(oF- 32) Celsius temperature (oC) Celsius temperature (oC) 9/5(oC)+ 32 Fahrenheit temperature (oF)

Notes: 

1) The primary metric (SI) units used in civil engineering are meter (m), kilogram (kg), second (s), Newton (N), and Pascal (Pa=N/m2

).

2) In a "soft" conversion, an English measurement is mathematically converted to its exact metric equivalent.

3) In a "hard" conversion, a new rounded metric number is created that is convenient to work with and remember.
PREFACE

The purpose of this manual is to provide updated, state-of-the-practice information for selecting, 

designing, and constructing soil nail walls for roadway projects. The information contained 

herein is aimed at producing safe and cost-effective designs, and to help owners identify and 

manage the risks associated with soil nail wall projects. This manual focuses solely on soil nail 

systems for long-term support of excavations and does not specifically address the use of soil 

nails as temporary structures. This GEC serves as the FHWA reference document for highway 

projects involving permanent soil nail walls.

Recent advances in the state-of-the-practice for this system addressed in the document include: 

• The implementation of the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) platform.

• Information on new or emerging soil nailing technologies.

• The inclusion of design examples based upon the SNAP-2 computer program.

The primary audience for this document is: agency and consulting engineers specialized in 

bridge, structural, geotechnical, and roadway design; and engineering geologists and consulting 

engineers providing technical reviews, or who are engaged in the design, procurement, and 

construction of permanent soil nail systems. This document is also intended for management, 

specification and contracting specialists, as well as for construction engineers interested in 

design and contracting aspects of soil nail systems. In this document, the term “soil nail” refers 

to inclusions in soils and soft and weathered rock. The term “soil nail” is used in this document 

regardless of the material supported by the soil nail wall. Although this manual is focused on 

solid bar soil nails, Chapter 10 presents necessary considerations for the design and construction 

of Hollow Bar Soil Nails (HBSNs).

This document draws descriptions and basic information from earlier FHWA publications in this 

field; in particular, the predecessor manual entitled “Soil Nail Walls,” Report FHWA0-IF-03-017 

(Lazarte et al. 2003). Valuable information was also obtained from the publication entitled 

“Hollow Bar Soil Nails Pullout Test Program,” Publication No. FHWA-CFL/TD-10-001 

(Cadden et al. 2003).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

The authors would like to acknowledge the support provided by the FHWA Technical Working 

Group for this project. 

The authors would also like to thank those practitioners who reviewed and contributed to this 

document including: 

• James G. Collin, PhD, PE, The Collin Group, Ltd. 

• Terence P. Holman, PhD, PE, Geosyntec Consultants 

• Paul J. Sabatini, PhD, PE, Geosyntec Consultants 

Thanks also go to: Thomas Bird, Williams Form Engineering Corp.; Denis Ambio and Dan 

MacLean, Con-Tech Systems, Ltd.; John Delphia, PE, Texas DOT; and Kenneth Fishman, PhD, 

PE, Earth Reinforcement Testing, Inc., for their data, commentary and/or photograph 

contributions. 

The authors thank the following organizations and their representatives for providing valuable 

information and review of the manual: 

• International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC-IAFD) – Anchored Earth 

Retention Committee, Thomas Richards, PE, Nicholson 

• Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) – Tiebacks and Soil Nailing Committee, Chair: Edward 

Laczynski, PE, G.A. & F.C. Wagman, Inc. 

• AASHTO – T-15 Committee

• ASCE – Earth Retaining Structure Committee

• TRB – Foundations Committee

The authors would also like to extend their gratitude for the support provided by Schnabel 

Engineering personnel, including: Helen Foreman; Miranda Dibert; Sixto Fernandez, PE; Phil 

Shull, PE; Johanna Mikitka Simon, PE; Eric Rehwoldt, PE; Timothy Hastings, EIT; Naveen 

Thakur, PE; Carlos Englert, PE; and Carol Butler for their assistance with review, analysis, 

AutoCAD, proofreading, word processing, compiling and 508 compliance. 
Table of Contents

Cover

Notice Page

Technical Report Documentation Page

Conversion Factors

Preface

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents........................................................................................................ i 

List of Figures........................................................................................................ xiii

List of Tables....................................................................................................... xviii

List of Equations.....................................................................................................xxi

List of Symbols......................................................................................................xxv

List of Acronyms............................................................................................... xxxiii

Chapter 1: Introduction......................................................................... 1

1.1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Purpose ............................................................................................................ 1

1.3 Definition of Soil Nails ................................................................................... 1

1.4 Background...................................................................................................... 3

1.4.1 Historical Origins of Soil Nail Walls .......................................................................3

1.4.2 Developments in the United States ..........................................................................3

1.4.3 Leading Historic Documents in the United States ...................................................4

1.5 Design Philosophy........................................................................................... 5

1.6 Document Organization................................................................................... 5

Chapter 2: Applications and Feasibility Evaluations ......................... 9

2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Elements of a Soil Nail Wall........................................................................... 9

2.2.1 Soil Nails ..................................................................................................................9

2.2.2 Facing .....................................................................................................................10

i 
2.2.3 Other Components .................................................................................................11

2.3 Construction Sequence ..................................................................................13

2.4 Applications of Soil Nail Walls.....................................................................16

2.4.1 Overview ................................................................................................................16

2.4.2 Roadway Cuts ........................................................................................................16

2.4.3 Road Widening Under Existing Bridge Abutments ...............................................17

2.4.4 Tunnel Portals ........................................................................................................18

2.4.5 Repair and Reconstruction of Existing Retaining Structures ................................19

2.4.6 Hybrid Soil Nail Walls...........................................................................................19

2.4.7 Shored Mechanically Stabilized Earth (SMSE) Walls ..........................................20

2.5 Advantages and Limitations of Soil Nailing .................................................21

2.5.1 Advantages .............................................................................................................21

2.5.1a Construction ............................................................................................21

2.5.1b Performance ............................................................................................22

2.5.1c Cost .............................................................................................................22

2.5.2 Limitations .............................................................................................................23

2.6 Evaluation of Soil Nail Walls........................................................................23

2.6.1 Overview ................................................................................................................23

2.6.2 Main Risks and Risk Management ........................................................................24

2.6.3 Aesthetics ...............................................................................................................25

2.7 Favorable/Unfavorable Soil Conditions for Soil Nailing..............................25

2.7.1 Overview ................................................................................................................25

2.7.2 Favorable Ground Conditions for Soil Nailing ......................................................26

2.7.3 Difficult Soil Conditions for Soil Nailing ..............................................................28

2.7.4 Unfavorable Soil Conditions for Soil Nailing .......................................................28

2.8 Factors Affecting Costs and Construction Schedule.....................................31

ii
Chapter 3: Construction Materials and Methods ............................. 33

3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................33

3.2 Components of a Soil Nail Wall....................................................................33

3.2.1 Tendons ..................................................................................................................34

3.2.2 Connection Components ........................................................................................35

3.2.3 Grout ......................................................................................................................37

3.2.4 Centralizers ............................................................................................................41

3.2.5 Corrosion Protection Elements ..............................................................................42

3.2.6 Wall Facing ............................................................................................................43

3.2.7 Drainage .................................................................................................................45

3.3 Construction Methods ...................................................................................46

3.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................46

3.3.2 Excavation..............................................................................................................47

3.3.3 Drilling of Nail Holes ............................................................................................50

3.3.4 Nail Installation and Grouting ...............................................................................52

3.3.5 Drainage Placement ...............................................................................................53

3.3.6 Initial Facing Construction ....................................................................................54

3.3.6a General ....................................................................................................54

3.3.6b Shotcrete Application..............................................................................55

3.3.6c Shotcrete Reinforcement .........................................................................56

3.3.7 Final Facing Construction ......................................................................................58

3.3.7a Reinforced Shotcrete ...............................................................................58

3.3.7b Cast-in-Place Reinforced Concrete .........................................................58

3.3.7c Precast Concrete Facing ..........................................................................59

3.4 Alternate Materials........................................................................................60

3.4.1 Sculpted Wall Facing .............................................................................................60

3.4.2 Drilled Drainage with Hollow Bar Soil Nails ........................................................62

iii
Chapter 4: Information Required for Design ....................................63

4.1 Introduction....................................................................................................63

4.2 Project-Specific Requirements and Initial Information................................. 63

4.2.1 Project-Specific Requirements...............................................................................63

4.2.2 Initial Information ..................................................................................................63

4.3 Subsurface Investigations..............................................................................64

4.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................64

4.3.2 Objectives ..............................................................................................................65

4.3.3 Requirements for Selecting Location and Number of Exploratory Borings..........66

4.3.4 Field Procedures.....................................................................................................68

4.3.4a Overview .................................................................................................68

4.3.4b Test Borings and Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) ...........................68

4.3.4c Cone Penetration Test (CPT) ..................................................................69

4.3.4d Other Field Testing Techniques ..............................................................70

4.3.4e Test Pits ...................................................................................................70

4.3.5 Groundwater ..........................................................................................................71

4.3.5a Overview .................................................................................................71

4.3.5b Groundwater Observation Methods ........................................................71

4.4 Laboratory Soil Testing .................................................................................72

4.4.1 Overview ................................................................................................................72

4.4.2 Soil Classification and Index Tests ........................................................................72

4.4.3 Shear Strength Tests ..............................................................................................74

4.4.4 Deformability and Modulus ...................................................................................74

4.4.5 Other Testing .........................................................................................................75

4.5 Selection of Design Parameters.....................................................................75

4.5.1 Overview ................................................................................................................75

4.5.2 Soil Parameters for Design ....................................................................................75

4.5.3 Unit Weight ............................................................................................................76

iv
4.5.4 Shear Strength ........................................................................................................77

4.5.4a Cohesionless Soils ..................................................................................77

4.5.4b Cohesive Soils – Drained Conditions .....................................................79

4.5.4c Cohesive Soils – Undrained Conditions .................................................80

4.5.5 Compressibility and Modulus ................................................................................81

4.5.6 Bond Strength ........................................................................................................82

4.5.6a Drilled and Grouted Soil Nails ...............................................................83

4.5.6b Pullout Resistance per Unit Length ........................................................85

4.6 Soil Creep ......................................................................................................86

4.7 Soil Corrosion Potential ................................................................................87

4.7.1 Overview ................................................................................................................87

4.7.2 Field Corrosion Testing .........................................................................................88

4.7.3 Testing of Corrosion Potential in Soil ...................................................................88

4.7.4 Corrosive Soil Types..............................................................................................89

4.8 Frost Potential................................................................................................90

4.9 Seismic Data ..................................................................................................91

Chapter 5: Resisting Mechanisms and Limit States......................... 97

5.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................97

5.2 Load Transfer in Soil Nail Walls ..................................................................97

5.2.1 Soil-Nail Interaction and Tensile Force Distribution ...........................................100

5.2.1a Overview ...............................................................................................100

5.2.1b Maximum Tensile Force Distribution ...................................................100

5.2.1c Tensile Forces at the Wall Facing .........................................................103

5.2.1d Considerations for Design.....................................................................104

5.3 Introduction to Design Framework .............................................................106

5.3.1 Use of LRFD and ASD Platforms .......................................................................107

5.3.2 Allowable Stress Design (ASD) ..........................................................................107

5.3.3 Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) .......................................................109

v 
5.3.4 Calibration of Resistance Factors ........................................................................110

5.4 Load Combinations and Load Factors.........................................................111

5.4.1 Load Combinations ..............................................................................................111

5.4.2 Load Factors.........................................................................................................111

5.5 Limit States..................................................................................................114

5.5.1 Overall Stability ...................................................................................................114

5.5.2 Strength Limit States............................................................................................114

5.5.3 Extreme-Limit States ...........................................................................................114

5.5.4 Service Limit States (Deformations) ...................................................................114

5.6 Overall Stability of Soil Nail Walls.............................................................116

5.6.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................116

5.6.2 Internal Stability...................................................................................................116

5.6.3 Global Stability ....................................................................................................118

5.6.4 Idealized Example ................................................................................................118

5.6.5 Resistance Factors for Overall Stability ..............................................................120

5.6.6 Basal Heave .........................................................................................................121

5.6.6a Methodology .........................................................................................121

5.6.6b Resistance Factors for Basal Heave ......................................................124

5.6.6c Lateral Squeeze .....................................................................................125

5.7 Geotechnical Strength Limit States.............................................................125

5.7.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................125

5.7.2 Nail Pullout Resistance ........................................................................................125

5.7.3 Lateral Sliding Stability .......................................................................................126

5.7.3a Methodology .........................................................................................126

5.7.3b Resistance Factors for Lateral Sliding ..................................................130

5.8 Structural Strength Limit States ..................................................................131

5.8.1 Nail Tensile Resistance ........................................................................................131

5.8.2 Overview of Facing Limit States .........................................................................131

vi 
5.8.3 Facing Flexural Strength Limit State ...................................................................132

5.8.3a Introduction ...........................................................................................132

5.8.3b Bending Mechanisms ............................................................................132

5.8.3c Resistance Factors for Flexure at Facing ..............................................139

5.8.4 Punching Shear Strength Limit State ...................................................................139

5.8.5 Headed Stud in Tension in Final Facing ..............................................................139

5.9 Service Limit States (Deformations)...........................................................140

5.9.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................140

5.9.2 Soil Nail Wall Displacements ..............................................................................140

Chapter 6: Design of Soil Nail Walls ................................................ 143

6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 143

6.1.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................143

6.1.2 Initial Design Considerations ...............................................................................145

6.1.2a Step 1 Project Requirements .................................................................145

6.1.2b Step 2 Subsurface Exploration and Development of Parameters for 

Design ...................................................................................................145

6.1.2c Step 3 Load Definition ..........................................................................146

6.2 Design Phase................................................................................................146

6.2.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................146

6.3 Step 4 Soil Nail Configuration and Material Selection...............................147

6.3.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................147

6.3.2 Step 4a Develop Wall Layout ..............................................................................147

6.3.3 Step 4b Develop Soil Nail Wall Cross Sections ..................................................147

6.3.3a Wall Batter ............................................................................................147

6.3.3b Soil Nail Spacing ..................................................................................148

6.3.3c Soil Nail Inclination ..............................................................................150

6.3.3d Soil Nail Length ....................................................................................151

6.3.3e Distribution of Soil Nail Lengths in Elevation .....................................152

vii 
6.3.4 Step 4c Select Soil Nail Pattern on Wall Face .....................................................154

6.3.5 Step 4d Evaluate Soil Nail Horizontal Splaying ..................................................154

6.3.6 Step 4e Detail Corrosion Protection ....................................................................154

6.3.7 Step 4f Select Soil Nail Type and Material Properties ........................................154

6.4 Step 5 Select Resistance Factors ................................................................. 155

6.5 Step 6 Overall Stability................................................................................156

6.5.1 Step 6a Evaluate Internal Stability .......................................................................156

6.5.2 Step 6b Evaluate Global Stability ........................................................................158

6.5.3 Step 6c Evaluate Basal Heave (if applicable) ......................................................159

6.5.4 Step 6d Evaluate Sliding Stability (if applicable) ................................................160

6.6 Step 7 Verify Geotechnical and Structural Resistances..............................160

6.6.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................160

6.6.2 Step 7a Verify Pullout Resistance........................................................................161

6.6.3 Step 7b Evaluate Sliding Stability (if applicable) ................................................163

6.6.4 Step 7c Verify Nail Tensile Resistance ...............................................................163

6.6.5 Step 7d Verify Facing Bending/Flexural Resistance ...........................................164

6.6.5a Initial Calculations ................................................................................164

6.6.5b Estimation of Nominal Flexural Resistance .........................................167

6.6.6 Step 7e Verify Facing Punching Shear Resistance ..............................................172

6.6.7 Step 7f Verify Facing Headed Stud Resistance ...................................................176

6.6.8 Step 7g Other Facing Design Considerations ......................................................178

6.7 Step 8 Service Limit States (Deformations)................................................179

6.7.1 Step 8a Evaluate Wall Lateral and Vertical Displacements ................................179

6.7.2 Step 8b Evaluate Lateral Squeeze (if applicable) ................................................180

6.8 Step 9 Seismic Design .................................................................................180

6.8.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................180

6.8.2 Step 9a Select Design Seismic Parameters ..........................................................181

6.8.3 Step 9b Adjustment of Design Seismic Coefficients ...........................................181

viii
6.8.4 Step 9c Evaluate overall stability with seismic loads ..........................................184

6.8.5 Alternative Evaluation of Seismic Effects on Overall Stability ..........................184

6.9 Step 10 Drainage and Drainage Details ......................................................188

6.9.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................188

6.9.2 Short-Term Surface Water and Groundwater Control .........................................189

6.9.3 Long-Term Surface Water and Groundwater Control .........................................190

6.9.3a Control for Low Groundwater or Low Volumes of Seepage ...............190

6.9.3b Control for High Groundwater..............................................................191

6.9.3c Permanent Surface Water Control ........................................................192

6.10 Specialty Items ............................................................................................194

6.10.1 Stepped Walls ......................................................................................................194

6.10.2 Composite Walls ..................................................................................................196

6.10.3 Strut-Nails ............................................................................................................198

6.10.3a Overview ...............................................................................................198

6.10.3b Applications ..........................................................................................200

6.10.4 Considerations for Frost Protection .....................................................................201

6.11 Step 11 Other Design Considerations .........................................................203

6.12 Step 12 Pre-Construction, Construction, and Post-Construction................203

6.12.1 Pre-Construction ..................................................................................................203

6.12.2 Construction and Post-Construction ....................................................................203

Chapter 7: Corrosion Protection....................................................... 205

7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 205

7.2 Historical Background.................................................................................205

7.3 Terminology ................................................................................................206

7.4 Corrosion Mechanisms................................................................................207

7.4.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................207

7.4.2 Types of Corrosion ..............................................................................................207

ix
7.4.2a General Corrosion .................................................................................208

7.4.2b Localized Corrosion ..............................................................................209

7.4.2c Stray Current .........................................................................................209

7.5 Evaluation of Soil Corrosion Potential........................................................210

7.5.1 Conditions Promoting Corrosion .........................................................................210

7.5.2 Criteria for Assessing Ground Corrosion Potential .............................................211

7.6 Corrosion Protection Systems .....................................................................212

7.6.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................212

7.6.2 Grout Cover .........................................................................................................213

7.6.3 Epoxy Coating .....................................................................................................213

7.6.4 Zinc Coating (Galvanization) ..............................................................................215

7.6.5 Encapsulation .......................................................................................................215

7.6.6 Sacrificial Steel ....................................................................................................216

7.6.7 Nail-Head Corrosion Protection ..........................................................................217

7.6.8 Protection against Stray Currents .........................................................................217

7.7 Methodology for Selecting Corrosion Protection Levels............................217

7.7.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................217

7.7.2 Selection Procedure .............................................................................................218

7.7.2a Overview ...............................................................................................218

7.7.2b Risk Tolerance ......................................................................................219

7.7.2c Corrosion Protection Levels .................................................................220

7.8 Design of Corrosion Protection ...................................................................222

7.8.1 Design Steps for Corrosion Protection of Soil Nails ...........................................222

7.9 Unusual Conditions .....................................................................................223

Chapter 8: Contracting Approaches and Specifications................225

8.1 Introduction..................................................................................................225

8.2 Geotechnical Analyses Required by Specifications....................................225

8.3 Experience Requirements for Contractors...................................................227

x 
8.4 Procedural Specifications............................................................................228

8.5 Performance-Based Specifications..............................................................228

Chapter 9: Construction Inspection and Performance 

 Monitoring ....................................................................... 231

9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 231

9.2 Inspection of Construction Materials..........................................................232

9.2.1 Materials Inspection .............................................................................................232

9.2.2 Storage .................................................................................................................232

9.2.3 Inspection of Corrosion Protection ......................................................................233

9.3 Inspection of Construction Activities..........................................................233

9.3.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................233

9.3.2 Excavation............................................................................................................234

9.3.3 Drilling .................................................................................................................235

9.3.4 Tendon Installation ..............................................................................................237

9.3.5 Grouting ...............................................................................................................237

9.3.6 Geocomposite Strip Drains ..................................................................................239

9.3.7 Wall Facing ..........................................................................................................239

9.4 Load Testing................................................................................................241

9.4.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................241

9.4.1a Verification Load Tests.........................................................................242

9.4.1b Proof Tests ............................................................................................243

9.4.1c Creep Tests............................................................................................243

9.4.2 Equipment for Testing .........................................................................................243

9.4.3 Details of Verification Testing.............................................................................246

9.4.4 Details of Proof Tests...........................................................................................253

9.4.5 Details of Creep Tests ..........................................................................................255

9.4.6 Strain Gauges .......................................................................................................257

xi
9.5 Instrumentation and Monitoring..................................................................258

9.5.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................258

9.5.2 Monitored Parameters ..........................................................................................258

9.5.3 Monitoring and Action Plan.................................................................................259

9.5.4 Monitoring Instruments .......................................................................................261

9.5.4a Inclinometers.........................................................................................261

9.5.4b Survey Points ........................................................................................261

9.5.4c Strain Gauges ........................................................................................262

9.5.4d Load Cells at the Nail Head ..................................................................263

Chapter 10: Considerations for Hollow Bar Soil Nails...................265

10.1 Introduction..................................................................................................265

10.2 Installation ...................................................................................................265

10.3 Bond Strength ..............................................................................................266

10.4 Corrosion Protection of HBSNs..................................................................267

10.4.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................267

10.4.2 Sacrificial Steel ....................................................................................................268

10.4.3 Design Steps for Corrosion Protection of HBSNs ...............................................269

10.5 Corrosion Protection Monitoring ................................................................269

References ....................................................................................................................................273 

Glossary .......................................................................................................................................281 

Appendix A: Reinforcement Characteristics .............................................................................285 

Appendix B: Charts for Preliminary Design .............................................................................295 

Appendix C: Design Example ...................................................................................................301 

Appendix D: Soil Nail Wall – Reference Manual Example Plans ............................................333 

Appendix E: Soil Nail Wall Procedural Specifications ............................................................343 

Appendix F: Soil Nail Wall Performance-Based Specifications ..............................................367 

Appendix G: Similar Technologies ...........................................................................................383 

xii
List of Figures 

Figure 2.1: Typical cross-section of a soil nail wall. Modified after Porterfield et al. 

(1994). ....................................................................................................................12

Figure 2.2: Illustration. Typical soil nail wall construction sequence. Modified after 

Porterfield et al. (1994). .........................................................................................15

Figure 2.3: Photo. Construction of soil nail wall. Photograph courtesy of Schnabel 

Engineering. ...........................................................................................................16

Figure 2.4: Illustration. Roadway cut supported with soil nails. Modified after 

Porterfield et al. (1994). .........................................................................................17

Figure 2.5: Illustration. Road widening under existing bridge. Source: Porterfield et al. 

(1994). ....................................................................................................................18

Figure 2.6: Illustration. Hybrid soil nail/MSE wall. Source: Wood et al. (2009). .................20

Figure 2.7: Illustration. SMSE wall for steep terrain. Modified after Morrison et al. 

(2006). ....................................................................................................................21

Figure 3.1: Illustration. Main components of a solid bar soil nail and associated wall 

facing. Modified after Porterfield et al. (1994). ....................................................34

Figure 3.2: Photo. Threaded solid bars. Photograph courtesy of Con-Tech Systems, Ltd. ....35

Figure 3.3: Photo. Threaded solid tendon with steel plate, washer, and nut. Note headed 

studs for connection to final facing. Photograph courtesy of DYWIDAGSystems International. ............................................................................................36

Figure 3.4: Photo. Typical grout plant setup. Photograph courtesy of Barry Siel, FHWA. ....39

Figure 3.5: Photo. Baroid mud balance to measure specific gravity. Photograph courtesy 

of Schnabel Engineering. .......................................................................................40

Figure 3.6: Photo. Molding grout cubes for strength verification. Photograph courtesy of 

Schnabel Engineering. ...........................................................................................40

Figure 3.7: Photo. Typical steel centralizers attached to HBSNs. Photograph courtesy of 

Schnabel Engineering. ...........................................................................................41

Figure 3.8: Photo. Typical PVC centralizers attached to a solid bar. (The spacing between 

centralizers depicted is for illustration only; wider spacing is used in practice.) 

Photograph courtesy of Williams Form Engineering Corp. ..................................41

Figure 3.9: Photo. Solid tendons with gray and purple epoxy coating (left) and partially 

encapsulated by corrugated sheathing (right). Photographs courtesy of 

DYWIDAG-Systems International. .......................................................................43

xiii
Figure 3.10: Photo. Curing of a shotcrete test panel on site. Photograph courtesy of 

Schnabel Engineering. ...........................................................................................44

Figure 3.11: Photo. Shotcrete test panel cored for compressive testing of recovered 

specimens. Photograph courtesy of Schnabel Engineering. .................................44

Figure 3.12: Photo. Strip drain prior to initial shotcrete placement. Photograph courtesy of 

Schnabel Engineering. ...........................................................................................46

Figure 3.13: Photo. Excavation of soil lift during construction of soil nail wall. Photograph 

courtesy of Moretrench American Corporation. ....................................................48

Figure 3.14: Illustration. Soil nail support of excavation with stabilizing berm. Modified 

after Porterfield et al. (1994). .................................................................................49

Figure 3.15: Photo. Drilling nail holes. Photograph courtesy of Barry Siel, FHWA. ...............51

Figure 3.16: Photo. Solid nail tendon installation. Photograph courtesy of Schnabel 

Engineering. ...........................................................................................................53

Figure 3.17: Photo. Initial shotcrete application. Photograph courtesy of Moretrench 

American Corporation. ..........................................................................................54

Figure 3.18: Photo. Shotcrete reinforcement including WWM and waler bars. Photograph 

courtesy of Ryan R. Berg & Associates, Inc. ........................................................57

Figure 3.19: Photo. Cast-in-place facing. Photograph courtesy of DYWIDAG-Systems 

International. ..........................................................................................................59

Figure 3.20: Photo. Precast panel facing. Photograph courtesy of Texas DOT. .......................60

Figure 3.21: Photo. Sculpted wall facing. Photography courtesy of The Collin Group, Ltd. ...61

Figure 4.1: Illustration. Preliminary layout of borings. Modified after Sabatini et al. 

(2002). ....................................................................................................................67

Figure 4.2: Graph. Estimation of soil unit weight. Modified after U.S. Navy (1982), 

Kulhawy and Mayne (1990). .................................................................................76

Figure 4.3: Graph. Friction angle of cohesionless soils as a function of normalized 

overburden (Modified after Schmertmann 1975). .................................................79

Figure 4.4: Graph. Relationship between friction angle and plasticity index (after 

Terzaghi, Peck, and Mesri 1996). ..........................................................................80

Figure 5.1: Illustration. Potential slip surfaces and soil nail tensile forces. ............................98

Figure 5.2: Illustration. Potential critical stability case during construction. ..........................99

xiv
Figure 5.3: Illustration. Stress-transfer mechanism in soil nails: (a) basic soil layout; (b) 

schematic distribution of shear stresses at the grout-soil interface; (c) 

schematic distribution of resulting tensile forces. ................................................100

Figure 5.4: Illustration. Location of maximum tensile forces in soil nails. Modified after 

Byrne et al. (1998). ..............................................................................................101

Figure 5.5: Chart. Summary of maximum nail tensile forces measured in soil nail walls. 

From Byrne et al. (1998). .....................................................................................103

Figure 5.6: Chart. Summary of facing tensile forces measured in soil nail walls. From 

Byrne et al. (1998). ..............................................................................................104

Figure 5.7: Illustration. Limitations to tensile forces in nails: (a) pullout resistance 

controls, (b) tensile resistance controls. ...............................................................106

Figure 5.8: Illustration. Potential limit states in soil nail walls: (a) internal stability (slip 

surface intersecting soil and nails); (b) global stability (slip surface not 

intersecting nails); (c) global stability: basal heave; (d) geotechnical strength: 

lateral sliding; (e) geotechnical strength: pullout; (f) structural strength: nail in 

tension; (g) facing structural strength: bending; (h) facing structural strength: 

punching shear; (i) facing structural strength: headed stud in tension. ................115

Figure 5.9: Illustration. Simple wedge for overall stability verification. ..............................119

Figure 5.10: Illustration. Basal heave for: (a) deposit of soft-fine grained soils, and (b) 

deposit of soft fine-grained soil underlain by stiff layer. Modified after 

Terzaghi et al. (1996) and Sabatini et al. (1999)..................................................123

Figure 5.11: Graph. Bearing capacity factor (Nc) for determining basal heave. Modified 

after Terzaghi et al. (1996) and Sabatini et al. (1999). ........................................124

Figure 5.12: Illustration. Lateral sliding of a soil nail wall. ....................................................130

Figure 5.13: Illustration. Limit states in soil nail wall facings. (a) typical facing layout; (b) 

bending of a facing section; (c) punching shear in initial facing; (d) punching 

shear in final facing; (e) tension of headed studs. Modified after Lazarte 

(2011). ..................................................................................................................134

Figure 5.14: Illustration. Bending mechanism and nail force in facing. Modified after 

Lazarte (2011). .....................................................................................................136

Figure 5.15: Illustration. Section showing bending mechanism in initial facing. ...................138

Figure 5.16: Illustration. Deformation of soil nail walls. Modified after Clouterre (1991) 

and Byrne et al. (1998).........................................................................................142

Figure 6.1: Illustration. Soil nail patterns on wall face. ........................................................149

xv
Figure 6.2: Illustration. Varying nail patterns: (a) example of nail arrangement for nonhorizontal ground, (b) varying nail inclination and lengths around utilities, and 

(c) nail splaying at corners. ..................................................................................151

Figure 6.3: Illustration. Overall and compound slip surfaces in complex soil nail walls. 

Modified after AASHTO (2014). ........................................................................159

Figure 6.4: Illustration. Single nail stress-transfer mode: (a) soil nail layout, (b) 

distribution of mobilized bond stresses, and (c) hypothetical distribution of 

loads along the nail. .............................................................................................162

Figure 6.5: Illustration. Reinforcement nomenclature for facing in bending. .......................167

Figure 6.6: Illustration. Soil pressure distribution behind facing. Modified after Byrne et 

al. (1998). .............................................................................................................169

Figure 6.7: Illustration. Limit states for punching shear in facing – horizontal cross 

sections: (a) bearing plate connection, (b) headed-stud connection. Modified 

after Byrne et al. (1998). ......................................................................................174

Figure 6.8: Illustration. Geometry of headed studs. ..............................................................175

Figure 6.9: Illustration. Forces acting behind a soil wedge (Mononobe-Okabe Method). ...185

Figure 6.10: Chart. Seismic active pressure coefficients: (a) horizontal backslope, and (b) 

correction for non-horizontal backslope. .............................................................187

Figure 6.11: Chart. Effect of cohesion on the seismic active earth pressure coefficient. 

Source: NCHRP (2008). ......................................................................................188

Figure 6.12: Illustration. Drainage of soil nail walls. ..............................................................192

Figure 6.13: Illustration. Typical drain pipe details. Modified after Byrne et al. (1998). ......193

Figure 6.14: Illustration. Example of stepped soil nail wall. Source: Byrne et al. (1988). ....194

Figure 6.15: Illustration. Composite wall structures: (a) cross section, and (b) soil nail 

walls with concrete piles. Source: Byrne et al. (1988). .......................................196

Figure 6.16: Illustration. Strut-nail concept. Source: Byrne et al. (1998). ..............................199

Figure 6.17: Illustration. Examples of frost protection: (a) first example, and (b) second 

example. Modified after Byrne et al. (1998). ......................................................202

Figure 7.1: Illustration. General corrosion of a tendon. After Hamilton et al. (1995) and

Samtani and Nowatzki (2010). ............................................................................207

Figure 7.2: Illustration. Procedure for selecting soil nail corrosion protection level. ...........218

Figure 7.3: Illustration. Class A corrosion protection: encapsulation. Modified from 

Byrne et al. (1998). ..............................................................................................221

xvi 
Figure 7.4: Illustration. Class B corrosion protection: galvanizing or epoxy-coating. 

Modified from Byrne et al. (1998). ......................................................................221

Figure 7.5: Illustration. Class C corrosion protection: bare steel tendon. Modified from 

Byrne et al. (1998). ..............................................................................................222

Figure 9.1: Photo. Soil nail load testing setup. Source: Cadden et al. (2010). .....................244

Figure 9.2: Photo. Soil nail load testing setup against shotcrete facing. Photograph 

courtesy of Schnabel Engineering. ......................................................................245

Figure 9.3: Illustration. Hydraulic jack used for soil nail load testing. Source: Porterfield 

et al. (1994). .........................................................................................................246

Figure 9.4: Chart. Typical data sheet for soil nail load testing..............................................251

Figure 9.5: Chart. Example of data reduction from soil nail load testing. ............................252

Figure 9.6: Chart. Example of data reduction from a soil nail creep test. .............................257

Figure 9.7: Illustration. Typical comprehensive monitoring instrumentation. Source: 

Byrne et al. (1998). ..............................................................................................260

Figure 9.8: Photo. Strain gauge attached to a sister bar. Photograph courtesy of Schnabel 

Engineering. .........................................................................................................262

xvii
List of Tables

Table 3.1a: Hydraulic Rotary Auger Methods for Drilling Competent Soils or Weathered 

Rock (Modified from Elias and Juran 1991) .........................................................50

Table 3.1b: Hydraulic Air and Water Rotary Methods for Drilling Competent Soils, Rock, 

or Mixed Ground Conditions (Pneumatic Down the Hole Hammer Available) 

(Modified from Elias and Juran 1991) ...................................................................51

Table 3.1c: Pneumatic Rotary (Top Hole Hammer) Methods for Drilling Non-Caving 

Competent Soils or Rock (Modified from Elias and Juran 1991) .........................51

Table 4.1a: Procedures and Laboratory Tests for Soils – Classification ..................................72

Table 4.1b: Procedures and Laboratory Tests for Soils – Index Parameters ............................72

Table 4.1c: Procedures and Laboratory Tests for Soils – Shear Strength Tests .......................73

Table 4.2a: Correlations between SPT N-values, CPT, and Friction Angle of Cohesionless 

Soils – SPT .............................................................................................................78

Table 4.2b: Correlations between SPT N-values, CPT, and Friction Angle of Cohesionless 

Soils – CPT ............................................................................................................78

Table 4.3a: Elastic Properties of Soils Based on Soil Type (after AASHTO 2014) ................82

Table 4.3b: Elastic Properties of Soils Based on SPT N-values (after AASHTO 2014) ..........82

Table 4.3c: Elastic Properties of Soils Based on CPT Cone Tip Resistance (qc) (after 

AASHTO 2014) .....................................................................................................82

Table 4.4a: Estimated Bond Strength for Soil Nails in Coarse-Grained Soils (Modified 

after Elias and Juran 1991) ....................................................................................84

Table 4.4b: Estimated Bond Strength for Soil Nails in Fine-Grained Soils (Modified after 

Elias and Juran 1991) .............................................................................................85

Table 4.5: Estimated Bond Strength for Soil Nails in Rock – Drilling Method: Rotary 

Drilled (Modified after Elias and Juran 1991) .......................................................85

Table 4.6: Presumptive Ultimate Values of Soil Nail Pullout Resistance per Unit Length 

(Modified after Sabatini et al. 1999) ......................................................................86

Table 4.7: Laboratory Test Standards .....................................................................................88

Table 4.8: Definition of Site Classes (Kavazanjian et al. 2011) .............................................94

Table 4.9: Site Coefficient FPGA (Kavazanjian et al. 2011) .....................................................94

Table 4.10: Site Coefficient Fv (Kavazanjian 2011) .................................................................95

xviii
Table 5.1: Minimum Recommended Factors of Safety for the Design of Soil Nail Walls 

Using the ASD Method ........................................................................................108

Table 5.2: Load Factors and Load Combinations Based on AASHTO (2014) ....................112

Table 5.3: Load Factors, γp, for Permanent Loads ................................................................113

Table 5.4: Resistance Factors for Overall Stability ..............................................................121

Table 5.5: Resistance Factors for Basal Heave .....................................................................125

Table 5.6: Resistance Factors for Pullout .............................................................................126

Table 5.7: Resistance Factors for Lateral Sliding .................................................................131

Table 5.8: Resistance Factors for Tendon in Tension ...........................................................131

Table 5.9: Resistance Factors for Flexure Resistance at Facing ...........................................139

Table 5.10: Resistance Factors for Punching Shear at Facing ................................................139

Table 5.11: Resistance Factors for Headed Stud in Tension in Final Facings ........................140

Table 5.12: Values of (δh/H)i and C as Functions of Soil Conditions.....................................141

Table 6.1: Main Steps – Initial Design Considerations.........................................................143

Table 6.2: Main Steps – Design ............................................................................................144

Table 6.3: Resistance Factors for Soil Nail Wall Design ......................................................155

Table 6.4: Nomenclature for Cross-Sectional Area per Unit Width of Facing 

Reinforcement ......................................................................................................166

Table 6.5: Factor CF ..............................................................................................................170

Table 6.6: Nominal Flexure Resistance, RFF (Initial Facing) ................................................171

Table 6.7a: Facing Resistance – Shear Punching, RFP (Initial Facing) ...................................176

Table 6.7b: Facing Resistance – Shear Punching, RFP (Final Facing) ....................................176

Table 6.8: Headed Stud Resistance in Tension, RFH (Final Facing) .....................................178

Table 6.9: Maximum Values of Apparent Cohesion to Use with Mononobe-Okabe 

Method (NCHRP 2008) .......................................................................................188

Table 7.1: Relative Effect of Resistivity on Corrosion Potential/Aggressiveness (from 

NCHRP 1978) ......................................................................................................211

Table 7.2: Criteria for Assessing Ground Corrosion Potential .............................................211

Table 7.3: Corrosion Protection Levels for Soil Nails ..........................................................219

Table 9.1: Load Schedule in Verification Tests ....................................................................249

xix
Table 9.2: Load Schedule in Proof Tests ..............................................................................255

Table 10.1: Nominal Bond Strength of Soil Nails in Granular Soils (after Cadden et al. 

2010) ....................................................................................................................266

xx 
List of Equations

Equation 5.1: Maximum soil nail load at head. .......................................................................104

Equation 5.2: Maximum load in a soil nail. ............................................................................105

Equation 5.3: General design equation in ASD.......................................................................107

Equation 5.4: General design equation in LRFD. ...................................................................109

Equation 5.5: Capacity-to-demand ratio..................................................................................110

Equation 5.6: Factored resistance. ...........................................................................................119

Equation 5.7: Factored driving force. ......................................................................................119

Equation 5.8: Mobilized pullout resistance under equilibrium. ..............................................120

Equation 5.9: Mobilized pullout resistance using ASD approach. ..........................................120

Equation 5.10: Nominal soil resistance. ....................................................................................122

Equation 5.11: Nominal soil resistance. ....................................................................................122

Equation 5.12: Total pressure at the base of the soil block. ......................................................122

Equation 5.13: Basal heave stability. ........................................................................................123

Equation 5.14: Basal heave stability with external load. ...........................................................124

Equation 5.15: Simplified expression for basal heave stability. ...............................................124

Equation 5.16: Factor of safety against basal heave..................................................................124

Equation 5.17: Lateral sliding stability. ....................................................................................127

Equation 5.18: Nominal resistance of soil at the base of soil block. .........................................127

Equation 5.19: Lateral earth thrust. ...........................................................................................128

Equation 5.20: Effective height over which earth pressure acts. ..............................................128

Equation 5.21: Active earth pressure coefficient according to Coulomb theory. .....................128

Equation 5.22: Active earth pressure coefficient according to Rankine theory. .......................129

Equation 5.23: Active earth pressure coefficient (vertical wall, horizontal backfill, and no 

friction at the soil interface). .............................................................................129

Equation 5.24: Nominal compressive resistance. ......................................................................135

Equation 5.25: Nominal tensile resistance. ...............................................................................135

Equation 5.26: Bending force in initial facing. .........................................................................135

Equation 5.27: Equivalent cross-sectional area of rebar. ..........................................................137

xxi 
Equation 5.28: Total equivalent area per unit length. ...............................................................137

Equation 5.29: Bending moment. ..............................................................................................137

Equation 5.30: Maximum long-term horizontal and vertical displacement at the top of wall. .141

Equation 5.31: Distance of significant soil deformation behind the wall. ................................141

Equation 6.1: Nominal unit pullout resistance. .......................................................................161

Equation 6.2: Nominal pullout resistance. ..............................................................................162

Equation 6.3: Capacity-to-demand ratio (CDR). .....................................................................162

Equation 6.4: CDR definition. .................................................................................................163

Equation 6.5: Nominal tensile resistance of tendon. ...............................................................163

Equation 6.6: Reinforcement ratio. .........................................................................................165

Equation 6.7: Definition of reinforcement cross-sectional area per unit width in the 

vertical direction at the nail head. .....................................................................165

Equation 6.8. Definition of reinforcement cross-sectional area per unit width in the 

horizontal direction at the nail head. .................................................................165

Equation 6.9: Vertical bending resistance of initial facing at midspan. ..................................168

Equation 6.10: Vertical bending resistance of initial facing at nail head. .................................168

Equation 6.11: Horizontal bending resistance of initial facing at midspan. ..............................168

Equation 6.12: Horizontal bending moment of initial facing at nail head. ...............................168

Equation 6.13: Nominal bending resistance for bending in the vertical direction. ...................168

Equation 6.14: Nominal resistance for bending in the horizontal direction. .............................168

Equation 6.15: Nominal bending resistance for Grade 60 steel WWM/rebar and 4,000 psi 

shotcrete. ...........................................................................................................169

Equation 6.16: Definition of F...................................................................................................170

Equation 6.17: Nominal bending resistance. .............................................................................170

Equation 6.18: Capacity-to-demand ratio for bending in facing. ..............................................171

Equation 6.19: Capacity-to-demand ratio for punching shear resistance. .................................172

Equation 6.20: Nominal punching shear resistance at facing. ...................................................172

Equation 6.21: Nominal punching shear resistance through facing. .........................................173

Equation 6.22: Effective, equivalent diameter of conical slip surface through initial facing. ..173

Equation 6.23: Effective depth of the conical slip surface, initial facing..................................173

xxii 
Equation 6.24: Effective, equivalent diameter of conical slip surface, final facing. .................175

Equation 6.25: Effective depth of conical slip surface, final facing. ........................................175

Equation 6.26: Headed stud resistance at facing. ......................................................................177

Equation 6.27: Capacity-to-demand ratio for a headed stud. ....................................................177

Equation 6.28: Verification for sufficient cross-sectional area of headed stud. ........................177

Equation 6.29: Verification of sufficient thickness of headed stud. ..........................................177

Equation 6.30: Effective cross-sectional area of threaded bolts................................................178

Equation 6.31: Design, site-corrected peak ground acceleration (Site Classes C through E). ..181

Equation 6.32: Design, site-corrected peak ground acceleration (Site Classes A and B). ........181

Equation 6.33: Seismic coefficient corrected for wall height. ..................................................182

Equation 6.34: Wall height correction factor. ...........................................................................182

Equation 6.35: Estimated wall seismic displacement................................................................183

Equation 6.36: Seismic coefficient for rigid wall. .....................................................................183

Equation 6.37: Seismic coefficient assuming wall can tolerate a lateral movement up to 2

in. ......................................................................................................................183

Equation 6.38: Seismic coefficient assuming wall can tolerate a lateral movement greater 

than 2 in.............................................................................................................183

Equation 6.39: Reduction factor. ...............................................................................................183

Equation 6.40: Total active thrust per Mononobe-Okabe method. ...........................................185

Equation 6.41: Active earth pressure coefficient per Mononobe-Okabe method. ....................186

Equation 6.42: Relation between horizontal and vertical seismic coefficients. ........................186

Equation 6.43: Term D as used in Mononobe-Okabe equations. ..............................................186

Equation 7.1: Thickness of sacrificial steel. ............................................................................216

Equation 7.2: Remaining bar diameter. ...................................................................................217

Equation 9.1: Maximum bond length in verification tests (Grades 60 and 75). .....................247

Equation 9.2: Maximum bond length in verification tests (Grade 150). .................................247

Equation 9.3: Maximum load in verification tests. .................................................................248

Equation 9.4: Theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length in verification tests. .....250

Equation 9.5: Maximum bond length in proof tests (Grades 60 and 75). ...............................253

xxiii
Equation 9.6: Maximum bond length in proof tests (Grade 150). ...........................................253

Equation 9.7: Maximum load in proof tests. ...........................................................................254

Equation 9.8: Theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length in proof tests. ..............254

xxiv
List of Symbols

a Extent of effective width of facing section that is in compression 

ahm Cross-sectional area of horizontal reinforcement per unit width at midspan 

ahn Cross-sectional area of horizontal reinforcement per unit width at nail head

aij Cross-sectional area of reinforcement per unit width in the “i” direction and 

“j” location

as_eq Equivalent cross-sectional area of reinforcement per unit width of facing 

as_W Cross-sectional area of WWM per unit width of facing 

avm Cross-sectional area of vertical reinforcement per unit width at midspan 

avn Cross-sectional area of vertical reinforcement per unit width at nail head

AE Effective cross-sectional area of bolts (used as connectors in wall facing) 

Agt Ductility (or uniform elongation) of steel without necking 

AH Cross-sectional area of the head of a stud 

A'HN Equivalent cross-sectional area of added reinforcement at nail head in the 

horizontal direction 

As_R Cross-sectional area of rebar

A's_R Equivalent cross-sectional area of rebar

AS Cross-sectional area of the shaft of a headed stud 

At Cross-sectional area of tendon

A'VN Equivalent cross-sectional area of added reinforcement at nail head in the 

vertical direction

bPL Size of bearing plate in a strut-nail

Be Excavation width 

B'e Width of soil block with potential to cause heave 

BL Length of horizontal slip surface (sliding stability)

c Compressive force per unit width in facing 

cb Cohesion of soil along base of soil block (sliding stability)

c' Effective cohesion of soil 

c* Normalized cohesion 

C Soil-dependent coefficient for estimating soil nail wall deflections

CDR Capacity-to-demand ratio

CF Factor to consider non-uniform soil pressures behind facing 

CP Correction factor to account for contribution of the soil support (punching 

shear)

CRTY Reduction coefficient for mild-grade steel

CRTU Reduction coefficient for high-grade steel

CST Compressive force in the strut nail 

xxv 
C1L Correction coefficient of nail length for drill hole diameter (App. B) 

C2L Correction coefficient of nail length for cohesion (App. B) 

C3L Correction coefficient of nail length for factor of safety (App. B) 

C1F Correction coefficient of nail load for drill hole diameter (App. B) 

C2F Correction coefficient of nail load for cohesion (App. B) 

d Distance from the outer edge of a facing section in compression to the 

centroid of the reinforcement (bending in facing) 

dbar Initial bar diameter including sacrificial steel

de Tolerable wall movement under seismic loading 

df Distance “d” for the final facing

di Distance “d” for the initial facing

di Thickness of subsurface layer “i” to estimate Site Class

dloss Net bar diameter after sacrificial steel is depleted

dT Differential of T

dx Differential of x 

D Term used in the calculation of KAE

DB Depth to top of deposit of stiff soil underlying excavation

DC Dead load from structural/non-structural attachments

D'c Effective equivalent diameter of conical slip surface at soil nail head

DDEF Distance to consider ground deformation behind a soil nail wall 

DDH Drill hole diameter

DE Effective diameter of bolt core

DH Diameter of the head of a stud 

Dr Relative density

DS, DSC Diameter of the shaft of a headed stud

DSH Diameter of the head of a stud

DW Dead load from wearing surfaces and utilities

E Young’s modulus of steel 

Es Young’s modulus of soil 

EH Horizontal earth pressure 

EQ Earthquake loading 

ES Horizontal component of permanent surcharge 

EV Vertical earth pressure load

f'c Compressive strength of concrete

fu Ultimate strength of steel

fy Yield strength of steel 

fy-f Yield strength of reinforcement

fy-hs Yield strength of headed stud 

fy-R Yield strength of rebar

xxvi 
F Factor used to estimate RFF

FPGA Adjustment factor on PGA for site conditions 

FS Factor of safety

FSBH Factor of safety for basal heave

FSFF Factor of safety for facing bending/flexure

FSFH Factor of safety for headed stud in tension

FSFP Factor of safety for punching shear 

FSLS Factor of safety for lateral sliding

FSOS Factor of safety for overall stability

FSPO Factor of safety for pullout 

FST Factor of safety for tendon in tension 

Fv Adjustment factor on S1 for site conditions 

Fy_W Yield strength of WWM

h Thickness of facing (generic)

hc Effective depth of conical surface

hf Thickness of final facing

hi Thickness of initial facing 

H Height of wall

H Total thickness of soil layer (Site Class estimation) 

H1 Effective height behind a wall over which the earth pressure acts

H1, H2 Heights of walls 1 and 2, respectively, of a stepped soil nail wall

i Inclination of soil nail from the horizontal 

i Generic number in a summation

IP Plastic index (alternative symbol)

kh Horizontal seismic coefficient

kmax Maximum seismic coefficient

kv Vertical seismic coefficient

ky Yield acceleration

Ka Active earth pressure coefficient

KAE Active earth pressure coefficient under seismic loading 

L Length of a soil nail

LBP Size of a square bearing plate

LB PT Bonded length in proof load tests

LB PT max Maximum bonded length in proof load tests 

LB VT Bonded length in verification load tests

LB VT max Maximum bonded length in verification load tests

Le Length of excavation 

Lfail Length between nail head and slip surface

LL Live load

xxvii 
LL Liquid limit

Lp Pullout length or soil nail length behind slip surface

LS Live load surcharge 

LS Length of headed stud

LSN Length of a strut-nail

LUB Unbonded length 

mhm Horizontal bending resistance of facing at midspan per unit of width 

mhn Horizontal bending moment of facing at nail head per unit of width 

mH Horizontal moment per unit of width 

mvm Vertical bending resistance of facing at midspan per unit of width

mvn Vertical bending resistance of facing at nail head per unit of width

mV Vertical moment per unit of width 

n Number to describe slopes, as in n (vertical):1(horizontal) 

nt Number of threads per unit length of a bolt (connector) 

N Normal force on slip surface 

N Uncorrected SPT blowcount 

N Last number in a summation 

N Total number of rows of soil nail in a generic wall

N_bar Average SPT N-value (Site Class estimation)

Nc Bearing capacity factor for cohesion 

NH Number of headed-studs 

Ni SPT N-value for layer “i” (Site Class estimation)

Nk CPT factor for use with estimations of soil shear strength

N60 N-value corrected for an energy efficiency of 60 percent

(N1)60 Normalized and corrected SPT N-value 

Pa Lateral earth thrust 

Pa Atmospheric pressure 

PAE Total active thrust including seismic loading

PGA Peak ground acceleration 

PGAD Design peak ground acceleration

PGV Peak ground velocity 

PI Plasticity index

PL Plastic limit

PL Limit pressure in the pressuremeter test 

PTL Proof test load 

q Mobilized shear stress along grout-soil interface

q Total pressure at the base of a soil-nail reinforced block (basal heave)

qc Cone tip or bearing resistance

qU Bond strength or nominal bond resistance of soil nails

xxviii 
q(x) Mobilized shear stress along grout-soil interface as a function of the distance 

“x”

Q External surcharge (schematic wedge analysis)

Qi Total load at the base of a soil block 

Qi Load component “i” in LRFD

QES Permanent surcharge

QLS Live load surcharge 

r Ductility reduction factor (kmax estimation)

rPO Ultimate pullout strength (or load transfer rate) per unit length 

R Factor to correct soil nail lengths in the lower portion of a wall 

RALL Allowable resistance

RF Nominal resistance (general) of facing

RFF Nominal bending (or flexure) resistance of facing

RFi Nominal resistance of facing at nail “i”

RFP Nominal resistance of facing for punching shear 

RFH Nominal tensile resistance of headed studs in final facing

Rn Nominal resistance of a generic structural component 

RPO Nominal pullout resistance 

RPOi Nominal pullout resistance of nail “i” 

RS Nominal resistance of soil (schematic wedge analysis)

RS Resistance of soil of soil block (sliding stability)

RT Nominal tensile resistance of tendon 

RTi Nominal tensile resistance of nail “i"

S Generic spacing of soil nails, in the horizontal or vertical direction 

SH Horizontal spacing of soil nails 

Smax Maximum spacing of soil nails 

SS Spectral response acceleration at T = 0.2 sec 

SSH Spacing of headed studs 

Su Undrained shear strength of fine-grained soils 

Su_bar Average Su (Site Class estimation)

Su1 Undrained shear strength of fine-grained soils behind a soil block (basal 

heave)

SV Vertical spacing of soil nails 

SVN Vertical distance between the deepest row of soil nails to the bottom of 

excavation 

SV0 Vertical distance between the top of wall to the first row of soil nails

S1 Spectral response acceleration at T = 1.0 sec

S1D Design value of S1

t Tension force per unit width in facing section

xxix
tf Service life in years (sacrificial steel)

tMAX Normalized soil nail load (App. B) 

tP Thickness of bearing plate 

tSH Thickness of the head of a stud 

T Oscillatory period of structure

T Tensile force of a single equivalent soil nail per unit length (schematic 

description) 

Tmax Maximum nail force

Tmax _i Maximum load in nail “i”

To Tensile force at the nail head

TT Axial force in soil nail for strut nail concept

Tx, T(x) Load along soil nail as a function of x 

T1...N Tensile force in soil nails 1...N 

T1maxi, ... Maximum load in soil nail at slip surface

v_bar Average shear-wave velocity

vsi Shear-wave velocity of layer “i”

VF Punching-shear force acting through facing

VTL Verification test load

wn In situ or natural moisture content 

W Weight of generic soil wedge 

W Weight of facing

x Coordinate along nail 

x Horizontal coordinate in SNAP-2 

X Loss of steel

y Vertical coordinate in SNAP-2 

z Moment arm between forces “a” and “t” 

α Batter angle (from vertical) of wall face

α' Batter angle (from vertical) of internal wall face

α Correction factor for wall height (kmax estimation)

β Correction factor for site response (kmax estimation)

β Backslope angle

βeq Equivalent backslope angle 

γd Dry unit weight of soil 

γEH Load factor for horizontal effect of earth loads 

γEQ Load factor for seismic force

γES Load factor for horizontal effect of permanent surcharge 

γEV Load factor for vertical effect of earth loads 

γi Load modification factor associated with load Qi

xxx 
γLS Load factor for live load 

γmoist Moist unit weight of soil 

γp Load factor for permanent loads 

γs Unit weight of soil

γ's Buoyant unit weight of soil 

γw Unit weight of water

δ Friction angle between soil and reinforced-soil block (lateral sliding)

δh Horizontal displacement at the top of a soil nail wall

(δh/H)i Ratio to estimate the horizontal displacement at the top of a soil nail wall

δv Vertical displacement at the top of a soil nail wall

ΔH Height difference in backslope grades existing behind wall

ΔPTL Total movement measured at PTL

ΔVTL Total movement measured at VTL

ηi Load modification factor for load “i” per LRFD 

θ Inclination of wall face from horizontal 

θ1, θ2 Inclinations of regular soil nail and strut-nail, respectively

μ Normalized bond strength (App. B) 

ξ Angle of orientation of slip plane 

ρ Reinforcement ratio

ρij Reinforcement ratio in the “i” direction and “j” location

ρm Reinforcement ratio at mid-span

ρn Reinforcement ratio at the nail head

ρtot Total reinforcement ratio

σ'vo In situ effective overburden pressure 

ν Poisson’s ratio 

φ Resistance factor

φBH Resistance factor for basal heave

φFF Resistance factor for bending/flexure

φFH Resistance factor for headed stud in tension 

φFP Resistance factor for punching shear in facing

φLS Resistance factor for lateral sliding

φOS Resistance factor for overall stability

φPO Resistance factor for pullout resistance

φT Resistance factor for tensile capacity

φs' Effective angle of internal friction of soil 

φf Friction angle of retained soil

φ'fb Effective friction angle of soil at the base of a soil block (sliding stability)

xxxi 
φs Nominal value of friction angle of soil 

ω Angle relating individual seismic coefficients

xxxii 
List of Acronyms

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

AC/DC Alternating current/direct current

ACI American Concrete Institute

ADSC Also known as IAFD, International Association of Foundation Drilling 

AFI Air-Freezing Index

AL Alignment load

ANSI American National Standards Institute

API American Petroleum Institute

ASA American Shotcrete Association

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers

ASD Allowable stress design

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

AWS American Welding Society

CALTRANS California Department of Transportation 

CD Consolidated drained triaxial compression (test) 

CIP Cast-in-place (concrete)

CL Lean clay

CPT Cone penetration test 

CU Consolidated undrained triaxial compression (test) 

D/B Design/Build

D/B/B Design/Bid/Build

DFI Deep Foundations Institute

DMT Dilatometer test

DOT Department of Transportation 

EDM Electronic distance measuring (equipment) 

EPS Extruded polystyrene 

FDM Finite difference method

FEM Finite element method

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

FS Factor of safety

GEC Geotechnical engineering circular

GP Poorly-graded gravel

GW Well-graded gravel

HBSN Hollow bar soil nails

HDPE High-density polyethylene

LI Liquidity index 

LL Liquid limit

LOI Loss-on-ignition

xxxiii 
LRFD Load and resistance factor design

ML Low-plasticity silt

MSE Mechanically stabilized earth (wall)

NCDC National Climatic Data Center

NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program

NHI National Highway Institute

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

PCA Portland Cement Association

PE Polyethylene

pH Potential of hydrogen 

PMT Pressuremeter test

PR Polarization resistance

PTI Post-Tensioning Institute

PVC Polyvinyl Chloride 

QC/QA Quality Control/Quality Assurance 

ROW Right-of-Way

SHRP2 Strategic Highway Research Program

SI International System of Units

SM Silty sand

SMSE Shored mechanically stabilized earth (wall)

SP Poorly-graded sand

SPT Standard penetration test 

SW Well-graded sand

TRB Transportation Research Board 

TYP Typical (used in figures and drawings) 

UC Unconfined compressive strength (test) 

USCS Unified Soil Classification System

USGS United States Geological Survey

UU Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression (test) 

VST Field vane shear test

WRI Wire Reinforcement Institute

WWM Welded wire mesh

xxxiv 
Chapter 1: Introduction 

1.1 Overview

This manual provides guidance for the design and construction of soil nail walls. Some of 

the most significant additions to this manual with respect to the previous version of this 

document include: 

• Implementation of the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) platform 

• Design considerations for hollow bars used as soil nails (HBSNs)

• Incorporation of more thorough corrosion criteria for soil nail design 

• Inclusion of design example based on the SNAP-2 computer program (Siel 2014) 

The primary audience for this document is: Owners (e.g., typically a public Agency); 

engineers specializing in bridge, structure, geotechnical, and roadway design; and 

engineering geologists and consulting engineers providing technical reviews, or who are 

engaged in the design, procurement, and construction of permanent soil nail systems. This 

document is also intended for management, specification and contracting specialists, as well 

as for construction engineers dealing with soil nail systems. In this document, the term “soil 

nail” refers to inclusions in soils and soft and weathered rock. The term “soil nail” is used in 

this document regardless of the material supported by the soil nail wall. This document only 

addresses permanent walls and includes a design framework implemented in LRFD for 

permanent structures.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this manual is to provide updated, state-of-the-practice information for 

selecting, designing, and constructing soil nail walls for roadway projects. The information 

contained herein is aimed at producing safe and cost-effective soil nail designs for roadway 

projects, and to help Owners to identify and manage the risks associated with soil nail wall 

projects. This manual focuses solely on soil nail systems providing long-term support of 

excavation of a permanent structure. This manual does not specifically address the use of

soil nails as temporary structures for providing temporary support of excavation or to 

stabilize landslides. 

1.3 Definition of Soil Nails

This section presents a definition of soil nails to distinguish between elements that are 

addressed in this manual and other systems that may resemble, but are fundamentally 

different from soil nails in one or more aspects. The definition of a soil nail herein 

1 
incorporates the following fundamental elements: resisting mechanisms, materials, 

construction methods, and construction Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA). 

Soil nails are reinforcing, passive elements that are drilled and grouted sub-horizontally in 

the ground to support excavations in soil, or in soft and weathered rock that: 

• Contribute to the stability of earth-resisting systems mainly through tension as a result 

of the deformation of the retained soil or weathered rock mass. 

• Transfer tensile loads to the surrounding ground through shear stresses (i.e., bond 

stresses) along the grout-ground interface. 

• Develop resistances that can be estimated with established design procedures. 

• Have long-term, demonstrable corrosion protection to ensure adequate, long-term 

performance of the system. 

• Interact structurally with the facing of the excavation.

• Are load-tested according to prescribed methods. 

• Are routinely subject to construction QC/QA according to established procedures. 

Reinforcing elements that are post-tensioned, even if installed adjacent to conventional soil 

nails, are referred to as ground anchors, which are not addressed in this manual. Information 

on ground anchors can be found in Article 11.9 of AASHTO (2014) and “Ground Anchors 

and Anchored Systems,” Geotechnical Engineering Circular No. 4, Report No. FHWA-IF99-015 (Sabatini et al. 1999). 

As stated in the definition, load transfer to and from the surrounding ground develops 

through shear stresses acting along the grout interface of the soil nail. As the reinforced-soil 

block deforms, shear stresses develop at the grout-ground interface. Because the retained 

soil deforms toward the excavation, soil nails undergo extension resulting in axial tensile 

forces in the soil nail tendon. The axial tensile load in the tendon increases from the nail 

head to a maximum value; then decreases as the soil nail transfers load to the surrounding 

ground. The tensile resistance of the soil nail tendon and the pull-out resistance of the soil 

nail are the main resisting mechanisms. 

Various soil-reinforcing techniques involving the insertion of bars or rods in soils may bear 

some similarity to the soil nails described in this manual. Some of these alternative 

techniques, which are proprietary, may also incorporate the term “nail” in the brand name or 

in a loosely used denomination of some construction systems. Some of these alternative 

techniques, which do not meet the definition of soil nails, are described in Appendix G. This 

section also includes brief discussions of their differences with soil nails. 

2 
1.4 Background

1.4.1 Historical Origins of Soil Nail Walls

The insertion and grouting of metallic reinforcement into the ground, in combination with the 

use of shotcrete facing to provide excavation support, derives from the system developed for 

rock-excavation support known as the “New Austrian Tunneling Method” (Rabcewicz 

1964a, 1964b, and 1965). The passive steel bars are known as rock bolts in the tunnel 

industry. The concept of combining passive steel reinforcement and shotcrete extended 

subsequently to rock-slope stabilization projects (Lang 1961). The use of this method was 

later expanded to stabilize slopes and excavations in soil. 

In 1972 soil nails were used to stabilize an approximately 60-ft high cut-slope in sand for a 

railroad-widening project near Versailles, France (Rabejac and Toudic 1974). The method 

proved to be cost-effective and the construction faster than other conventional support 

methods. 

The use of soil nails became common in France and other European countries since the 

completion of the Versailles project. The first use of soil nails in earth-retaining systems in 

Germany took place in 1975 (Stocker et al. 1979). The University of Karlsruhe, Germany, 

and Bauer, a large German contractor, partnered from 1975 through 1981 in a research 

program that involved full-scale testing of experimental walls (Gässler and Gudehus 1981, 

Schlosser and Unterreiner 1991). The French Clouterre research program involving private 

and public participants started in 1986. That research involved full-scale testing, monitoring 

of in-service soil nail walls, field testing, and numerical simulations (Schlosser 1983, 

Clouterre 1993 and 2000).

1.4.2 Developments in the United States

One of the first applications of this technology in the U.S. was in 1976 when soil nails were 

used to provide support to a 45-ft deep excavation made in lacustrine, dense, silty sands for 

the expansion of the Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon. It was estimated that this

system was completed in nearly half the time and at about 85 percent of the cost of 

conventional excavation-support systems (Byrne et al. 1998). In 1984 FHWA funded a 

demonstration project for the installation of a prototype, 40-ft high soil nail wall near 

Cumberland Gap, Kentucky (Nicholson 1986). 

Since its introduction in the U.S., the use of soil nail walls has increased greatly for roadway 

projects. This increase can be attributed to the technical feasibility and cost-competitiveness

of soil nailing. For certain subsurface and project conditions, soil nailing is more 

advantageous than other top-down, earth retaining systems because the construction 

3 
equipment is smaller, and it provides greater structural redundancy (i.e., a larger number of 

reinforcing elements per unit of wall area than other systems). Easements tend to be smaller 

for soil nail projects because soil nails are shorter than ground anchors, for example, given 

the same wall height. Additionally, as the use of soil nailing has grown, the number of 

qualified, soil-nail specialty contractors has increased. The project experience gained among 

engineers and Owners, especially state transportation agencies, has also increased over the 

years.

1.4.3 Leading Historic Documents in the United States

FHWA’s sponsorship of demonstration and research projects has contributed greatly to the 

expansion of soil nail use in roadway projects since the early 1990s. The first FHWApublished document for the design and construction of soil nails was authored by Elias and 

Juran (1991). In 1993, FHWA sponsored a technical scanning tour in European countries 

leading this technology and published the tour findings (FHWA 1993a). FHWA also 

commissioned the translation of the French national manual on soil nailing into English

(FHWA 1993b). In 1994, FHWA initiated “Demonstration Project 103” to disseminate the 

use of soil nailing among state transportation agencies. FHWA published the document titled 

“Soil Nailing Field Inspectors Manual, Demonstration Project 103” to assist the QC/QA of 

soil nail construction (Porterfield et al. 1994). “Demonstration Project 103” led to the update 

of the 1991 FHWA design document for soil nails (Byrne et al. 1998). FHWA also 

published the previous version of this manual (Lazarte et al. 2003). 

In 2007, FHWA developed a series of multimedia presentation modules to: (i) describe the 

use of ground anchors and soil nails in roadway construction; and (ii) introduce this 

technology to various users utilizing a modern digital medium (Smith 2007). In 2010, 

FHWA published a report containing a review of factors affecting the corrosion of HBSNs

and a series of recommendations to mitigate these factors (Samtani and Nowatzki 2010). 

FHWA also published FHWA-CFL/TD-10-001 (Cadden et al. 2010), which contains the 

results of a pullout testing program for HBSNs. The objectives of the pullout testing 

program were to: (i) develop estimates of bond stress of HBSNs as measured at four test 

sites; (ii) assess whether correlations existed between published values of bond resistances 

and conventional pre-drilled soil nails with solid bar tendons; and (iii) provide 

recommendations for practical, standard procedures for performing pullout tests of HBSNs.

The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) launched the GeoTechTools web-based 

information and guidance system (SHRP 2013) to provide organized, detailed information on 

geo-construction technologies including soil nailing. FHWA is currently implementing the 

use of GeoTechTools with state transportation agencies, in cooperation with the American 

4 
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the 

Transportation Research Board (TRB). 

1.5 Design Philosophy

This document includes a framework that allows the manual users to: 

• Verify structural capacities in the conventional LRFD equation format, using load 

factor values from the AASHTO “LRFD Bridge Design Specifications” (2014).

• Utilize conventional Allowable Stress Design (ASD)-based, limit-equilibrium, 

computer programs developed specifically for designing soil nail walls to determine 

nominal loads in soil nail wall components. 

• Incorporate resistance factors correlated to load factors included in AASHTO (2014) 

that would result in designs that are equal to or slightly more conservative than 

designs developed through ASD-based factors of safety (FS) as defined in previous 

versions of this manual. 

• Incorporate correlated resistance factors that are rounded to the closest 0.05 and are 

reasonable and compatible with, but not necessarily equal to, those presented in 

AASHTO (2014) for other earth-retention structures and corresponding limit states.

• Incorporate correlated resistance factors that are consistent with a minimum required 

frequency of verification testing. 

Therefore, the soil nail wall design presented herein relies on ASD-based stability 

calculations to quantify soil nail loads and slip surface geometries, and then uses these results 

to perform LRFD checks. The LRFD framework contained in this manual considers service, 

strength, and extreme-event limit states, consistent with those of AASHTO (2014). 

1.6 Document Organization

The remaining chapters of this manual present the following information: 

• Chapter 2 – “Applications and Feasibility Evaluations” provides an overview of the 

use of soil nails in roadway projects and an introduction to the main components and 

construction sequence of soil nail walls. The chapter also presents a description of 

favorable and unfavorable ground conditions for soil nailing, guidelines for 

conducting feasibility evaluations of soil nailing, and the risks for Owners using this 

technology. Finally, it lists factors affecting costs and construction schedule. 

• Chapter 3 – “Construction Materials and Methods” contains detailed descriptions of 

the main components of soil nail walls and of the equipment and methods used in 

construction. 

5 
• Chapter 4 – “Information Required for Design” describes the information that 

engineers should obtain to perform a complete soil nail wall design. This information 

encompasses field and laboratory testing data and soil and rock parameters (including 

bond resistance). The chapter also lists the information needed for assessing 

corrosion potential for soil nails, for designing soil nail walls under seismic loading, 

and for assessing frost action. 

• Chapter 5 – “Resisting Mechanisms and Limit States” provides descriptions of the 

resisting and load transfer mechanisms in soil nail walls. The chapter also includes a 

detailed discussion on the process followed for calibration of the various resistance 

factors used in soil nail wall design. 

• Chapter 6 – “Design of Soil Nail Walls” presents the main steps to complete a full 

design. The chapter presents guidance for the verification of various strength and 

service limit states. Additionally, the chapter presents supplementary, special 

considerations in design, including: (i) special wall geometries; (ii) drainage; (iii) 

effects of frost; and (iv) effects of creeping soil. The step-by-step design procedure 

of this chapter is illustrated with a design example presented in Appendix C. 

• Chapter 7 – “Corrosion Protection” presents a description of corrosion phenomena 

and their effects on metallic elements present in soil nail walls. It also contains 

criteria for selecting adequate levels of corrosion protection as a function of corrosion 

potential. The chapter introduces different systems to provide corrosion protection, 

including epoxy-coated bars, grout and other elements. 

• Chapter 8 – “Contracting Approaches and Specifications” introduces guidance for the 

procurement of soil nail wall projects. The chapter also provides the key 

considerations for developing high-quality construction specifications. 

• Chapter 9 – “Construction Inspection and Performance Monitoring” presents 

procedures for conducting construction QC/QA, including inspection of materials and 

construction activities. The chapter introduces requirements for performing soil nail 

load testing (both proof and verification tests), and instrumentation and monitoring 

during construction, as well as for long-term monitoring. 

• Chapter 10 – “Considerations for Hollow Bar Soil Nails” includes discussions of the 

special items that owners, engineers and contractors need to consider for the design 

and construction of walls reinforced with HBSNs. While many design aspects of 

HBSN design are similar to those of solid bar soil nails, special considerations related 

to corrosion, soil nail testing, and QC/QA construction must be taken into account for 

HBSNs.

The manual also includes a list of the references used and the following appendices: 

6 
• APPENDIX A – Reinforcement Data Reference

• APPENDIX B – Charts for Preliminary Designs

• APPENDIX C – Design Example

• APPENDIX D – Construction Details for Soil Nail Walls

• APPENDIX E – Procedural Construction Specifications 

• APPENDIX F – Performance-Based Construction Specifications

• APPENDIX G – Similar Technologies

7 

Chapter 2: Applications and Feasibility Evaluations 

2.1 Introduction

This chapter describes common applications of soil nails in roadway projects and presents 

typical components and the construction sequence of soil nail walls. It also contains a 

discussion about favorable and unfavorable subsurface conditions for cost-effective 

construction of soil nail walls to aid in evaluating their feasibility, and the main factors 

affecting the construction costs of these systems. 

Soil nail walls are constructed using a “top-down” construction sequence, where the ground 

is excavated in lifts of limited height. Soil nails and an initial shotcrete facing are installed at 

each excavation lift to provide support. Subsequently, a final shotcrete or cast-in-placeconcrete (CIP) facing is installed. Nails are most often installed at a vertical spacing of 4 to 6 

ft. The nail vertical spacing is comparable to the typical height of a stable, excavation lift, 

which is commonly 3 to 5 ft and could be more in some soils. The horizontal spacing of 

nails is often also in the range of 4 to 6 ft. Figure 2.1 depicts a soil nail wall installed to 

permit excavation in the right-of-way for a road widening project. Both the soil nails and the 

initial and final facing contribute to the stability of the excavation. The soil nails support the 

soil and transfer loads to the soil mass behind the wall. The facing supports the soil between 

nails and immediately behind the face, provides structural continuity, and enables the soil 

nail wall to act as a unit.

Soil nail walls can be more advantageous than other top-down retaining systems where the 

ground can temporarily sustain short, vertical or sub-vertical unsupported cuts. Section 2.7 

contains a thorough discussion on favorable and unfavorable soils for soil nailing. 

Soil nail walls are permanent earth-retaining structures in most roadway projects in the U.S. 

However, soil nail walls are also constructed as temporary structures (i.e., typical service life 

of a few months) in roadway work when used as shoring of temporary excavations. 

2.2 Elements of a Soil Nail Wall

The components of soil nail walls used in the U.S. practice are identified in Figure 2.1 and 

are briefly described below. More detailed descriptions of these components are included in 

Chapter 3. 

2.2.1 Soil Nails

• Tendons – Tendons are the ground reinforcing elements behind a soil nail wall and 

equivalent to (steel) bars. These terms will be used interchangeably in this manual. 

9 
Tensile stress in each tendon mobilizes in response to lateral movement and 

deformation of the retained soil. Soil movement can occur during excavation, after 

excavation in the absence of external loads (as a result of time-dependent 

deformations), or after excavation when external loads such as surcharge or traffic 

loads are applied. The tendons can be solid or hollow bars. Solid bars are placed in 

stable drill holes and grouted in place. Hollow bars are fitted with a sacrificial drill 

bit and are used to drill the hole to then remain in place as the permanent soil nail 

reinforcement; they are described in detail in Chapter 10. Both solid and hollow bars 

are typically fully threaded. 

• Grout – Grout used for soil nails usually consists of Portland cement and water. The 

grout functions to: (i) transfer shear stresses between the deforming ground and the 

tendons; (ii) transfer tensile stresses from the tendons to the surrounding stable soil; 

and (iii) provide some level of corrosion protection to the tendons. Grout is placed in 

the drill holes under gravity using the tremie method. 

• Corrosion Protection – Soil nails used in permanent applications require chemical 

and/or physical protection against corrosion. The required level of corrosion 

protection is greater for soils with higher corrosion potential and for projects with 

lower risk tolerance. 

The lowest level of corrosion protection in U.S. practice is provided by the grout 

alone. Encapsulation of the bar provides the highest level of corrosion protection and 

is achieved by adding a protective sheath and grouting the bars in a phased process. 

Corrosion protection of the soil nail tendon can also be provided by application of a 

fusion-bonded, epoxy coating, galvanization, or sacrificial steel. Chapter 7 contains 

detailed descriptions of the corrosion protection techniques available for soil nails. 

2.2.2 Facing

• Shotcrete – Facing consists of an initial and a final component. Soon after 

excavation, the initial facing is applied on the exposed soil at each excavation lift 

before or after nail installation to provide temporary stability and protection. The 

initial facing also receives the bearing plate of the soil nail. The final facing is 

constructed over the initial facing and provides structural continuity throughout the 

design life. The final facing may also include an aesthetic finish. The initial facing 

most commonly consists of reinforced shotcrete. The final facing generally consists

of CIP-reinforced concrete, reinforced shotcrete, or precast concrete panels. 

Reinforcement used in the shotcrete of the initial facing includes the following items: 

(i) welded-wire mesh (WWM) installed over the entire excavation lift, and effectively

over the entire wall using appropriate lap splices; (ii) horizontal bars (referred to as 

10 
waler bars) placed around nail heads to add bending resistance in the horizontal 

direction; and (iii) vertical bearing bars placed at nail heads to add bending resistance 

in the vertical direction (see Figure 2.1). Other reinforcement options include the use 

of steel or synthetic fiber particularly for temporary facing in soft or weathered rock. 

If the final facing consists of shotcrete, the reinforcement in the final facing is similar 

to that described for shotcrete in the initial facing. If the final facing consists of CIP 

or precast concrete, rebar mesh is typical.

2.2.3 Other Components

• Connection Components – The soil nail is connected to the facing through a number 

of components including: nuts, washers, bearing plates, and headed-studs. The 

headed studs are attached to the bearing plate and become embedded within the final 

facing as depicted in Figure 2.1. 

• Drainage System – A drainage system is installed behind soil nail walls to: (i) collect 

perched groundwater or infiltrated surface water that is present behind the facing; and 

(ii) direct the collected groundwater away from the wall. The drainage system 

commonly consists of composite, geosynthetic drainage strips, also referred to as 

geocomposite strip drains. The drainage system does not provide full coverage of the 

wall area, but rather covers commonly 10-20%, or more, of the excavation face, 

depending on the selected strip drain spacing and commercial widths that are 

available. 

11 
Figure 2.1: Typical cross-section of a soil nail wall. Modified after Porterfield et al. 

(1994). 

12 
2.3 Construction Sequence

The typical sequence of construction of a soil nail wall is described below and shown 

schematically in Figure 2.2. 

Step 1. Excavation. The depth of the initial excavation lift (unsupported cut) may range 

between 2.5 and 7 ft, but is typically 3 to 5 ft and reaches slightly below the 

elevation where the first row of nails will be installed. The feasibility of this step 

is critical because the excavation face must have the ability to remain 

unsupported, until the nails and initial face are installed, typically one to two 

days. The type of soil that is excavated may limit the depth of the excavation 

lift. The excavated platform must be of sufficient width to provide safe access 

for the soil nail installation equipment. 

Step 2. Drilling of Nail Holes. Drill holes are advanced using specialized drilling 

equipment operated from the excavated platform. The drill holes typically 

remain unsupported. 

Step 3. A) Nail Installation and Grouting. Tendons are placed in the drilled hole. A 

tremie grout pipe is inserted in the drill hole along with the tendon; and the hole 

is filled with grout, placed under gravity or a nominal, low pressure (less than 5 

to 10 psi). If hollow bars are used, the drilling and grouting take place in one 

operation. 

B) Installation of Strip Drains. Strip drains are installed on the excavation face, 

continuously from the top of the excavation to slightly below the bottom of the 

excavation. The strip drains are placed between adjacent nails and are unrolled 

down to the next excavation lift.

Step 4. Construction of Initial Shotcrete Facing. Before the next lift of soil is excavated, 

an initial facing is applied to the unsupported cut. The initial facing typically 

consists of a lightly reinforced 4-in. thick shotcrete layer. The reinforcement 

includes welded-wire mesh (WWM), which is placed in the middle of the facing 

thickness (Figure 2.1). Horizontal and vertical bars are also placed around the 

nail heads for bending resistance. As the shotcrete starts to cure, a steel bearing 

plate is placed over the tendon that is protruding from the drill hole. The bearing 

plate is lightly pressed into the fresh shotcrete. Hex nuts and washers are then 

installed to engage the nail head against the bearing plate. The hex nut is 

wrench-tightened within 24 hours of the placement of the initial shotcrete. 

Testing of some of the installed nails to proof-load their capacity or to verify the 

load-specified criterion may be performed before proceeding with the next 

13 
excavation lift. The shotcrete should attain its minimum specified 3-day 

compressive strength before proceeding with subsequent excavation lifts. For 

planning purposes, the curing period of the shotcrete should be considered 72 

hours. 

Step 5. Construction of Subsequent Levels. Steps 1 through 4 are repeated for the 

remaining excavation lifts. At each excavation lift, the strip drain is unrolled 

downward to the subsequent lift. A new panel of WWM is then placed 

overlapping at least one full mesh cell with the WWM panel above. The 

temporary shotcrete is continued with the previous shotcrete lift. 

Step 6. Construction of Final Facing. After the bottom of the excavation is reached and 

nails are installed and tested, the final facing is constructed. Final facing may 

consist of CIP reinforced concrete, reinforced shotcrete, or prefabricated panels. 

Weepholes, a foot drain, and drainage ditches are then installed to discharge 

water that may collect in the continuous strip drain.

Variations of the steps described above may be necessary to accommodate specific project 

conditions. For example, shotcrete may be applied at each lift immediately after excavation 

and before drilling of the holes and nail installation, particularly where stability of the 

excavation face is a concern. Another variation may be grouting the drill hole before 

placement of the tendon in the wet grout. 

14 
Figure 2.2: Illustration. Typical soil nail wall construction sequence. Modified after 

Porterfield et al. (1994). 

15 
2.4 Applications of Soil Nail Walls

2.4.1 Overview 

Soil nail walls can be used in the following roadway applications: 

• Roadway cuts 

• Road widening under existing bridge abutments 

• Tunnel portals

• Repair and reconstruction of existing retaining structures

• Hybrid soil nail systems

• Shored Mechanically Stabilized Earth (SMSE) walls

Figure 2.3 shows the construction of a soil nail wall for a large cut face.

Figure 2.3: Photo. Construction of soil nail wall. Photograph courtesy of 

Schnabel Engineering.

2.4.2 Roadway Cuts

Soil nailing is attractive in roadway cuts because a limited excavation and reasonable rightof-way (ROW) and clearing limits are required (See Figure 2.4). These factors help to 

reduce the environmental impacts along the transportation corridor. The impact to traffic 

may also be reduced because the equipment for installing soil nails is relatively small. 

16 
Figure 2.4: Illustration. Roadway cut supported with soil nails. Modified after

Porterfield et al. (1994). 

Variations in the details shown schematically in Figure 2.4 may exist, particularly to those 

details related to runoff control. Some of these variations will be discussed in Section 6.9 

“Drainage and Details.”

2.4.3 Road Widening Under Existing Bridge Abutments

Soil nail walls can be advantageous for underpass widening when the removal of an existing 

bridge abutment slope is necessary. While the cost of installing a soil nail wall under a 

bridge abutment may be comparable to that of other applicable systems, the advantage of soil 

nailing is that the size of the soil nail drill rig is relatively small. Soil nailing equipment can 

operate within limited overhead, and traffic flow along the underpass road may not need to 

be totally interrupted during the widening. The location, length, and inclination of soil nails 

need to be carefully planned so that the nails do not interfere with the existing bridge girders 

and do not intersect the existing abutment foundation. The upper soil nails must be 

positioned within the clear space between bridge girders and must be parallel to them. The 

remaining, lower rows of soil nails must be positioned and oriented to avoid hitting the 

17 
foundation elements below. Figure 2.5 depicts an example of road widening under an 

existing bridge.

Figure 2.5: Illustration. Road widening under existing bridge. Source: Porterfield et al. 

(1994). 

Vertical micropiles and soil nails have also been used in modified abutments for road 

widening projects where an existing bridge was originally supported on shallow foundations 

constructed on top of an existing embankment. The micropiles support the modified 

abutment and prevent settlements, as they transfer bridge loads below the new road grades. 

At the same time, the added soil nail wall retains the excavated soil. Because overhead 

clearances are small in most roadway widening projects, the combined use of soil nails and 

micropiles is attractive in these applications as they can help expedite construction by 

allowing the bridge to remain operational during widening of the underpass lanes. 

2.4.4 Tunnel Portals

Tunnel portals can also be stabilized using soil nails. Although the principle behind the use 

of soil nails in tunnel portals is similar to that for road cuts, other aspects must be considered 

in the design and construction of this application. First, the vertical stability of the shotcrete 

facing above the tunnel must be considered. The potential transfer of soil nail loads to the 

18 
tunnel structure at the portal must also be taken into account. The interaction between soil 

nails and the initial shotcrete support and lining of the tunnel near the portal need to be fully 

evaluated. In addition, the layout of soil nails may be different than that in the conventional 

use in roadway applications. Soil nails must be installed with an appropriate horizontal splay 

and a suitable vertical orientation to avoid interfering with the tunnel support components. 

2.4.5 Repair and Reconstruction of Existing Retaining Structures 

Soil nails can be used to stabilize and/or strengthen failing or distressed retaining structures. 

For example, some mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls may exhibit excessive 

deformation due to poor design, poor construction, or both. Soil nails can be installed 

directly through the face of an MSE wall if the existing face is sufficiently stable to resist 

drilling. As the MSE wall continues to deform, the backfill of the MSE wall and its facing 

would transfer loads to the installed soil nails, and these would transfer loads to stable soils 

lying behind the MSE-reinforced block of soil. 

Of particular concern in these cases is the use of appropriate drilling and grouting 

procedures. These procedures should not be detrimental to the stability of the existing MSE 

wall, and should create a stable drill hole through the wall backfill and through any drainage 

material placed at the back of the MSE wall. In some cases, it may be necessary to stabilize 

the MSE wall face before the start of drilling to prevent partial or total collapse. Similar 

considerations apply to the use of soil nails in the stabilization of crib walls, gabion, and 

masonry walls.

The selection of an appropriate bearing plate to support soil nails stabilizing MSE and 

masonry walls is very important. The bearing plate must be able to fully transfer loads 

without damage to the existing facing. In some cases, consideration of the maximum load at 

the bearing plate may control the design. 

2.4.6 Hybrid Soil Nail Walls 

Soil nail walls can be used with other types of wall systems such as ground anchor walls and 

MSE walls to combine the advantage of each method. This situation may arise for walls with 

a complex layout or when the costs associated with other earth-retaining systems are too 

high. The combination of MSE and soil nail walls may provide a more economical design in 

cut/fill situations than the traditionally used full-height MSE walls or drilled shaft retaining 

walls (Wood et al. 2009). Figure 2.6 shows an example of a hybrid soil nail/MSE wall.

Another example of a hybrid soil nail wall is the combination of soil nails with ground 

anchors. This application may be used in areas where utilities or other underground 

obstructions exist and do not allow soil nails to be installed in the upper sections. In such a 

19 
case, the wall facing can be designed to work in cantilever in the upper 8 to 10 ft, with one or 

two rows of ground anchors providing horizontal restraint at the bottom of the cantilever. 

Soil nails are used in the rows below. 

Soil nails are not generally well suited to address instability along deep-seated slip surfaces. 

Where there is potential for deep-seated instability of a proposed roadway cut, ground 

anchors can be introduced in combination with soil nails. Soil nails may also be used for 

tiered walls to support the top of the slope, where one or two rows of relatively long ground 

anchors would intersect the slip plane and provide global stability.

Figure 2.6: Illustration. Hybrid soil nail/MSE wall. Source: Wood et al. (2009). 

2.4.7 Shored Mechanically Stabilized Earth (SMSE) Walls 

Soil nail walls have been increasingly used in combination with MSE walls for widening 

low-volume roads by fill placement in steep terrain. MSE wall construction in steep terrain 

requires excavation to establish a flat bench to place the soil reinforcement. The required 

depths of embedment increase with the steepness of the slope below the wall toe. If the slope 

is too steep, the excavation for the MSE wall becomes impractical, particularly in situations 

where traffic must be maintained during construction of the widening. Soil nail walls can be 

used as shoring to stabilize the backslope (or back-cut) first, and then allow the construction 

of a conventional MSE wall in front of the soil nail wall. Figure 2.7 shows a generic crosssection of this combination. 

20 
If the soil nail wall is designed as a permanent wall, nails can significantly reduce the longterm lateral pressures on the MSE wall. This configuration is known as an SMSE wall. 

Details of SMSE walls are presented in the ASD platform in FHWA-CFL/TD-06-001 

(Morrison et al. 2006), and are updated in the LRFD platform in FHWA-NHI-10-024/FHWA 

GEC 11 (Berg et al. 2009). 

Figure 2.7: Illustration. SMSE wall for steep terrain. Modified after Morrison et al. 

(2006). 

2.5 Advantages and Limitations of Soil Nailing

2.5.1 Advantages 

Advantages associated with soil nailing fall into three main categories: Construction, 

Performance, and Cost. 

2.5.1a Construction 

• Soil nail walls require smaller ROWs than most other competing systems. This is 

also true for ground anchors as soil nails are typically shorter.

• Soil nail walls are less disruptive to traffic and cause less environmental impact 

compared to other construction techniques such as drilled shafts or soldier pile walls, 

which require relatively large equipment. 

21 
• Soil nailing causes less congestion in the excavation when compared to braced 

excavations.

• The installation of soil nail walls is relatively fast. 

• Easy adjustments to nail inclination and location can be made when obstructions are 

encountered, such as boulders, piles or underground utilities. As a comparison, 

adjustments in the horizontal position and orientation of ground anchors often require 

changes to the soldier pile layout or the addition of waler beams, making adjustments 

in the field costly.

• Soil nail wall installation is not as restricted by overhead limitation as in the case of 

soldier pile installation. This advantage is particularly important when construction 

occurs under a bridge. 

• Soil nailing may be more cost-effective at sites with remote access because the 

smaller equipment is more readily mobilized. 

• Soil nails are installed using equipment that is multipurpose and can be used for other 

substructure elements such as underpinning or protection of adjacent, movementsensitive structures.

• A relatively large number of qualified soil nail contractors exists. 

• A widespread knowledge about soil nailing exists among engineers. 

• Soil nail walls can accommodate curves and “bends” more easily than other top-down 

construction wall systems, which would otherwise require straight wall segments. 

2.5.1b Performance

• Soil nail walls are relatively flexible and can accommodate comparatively large total 

and differential movements. 

• The measured deflections of soil nail walls are usually within tolerable limits in 

roadway projects when the construction is properly controlled. 

• Soil nail walls have performed well during seismic events. 

• Soil nail walls have more redundancy than anchored walls because the number of 

reinforcing elements per unit area of wall is larger than for anchored walls.

• Sculpted facings, which can be applied to soil nail walls, give a more natural 

appearance than other finishes, to fit in with the surrounding environment. 

2.5.1c Cost

• Conventional soil nail walls tend to be more economical than conventional concrete 

gravity walls taller than approximately 12 to 15 ft. 

• Soil nail walls are typically equivalent in cost or more cost-effective than ground 

anchor walls when conventional soil nailing construction procedures are used. 

22 
2.5.2 Limitations

The main limitations associated with soil nailing are:

• In projects where strict wall movement criteria exist, additional measures to limit 

deflections may be required. These requirements would add cost. If very strict 

movement criteria exist, soil nails may not be a feasible option for the project. 

• The existence of utilities behind the wall will likely create restrictions to the location, 

inclination, and length of soil nails, particularly in the upper rows. 

• Soil nail walls are not well-suited where large amounts of groundwater seep into the 

excavation. Soil nail walls require maintaining a temporary unsupported excavation 

face during construction. 

• Permanent soil nail walls require permanent underground easements. 

• Soil nail tendons may interfere with certain types of communication lines (e.g., optic 

fiber) running immediately adjacent to soil nail walls.

2.6 Evaluation of Soil Nail Walls

2.6.1 Overview 

The feasibility evaluation of a soil nail wall should encompass technical and economic 

considerations and include: 

• An evaluation of the prevailing ground conditions 

• An assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of soil nail walls, as well as the 

risks associated with these systems for the particular application being considered 

• A comparison of soil nail walls with alternative systems such as ground anchor or 

braced wall systems

• A preliminary evaluation of costs 

The evaluation of prevailing ground conditions is discussed in Chapter 4. The evaluation of 

existing ground conditions should include assessing the feasibility of a stable test cut section. 

While stable cuts can be between 3 and 5 ft high, as described earlier, taller cuts, in the range 

between 4 and 6 ft, would be more indicative of favorable subsurface conditions. 

Unfavorable stability conditions observed during test sections may also be related to other 

undesirable conditions, such as potential caving of drill holes if these are uncased.

The following sections present a discussion of the main risks associated with soil nails and 

the best practices that need to be considered to manage those risks. Besides the brief 

comparison with other systems presented above, in-depth comparisons of soil nail walls with 

alternative systems will not be presented herein. 

23 
2.6.2 Main Risks and Risk Management

Risks associated with the construction of soil nail walls include those common to all earthsupporting systems, such as the lack of:

• A thorough and adequate subsurface investigation 

• An adequate selection of material parameters for design

• A proper analysis model of the system 

• Thorough construction QC and QA procedures 

• Verification of both short-term and long-term performance through geotechnical 

monitoring (generally only needed in cases where sensitive structures exist behind the 

soil wall, or when other conditions of long-term risk arise)

Risks specifically associated with the construction of soil nail walls include the following: 

• Corrosion may impact the long-term performance of steel bars and other metallic 

components if not properly considered in design. 

• Large amounts of groundwater seeping into an excavation may complicate the 

construction of soil nail walls, particularly of the lower, exposed soil excavation lifts. 

High groundwater may also affect the long-term performance of the system.

• Design procedures for soil nail walls require an effective confirmation of the design 

criteria used for the pullout resistance of soil nails. 

• Significant risks may be created if some key elements of design are not given 

adequate consideration in specifications and construction schedule. For example, key 

elements of soil nail wall design, such as global stability or deformation analyses, 

may not be properly considered if the Owner delegates the entire design to the 

Contractor, but the Contractor is not able to provide these due to lack of resources 

and/or constrained schedule. 

Measures to control or manage risk in soil nail wall projects include: 

• In general, the Owner must obtain sufficient site data for internal and external design. 

The Owner must ensure that corrosion potential of the ground is thoroughly evaluated 

by the Owner’s engineer. Alternatively, the Owner could require the evaluation of 

corrosion potential to be the Contractor’s responsibility. These evaluations will 

indicate which appropriate level of corrosion protection is necessary. The Owner 

should provide input about their tolerance to risk of corrosion and ability to cover 

costs of adequate corrosion protection methods. 

• The Owner’s engineer must ensure that reasonable movement criteria are selected for 

design. If strict deformation control is required, the Owner’s engineer must evaluate 

ground movement during design, possibly using numerical analyses to support the 

24 
selection of appropriate means to control wall movement. In addition, the engineer 

may need to consider developing short-term, and possibly long-term, monitoring of 

wall movements to confirm adequate performance. As part of this effort, the engineer 

should develop adequate action plans for monitoring and remedial response during 

construction. These evaluations are important because this assessment might indicate 

that soil nail walls are not a cost effective system if strict deformation control is 

required. 

• The Owner’s engineer must include evaluations of groundwater and potential for 

seepage into the excavation in the geotechnical report and during the design stage. 

Drainage systems may need to be incorporated in design. These evaluations may also 

indicate that soil nail walls are not a cost-effective system at a site.

• To confirm values of soil nail pullout resistance used in design, a verification and 

proof load test program must be conducted in all soil nail projects. 

• The Owner should engage their engineer in performing global stability and 

deformation analyses (if needed) before bids. Results of these evaluations should be 

made available to the Contractor. If these design elements are delegated to the 

Contractor, the Owner must develop contract documents that describe clearly the 

Contractor’s design qualifications and submittals, the scope of these design elements, 

design criteria, and performance criteria (if applicable).

2.6.3 Aesthetics

The aesthetics of a soil nail wall can be an important decision-making factor for an Owner 

considering a variety of wall types. A designer should be sensitive to this concern as it is 

often the only aspect of wall construction that the Owner may provide input on. Shotcrete 

facing has a rough and irregular appearance. Shotcrete can be improved by trowels or 

brooms. 

Some options are available to further improve appearance at a cost. Shotcrete and concrete 

can be dyed, sculpted, and/or molded to represent natural rock formations or stone or 

brickwork. In addition, the protruding nail head can be configured as a connection to support 

other types of facing as well, such as MSE wall panels. These aesthetic options can be 

expensive compared to shotcrete as a permanent facing. Further details about facing options 

are presented in Chapter 3.

2.7 Favorable/Unfavorable Soil Conditions for Soil Nailing

2.7.1 Overview 

Soil nail walls can be used in a wide range of soil types and ground conditions. Project 

experience has shown that certain favorable ground conditions make soil nailing more cost25 
effective than other techniques. Soil nail walls can generally be constructed without 

complications in a mixed stratigraphy, as long as the individual layers of the soil profile 

consist of suitable, stable materials. Conversely, certain unfavorable soil conditions can be 

considered marginal or difficult for soil nailing applications and may make the use of soil 

nails risky and/or more costly when compared with other techniques.

The following paragraphs present soil conditions that are considered favorable, difficult, and 

unfavorable for soil nail walls.

2.7.2 Favorable Ground Conditions for Soil Nailing 

Soil nailing has proven economically attractive and technically feasible in the following 

conditions: 

• The excavated soil can stand unsupported in a 4- to 6-ft high vertical or nearly 

vertical cut for one to two days. 

• Soil nails, when installed in a relatively permeable formation, are located above the 

groundwater table. 

• Ground conditions allow drill holes to remain stable without using casing until the 

tendons are installed and the drill hole is grouted. 

As mentioned, soil conditions are presumed to be favorable for the construction of soil nail 

walls when field tests indicate that competent soils are present above the groundwater table. 

It is possible to construct a soil nail wall under the groundwater table, as long as nails are

installed in fine-grained soils that exhibit low permeability and produce little seepage. 

However, this scenario might not be necessarily technically feasible for other reasons, or 

might not be cost effective. The design engineer must consider the long-term evolution of 

pore pressures, and effects on the internal and global stability of the wall. The design 

engineer must evaluate the potential for developing excessively large wall deflections in 

these conditions. Soil nail wall deflections tend to be larger in saturated, fine-grained soils 

with low permeability (and likely some plasticity) when compared to deflections in granular 

soils. The Contractor must use suitable drilling procedures in these soils that would not 

cause the ground to deteriorate. 

The following ground types are examples of conditions generally considered well-suited for 

soil nailing applications:

• Dense to very dense granular soils with apparent cohesion. These soils include dense 

to very dense sand, gravel, or a combination thereof, with some fines (typically less 

than 10 to 15 percent) or with weak, natural cementation providing cohesion, and 

with SPT N60-values (see definition in Chapter 4) greater than 30 blows per foot 

26 
(bpf). Capillary forces can also produce apparent cohesion in fine sands, as long as 

these soils remain unsaturated: neither dry nor saturated. Because there are currently 

no widely accepted criteria to assess the minimum amount of apparent cohesion 

required for soil nailing in granular soils, local experience will play a significant role 

when assessing the suitability of soil nail walls in these soils. Also, the standup 

ability of the ground can be established during the geotechnical site investigation 

through excavation of test pits or face cuts. A minimum apparent cohesion of 200 to 

300 psf is necessary for stability of 4-ft tall, unsupported excavation faces. Some 

measures must be taken to avoid excessive breakage of capillary forces and thereby 

significant reduction of the apparent cohesion. These measures may include: (i) 

limiting the exposure of the cut excavation in dry weather to no more than a few 

hours to avoid soil desiccation; (ii) preventing surface water from infiltrating into the 

ground immediately behind the excavation; and (iii) preventing seepage toward the 

excavation face. 

• Weathered rock with adverse weakness planes. Weathered rock may be a suitable 

material for installing soil nails as long as weakness planes, if present, occur with 

favorable orientations. It is also desirable that the degree of weathering of the rock be 

approximately uniform throughout so that only one drilling and installation method is 

required. If a highly variable degree of rock weathering exists at a site, the 

Contractor must be prepared to drill through a variety of ground conditions without 

retooling or changing equipment that may increase soil nail installation costs with 

respect to those in formations that are more consistent to drill.

• Stiff to hard fine-grained soils. These soils include stiff to hard clays, clayey silts, 

silty clays, sandy clays, and sandy silts. Fine-grained soils are classified as stiff if the 

measured SPT N60-values are 9 bpf or greater. However, the characterization of the 

consistency of fine-grained soils should be performed with caution when SPT N or 

N60-values are obtained with non-automatic hammers or other antiquated methods. 

The consistency characterization should be supplemented with other field and/or 

laboratory testing. The potential for excessive long-term, creep-like, lateral 

displacements of soil nail walls is low in fine-grained soils with a plasticity index (PI) 

of less than 15. 

• Engineered fill. Soil nails can be installed in existing engineered, structural fill if this 

material is a mixture of well-graded granular material (approximately 90 percent of 

the mix or more) and fine-grained soil with Liquid Limit (LL) and PI values of less 

than 40 and 20, respectively; and if they were placed with acceptable compaction 

methods and acceptable levels of compaction energy (at least 90 percent of Standard 

Proctor, ASTM D698 or AASHTO T99). In addition, the age of engineered fills is 

critical for suitability and stability. Young embankment fills may be problematic.

27 
• Residual soils. Some residual soils (i.e., those soils created from the in-place 

weathering of the parent rock material) may be an acceptable material for soil nailing. 

Similarly, lateritic soil (a highly weathered tropical soil) may be acceptable. For 

these types of soil, specific consideration should be given to the soil spatial variability 

and its ability to drain.

• Glacial till. Some glacial till soils are suitable for soil nailing applications because 

they are often dense, well-graded granular materials, and have a relatively small fines

content. However, glacial soils may also present installation difficulties as discussed 

in Section 2.7.4. 

2.7.3 Difficult Soil Conditions for Soil Nailing

Soil conditions that are less favorable than those described above can be considered difficult 

or marginal. Soil nail walls have been installed in such soils successfully, but not necessarily 

with a consideration of being the most cost-effective option. Examples of difficult or 

marginal soil conditions include: 

• Non-engineered fill. Soil nails may be installed successfully in existing nonengineered fill if this material has characteristics that are similar to those of 

engineered fills (see above). Newly placed embankments of non-engineered fill or 

fills that were placed with inadequate compaction methods or unacceptable levels of 

compaction energy may be problematic due to the potential of irregular nail capacity 

and excessive deformations. 

• Residual soils with unsuitable conditions. Some residual soils may contain materials 

(e.g., mica, shale) that may impart low strength or stiffness to these materials. 

2.7.4 Unfavorable Soil Conditions for Soil Nailing 

Soil nail walls are generally unsuitable, or are more difficult and expensive to design and 

construct in unfavorable soil conditions. Unfavorable soil types and ground conditions are 

described below:

• Dry, poorly graded cohesionless soils. When cohesion is not available in poorly 

graded soils, vertical or nearly vertical cuts are difficult to achieve.

• Granular soils with high groundwater. Groundwater occurring behind the proposed 

soil nail wall may require drainage to stabilize the mass of soil in this location. 

Additionally, large amounts of groundwater can cause drill holes to collapse easily, 

particularly in loose granular soils; thus requiring temporary casing and increasing the 

cost of the installation. Excessive groundwater seeping out to the excavation face 

may cause significant difficulties for shotcrete application.

28 
• Soils with cobbles and boulders. A significant proportion of cobbles and boulders in 

the soil may cause excessive difficulties for drilling and may lead to significant 

construction costs and delays. 

• Soft to very soft fine-grained soils. These soils have SPT N60-values less than 4 bpf. 

Even if these soils had N60-values slightly above 4 bpf, they may be highly plastic and 

tend to develop low bond resistances and creep. Low bond resistances would require 

unreasonably long nail lengths to provide adequate pullout resistance and stability. 

Long-term deformations such as creep may be a concern with highly plastic clays.

• Collapsible soils. These soils can appear competent but can experience large and 

sudden volume changes after they are saturated. These changes may occur in the 

absence of added loads. The collapse of the internal structure of these soils can cause 

problems during excavation or can deteriorate the long-term bond resistance at the 

grout-soil interface.

• Organic soils. Organic silt, organic clay, and peat often exhibit very low shear 

resistance and thereby tend to develop low bond resistances, which may lead to 

uneconomical nail lengths or, in extreme cases, to an unfeasible wall design. While 

some organic soils can exhibit acceptable and more or less uniform shear resistances, 

other organic soils like fibrous peat may be highly heterogeneous and highly 

anisotropic. In this case, while the soil shear resistance may be reasonable along 

some orientations, it may be significantly lower along others. These unfavorable 

orientations may have a detrimental impact on the wall stability and very long soil 

nails will be required. In addition, organic soils tend to be more corrosive than 

inorganic soils. 

• Highly corrosive soil or highly corrosive groundwater. These conditions are 

especially detrimental for permanent applications of soil nail walls. Examples of 

non-natural soil-like materials with high corrosion potential include cinder and slag

(i.e., both residues derived from the smelting or refining of metals).

• Weathered rock with unfavorable weakness planes. Weathered rock with prevalent 

unfavorable weakness planes such as joints, fractures, shears, faults, bedding, 

schistosity, or cleavage may affect the drill hole stability and make grouting difficult. 

The presence of discontinuities may cause the formation of potentially unstable 

blocks in the mass of ground retained behind the wall during excavation. If the 

stability of blocks is marginal, it may rapidly deteriorate after excavation due to 

various factors, such as presence of gouge in the joints, uplift and lateral hydrostatic 

pressures, and seepage forces. The stabilization of individual blocks may be 

necessary and can make this solution uneconomical when compared to other 

conventional wall types. In addition, grouting in rock with very large open joints or 

voids will be very difficult and/or expensive due to excessive grout loss. 

29 
• Karst formations. Grouting in karstic formations is not appropriate due to the 

potential for excessive grout loss. 

• Loess. When dry, loess may exhibit acceptable resistances that would allow 

economical installation of soil nails. However, when significant amounts of water 

collect behind the proposed soil nail wall, the structure of the loess may collapse and 

a significant loss of soil strength may take place. Therefore, the collapse potential 

upon wetting of these soils must be evaluated. Appropriate measures to avoid excess 

water migration to the soil nail area must be provided in loess exhibiting significant 

collapse potential. Additionally, considerably low soil shear resistance may arise for 

the wetted condition. In these cases, unusually long soil nail lengths may result from

using conventional methods of nail installation. Regrouting (an atypical and more 

costly step) has been used to increase bond strengths in loess. 

• Glacial till. Despite the generally favorable characteristics of glacial till for soil-nail 

wall construction described in Section 2.7, glacial till may pose difficulties in some 

cases. If the glacial till contains boulders, cobbles, and coarse gravel, difficulties for 

drilling may arise. In predominantly granular glacial till with significant 

preconsolidation pressures, stress relief may cause instability of the excavation face 

during construction. The excavation face may need to be stabilized by the 

introduction of vertical drilled bars – to allow excavation. Stress relief and outward 

movement may also develop during excavation in predominantly fine-grained, 

overconsolidated, glacial till. The outward movement may continue to develop over 

an extended period of time. 

• Expansive soils. These soils, even if stiff, may induce localized pressure on the 

facing and may tend to deteriorate the bond resistance. 

In addition to the difficulties described above, other aspects related to soil conditions must be 

considered when assessing the feasibility of soil nail walls:

• The prolonged exposure to ambient freezing temperatures may cause frost action in 

saturated, granular soils and silt; as a result, increased localized pressures will be 

applied to the temporary and permanent facings. 

• Repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles in the soil retained by a soil nail wall may reduce 

the bond strength at the grout-ground interface of soil nails near the ground surface, 

and the adhesion between the shotcrete and the soil. To minimize these detrimental 

effects, freeze-thaw cycles should be considered in the shotcrete design. 

• Granular soils that are very loose (N60 ≤ 4) and loose (4 < N60 ≤ 10) may undergo 

excessive settlement due to vibrations caused by construction equipment. 

• Loose and very loose saturated granular soil can be susceptible to liquefaction in 

seismically exposed regions. Several ground modification techniques (with 

30 
significant associated costs) may be utilized to densify granular soils and thereby 

minimize these damaging effects.

• The presence of zones of weak materials contained within the natural soils behind the 

proposed wall may promote instability. Continuous utility trenches extending parallel 

to and close to the wall may contain poorly-compacted granular backfill or unsuitable 

fine-grained backfill.

Despite the difficulties associated with the unfavorable soil conditions described above, soil 

nail walls might still be constructible in these situations. It should be recognized that walls in 

these conditions would be more expensive to design and construct when compared to 

conventional walls in suitable soil types. Stricter long-term performance requirements and 

performance monitoring may be necessary for soil nail walls constructed in unfavorable soil 

conditions. It is also important to note that such ground conditions will also affect many of 

the alternative excavation support systems that may be considered. 

2.8 Factors Affecting Costs and Construction Schedule

The following list provides some important factors that must be considered in cost 

comparison for soil nail walls:

• Site accessibility and right-of-way

• Presence of unfavorable soil conditions for soil nail walls 

• High permanent groundwater in granular soils 

• Excessive seepage on the wall facing, regardless of the groundwater source or the 

type of soil being retained

• Excessive amount of groundwater accumulated in the excavation and need for 

temporary dewatering

• Material availability, including bar size and cement type

• Cost of mobilization to the site

• Availability of specialty contractors skilled in soil nailing and shotcrete application 

near the project site

• Sufficient space to operate equipment including ability to have a drill platform

• Need for temporary support in exposed soil between excavation lifts, including 

placement of an intermediate soil berm

• Difficult conditions for advancing drill holes as a result of obstructions (e.g., utilities, 

large aggregate or stone particles, deep foundations behind bridge abutments, etc.)

• Need to provide in-hole soil stability such as casing to avoid drill hole collapse during 

drilling

• Need for ground anchors or other means to prevent lateral wall deflections adjacent to 

large, existing infrastructure

31 
• Need for long-term monitoring

• Requirements for high levels of corrosion protection 

• Large variations of ground conditions over small distances leading to frequent 

changes of drilling equipment and procedures 

• Changing ground conditions requiring additional numerous verification load tests

• Special requirements for facing aesthetics, including the use of precast concrete 

panels or sculpted facings 

• Regional conditions including high seismicity and frost susceptibility

Logistics related to other systems should also be considered when completing this 

comparison, such as: the ability to drill or drive soldier piles, property easements for long 

anchor installation, critical path schedule issues for access in front of the wall, and existing 

and proposed utility locations. 

The construction costs of permanent soil nail walls in public transportation projects typically 

range from approximately $70 to $100 per square foot of wall in 2014. However, the actual 

construction cost may be considerably lower or higher depending on the factors listed above. 

When compared to typical cost ranges for other commonly used retaining structures on U.S. 

highway projects, soil nail walls can provide a 10 to 30 percent cost savings. 

32 
Chapter 3: Construction Materials and Methods 

3.1 Introduction

This chapter presents information on materials and methods used in the construction of soil 

nail walls. Standard installation techniques for soil nails can be divided into two methods as 

dictated by the type of reinforcing bar:

• Solid bar soil nails: Solid bar soil nails are placed in typically 4- to 8-in. diameter 

drill holes that are drilled and grouted in a two-step operation. In the first step, drill 

holes are drilled at a shallow angle (usually 15 degrees from horizontal) using cased 

or open-hole techniques. In the second step, the tendons are inserted and grouted in 

the drill holes. Solid bar soil nails are the most commonly used soil nails. They are 

readily available in many tendon sizes, thread types, and steel grades, and with a 

variety of corrosion protection schemes to suit a variety of applications and site 

conditions. 

• Hollow bar soil nails (HBSNs): These soil nails consist of hollow, steel threaded 

tendons that are drilled and grouted in a single operation. Grout is injected through 

the tendon as the drilling proceeds. The grout exits through ports that are located in a 

sacrificial drill bit, flushes soil cuttings out of the drill hole, and fills the annular 

space between the tendon and the drill hole. Rotary and sometimes rotary-percussion 

drilling methods are used with HBSNs. In general, HBSNs allow for faster 

installation than solid bar soil nails in appropriate subsurface conditions. These bars 

are particularly advantageous in soils where open drill holes would otherwise collapse 

and would require using temporary casing to maintain hole stability until grout can be 

injected. Corrosion protection schemes for HBSNs are limited, and standards for 

quality assurance and testing techniques are not fully established. More details 

regarding special considerations for HBSNs are discussed in Chapter 10.

3.2 Components of a Soil Nail Wall

The main components of soil nails installed using the techniques listed above are described in 

this section and are depicted in Figure 3.1. 

33 
Figure 3.1: Illustration. Main components of a solid bar soil nail and associated wall 

facing. Modified after Porterfield et al. (1994). 

3.2.1 Tendons

Tendons used for soil nails are threaded. The threads may be a continuous, spirally-deformed 

ribbing (continuous thread bars), or may be cut into a bare reinforcing bar. Bars must be 

threaded a minimum of 6 in. on the cut face to allow proper attachment of the bearing plate 

and nut. If threads are cut into a non-threaded bar, it is necessary to consider the reduction in 

steel area in the threaded portion of the bar during design. Tendons generally have a nominal 

tensile strength of 60 ksi (Grade 60) or 75 ksi (Grade 75). Grade 60 or 75 steel tendons 

should conform to ASTM A615. 

Tendons with a tensile strength of 95 ksi (Grade 95), and as high as 150 ksi (Grade 150), may 

be considered for soil nailing. However, the use of high-grade steel is more typical with 

ground anchors (Sabatini et al. 1999) where the design loads are usually much greater than 

for soil nails and may not be an efficient choice for conventional soil nail applications. Bars 

with strength of 95 ksi (Grade 95) may be acceptable for soil nailing as long as the steel 

ductility is comparable to lower-grade steels. If Grade 150 steel bars are used, they should 

conform to ASTM A722. 

Table A.1 of Appendix A presents section characteristics of solid bar tendons. Solid bar soil 

nails commonly include tendons with size designations Nos. 8, 9, 10, and 11. Bars in 

diameter smaller than No. 8 (up to Nos. 6 and 7) are used by some in soil nails but are often

34 
avoided because small diameter bars may tend to bend excessively during handling and 

installation, and because they may result in too close, inefficient spacing of the nails. Bars 

No. 14 and larger may be inefficient as their maximum tensile load is limited by geotechnical 

pullout and strengths of the facing. However, these limitations to bar sizes do not apply in all 

cases.

The maximum manufactured length of threaded bars is 60 ft for No. 6 through No. 14. 

Tendons are generally continuous without splices or welds. Couplers can be used to extend 

the length of bars. They must develop the nominal tensile resistance of the bars as certified 

by the manufacturer. Figure 3.2 shows threaded solid bars. 

Figure 3.2: Photo. Threaded solid bars. Photograph 

courtesy of Con-Tech Systems, Ltd.

Hollow bars for soil nailing applications range in yield tensile strength between 60 ksi and 90 

ksi (410 MPa and 620 MPa in SI Units). Hollow bars range from about 1 to 3 in. (30 mm to 

73 mm) in outer diameter, and 0.3 to 1 in. (7 to 25 mm) in wall thickness. Tendons are 

available in 10- and 20-ft lengths and can be cut and coupled to custom lengths. Tables A.2 

through A.4 (Appendix A) present section properties of commonly available hollow bar

tendons. 

3.2.2 Connection Components

The steel components that connect soil nails to the facing consist of bearing plates, beveled 

washers, hexagonal nuts, washers and headed studs (Figure 3.3). The bearing plate, hex nuts, 

and washers provide connection between the nail and the initial facing, while the headed 

studs connect the nail end and the final facing. The purpose of the bearing plate is to 

distribute the force applied at the nail end onto the initial shotcrete facing and the soil behind 

the facing. The bearing plate is commonly Grade 36 (AASHTO M183/ASTM A36) or 

35 
Grade 50 steel, and is usually square and flat, with 8- to 10-in. side dimensions and typical

thicknesses of 0.75 to 1 in. Some soil nail bar manufacturers supply forged bearing plates 

that are concave at the drill hole, thus allowing some articulation of the connection in any 

direction. Most Contractors place the bearing plate against the still-fresh shotcrete of the 

initial facing. In this case, the bearing plate must be well-seated but not excessively 

embedded into the grout (Figure 3.3). 

Figure 3.3: Photo. Threaded solid tendon with steel 

plate, washer, and nut. Note headed studs 

for connection to final facing. Photograph

courtesy of DYWIDAG-Systems 

International. 

Beveled washers with an angle matching the inclination of the nail are placed between the 

bearing plate and the nut to provide uniform bearing. Alternatively, spherical seat nuts are 

often used to facilitate alignment of the connection components. Nuts are tightened slightly 

with a hand-wrench. After the shotcrete is set, care must be exercised to avoid overtightening the nuts. Washers and nuts must meet the requirements of AASHTO 

M291/ASTM A563 Grade B.

The connection to the final facing typically consists of four headed studs that are welded to 

the bearing plate and embedded into the final facing. The welding must be performed 

according to the Structural Welding Code (ANSI/AWS 2000). In general, the plate should be 

36 
sized such that studs are welded no closer to a distance to any outer edge of the plate. This 

distance depends on the diameter of the stud shaft and is commonly between 1 and 1.5 in. 

3.2.3 Grout

Grout, which fills the annular space between the tendon and the soil in the drill hole, is most 

often a neat cement grout. The minimum compressive strength for grout should be 1,500 

pounds per square inch (psi) at 3 days, and 3,000 psi to 4,000 psi at 28 days, as tested in 

accordance with AASHTO T106/ASTM C109. If sand is used in the grout mixture, it must 

meet the requirements of AASHTO M6/ASTM C33. A typical grout plant setup is depicted 

in Figure 3.4. 

Cement Types I, II, III, V, or Type I/II conforming to AASHTO M85/ASTM C150 can be 

used in the grout mix. Cement Type I (common or general purpose) is recommended for 

most applications. Cement Type II (moderate sulfate resistance) hardens at a slower rate, 

produces less heat, and is more resistant to the corrosive action of sulfates than Cement Type 

I. Cement Type III (high early strength) is ground finer, hardens faster, and can be used when 

a target grout strength is required to be achieved faster than for typical project conditions. 

Type V (high sulfate resistance) may be used in areas where ground conditions are corrosive 

as this material is more sulfate resistant than other cements.

The water/cement ratio for grout used in soil nailing applications ranges from 0.4 to 0.5 in 

neat cement mixes, which is equivalent to a specific gravity of 1.8 to 1.9. Specific gravity 

measurements of neat cement grout mixes are performed during grout preparation and 

produce immediate results (see Figure 3.5). They can be used as a primary quality control of 

the neat cement grout mix if there is proof that the materials and mix design consistently 

produce a grout of the minimum specified strength. This can be addressed by pre-production 

compression tests on grout cubes prepared with a mix of known specific gravity. Neat 

cement grout cubes may still be molded and tested periodically as needed as verification of 

grout compressive strength (see Figure 3.6). 

The need for a stiffer grout may arise when it is desired to control leakage of grout into 

highly-permeable granular soils or highly fractured rock. In such cases, sand/cement grout 

with lower flowability may be used. However, using grout that is too stiff will make it 

unpumpable with conventional grouting equipment, and tendon installation will be difficult 

or impossible. Therefore, when a thicker grout is needed to control grout take in the soil, it 

may be necessary to pre-treat the ground before soil nail installation. Specific gravity 

measurements are not suitable for quality control of a sand/cement grout mix. In some 

granular soils with an open matrix with no cohesion (e.g., poorly graded gravel), the potential 

for drill hole collapse or grout leakage may be large, even if stiff grout is used. In this case, 

the use of a grout “sock” may be necessary to prevent the collapse of the drill hole and to 

37 
reduce grout flow into the highly-permeable soil. A grout sock consists of a geotextile sheath 

that is placed around the steel bar and the tremie pipe before the entire assemblage is placed 

in the drilled hole. 

Admixtures are not typically required for most applications. However, admixtures that 

control bleed, improve flowability, reduce water content, retard set, and enhance workability 

may be used in the grout. Admixtures must meet the requirements of AASHTO M194/ 

ASTM C494, must be compatible with the grout, and mixed in accordance with the 

manufacturer’s recommendations. Accelerators are generally not permitted. The use of 

accelerators containing calcium chloride must be avoided in grout because the corrosion 

potential around the tendon can be drastically increased. Expansive admixtures should not be 

permitted except where the grout is used as part of corrosion protection encapsulation as 

discussed in Chapter 7. 

Plasticizers can be used to improve grout workability for projects located in high-temperature 

climates or where project constraints dictate that the grout must be pumped over long 

distances. The improved workability of grout due to plasticizers can be extended commonly 

up to about one hour. The use of air-entrainment agents can improve workability and reduce 

cracking potential, but they cause the grout to develop a more open matrix and lose some of 

the chemical or physical corrosion protection provided by cement. Therefore, the use of airentrainment agents should be approved only when corrosion protection methods other than 

grout cover are present, or when the thickness of the grout cover is larger than the minimum 

values included in Chapter 7. Some proprietary grouts contain chemicals that limit 

shrinkage, which is desirable to minimize cracking and enhance bond strength. Where 

admixtures are being considered for use, tests should be performed to verify that the grout 

and bond properties are not adversely affected. 

When solid bars are used, grout is pumped shortly after the tendon is placed in the drill hole 

to reduce the potential for squeezing or caving of the hole. For these applications, the grout 

is injected by tremie methods through a grout pipe inserted to the bottom of the drill hole 

until the grout fills the hole. Due to the fluid nature of the grout and the inclination of the 

drill hole, the fresh grout cannot fill the space above the bottom elevation of the drill hole 

opening. The space, called a “bird’s beak” due to its shape, is filled up with additional grout 

after a temporary cover is placed in front of the drill hole, or, more commonly, filled with 

shotcrete either by hand-packing or during the shotcrete facing placement. Because this area 

is the most vulnerable to water infiltration and therefore corrosion, it is critical that it be 

subsequently filled to ensure complete coverage and protection from moisture. 

Grout pipes typically consist of heavy-duty plastic tubing ranging from approximately 0.75-

to 1.0-in. outer diameter. The grout tube is commonly removed after grout placement. 

38 
However, some contractors leave the grout tube embedded without producing any significant 

detrimental effect. If the grout tube is not removed, it should be plugged at its proximal end. 

If the tubes left in are not plugged, the effect the tube may have on the performance and 

durability of the soil nail must be considered. Grout injection must be conducted smoothly 

and continuously to ensure that the space between the drill hole and the tendon is filled 

completely, leaving no voids or gaps. The bottom of the grout tube must remain below the 

grout surface at all times while grout is being pumped into the drill hole. Given the fluidity 

of the grout, often the entire hole is filled prior to beginning to withdraw the grout tube. 

Details on grouting of HBSNs are provided in Chapter 10. 

Figure 3.4: Photo. Typical grout plant setup. 

Photograph courtesy of Barry Siel, FHWA. 

39 
Figure 3.5: Photo. Baroid mud balance to measure specific 

gravity. Photograph courtesy of Schnabel 

Engineering.

Figure 3.6: Photo. Molding grout cubes for strength 

verification. Photograph courtesy of Schnabel 

Engineering.

40 
3.2.4 Centralizers

Centralizers are devices made of Schedule 20 or 40 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other 

synthetic materials not detrimental to the tendon (Figure 3.8). Steel centralizers are used 

with HBSNs (Figure 3.7). Centralizers are installed at various locations along the length of 

each solid bar or HBSN to ensure that a minimum thickness of grout completely covers the 

tendon. They are installed at regular intervals, not exceeding 10 ft along the length of the nail 

and at a distance of about 1.5 ft from each end of the nail. Centralizers must be securely 

attached to the tendons and must be sized to allow: (i) positioning the tendon within 1 in. of 

the center of the drill-hole; (ii) inserting the tremie pipe to the bottom of the drill hole; and 

(iii) grout to freely flow up the drill hole. 

Figure 3.7: Photo. Typical steel centralizers attached to 

HBSNs. Photograph courtesy of Schnabel 

Engineering. 

Figure 3.8: Photo. Typical PVC centralizers attached to a solid bar. (The spacing 

between centralizers depicted is for illustration only; wider spacing is 

used in practice.) Photograph courtesy of Williams Form Engineering 

Corp. 

41 
3.2.5 Corrosion Protection Elements

In addition to the cement grout, which provides both physical and chemical protection to the 

tendons, other devices are used to provide additional corrosion protection, as necessary. The 

solid bar tendon can be protected by encapsulation in a sheath of corrugated high-density 

polyethylene (HDPE) conforming to AASHTO M252, or of corrugated PVC tube 

conforming to ASTM D1784, Class 13464-B. After the bar is installed in the sheathing, the 

annulus between the sheathing and the tendon is filled with grout prior to leaving the 

manufacturer. Ultimately, once the encapsulated bar is placed in the drill hole, the annulus 

between the sheath and the drill hole is grouted using tremie methods as described 

previously. 

Fusion-bonded epoxy coating can be applied to solid bars. The epoxy coating is a dielectric 

material that impedes the flow of electric currents that favor corrosion. Fusion-bonded epoxy 

coating must meet the requirements of ASTM A775. There are several different types and 

thicknesses of epoxy coating for bars. The color of the coatings is green, gray or purple. The 

green epoxy coating is flexible and suitable for steel reinforcement that will be bent in 

different shapes. The gray and purple epoxy coatings are less flexible than the green epoxy 

coating but have greater chemical resistance. The purple epoxy coating is better suited for 

marine or harsh environments. 

Testing has been conducted on resistance to abrasion and performance of the coating by 

various manufacturers; however, there is not sufficient data available in the technical 

literature to provide a direct correlation between the numerical results of resistance to 

abrasion tests and the actual performance of the protective coating in the field.

Solid and hollow tendons and their hardware can also be hot-dip galvanized. In the case of 

HBSNs, however, because drilling is performed with the hollow bars themselves, it is likely 

that these coatings, as well as epoxy coatings, are damaged during installation (Cadden et al. 

2010; Samtani and Nowatzki 2010). 

The simplest form of corrosion protection is consideration of sacrificial steel. For nonaggressive soils, a nominal thickness, depending on the design life of the element, is 

subtracted from the bar diameter and used for bar area-based calculations of the steel 

structural resistance. A more detailed description of methods of corrosion protection as well 

as guidelines for their selection is presented in Chapter 7. Chapter 10 discusses HBSNs and 

corrosion protection. 

42 
Figure 3.9: Photo. Solid tendons with gray and purple epoxy coating (left) and 

partially encapsulated by corrugated sheathing (right). Photographs 

courtesy of DYWIDAG-Systems International.

3.2.6 Wall Facing

Tendons are connected to a facing system at the excavation face or slope surface. Facings 

most commonly consist of an initial facing of shotcrete and a final facing of shotcrete or CIP 

concrete. The purpose of the initial facing is to support the exposed soil between the nails 

during excavation and nail installation, provide initial connection among nails, and furnish 

protection against erosion and sloughing of the soil at the excavation face. The final facing 

performs the same functions as the initial facing and provides the opportunity to meet 

aesthetic requirements of the project. The final facing design must also consider long-term 

corrosion and climate variations as needed. 

Initial facing most commonly consists of shotcrete, WWM and short reinforcement bars 

called waler bars and vertical bars around the nail heads. Final facing is commonly 

constructed of CIP-reinforced concrete or WWM-reinforced shotcrete. WWM is 

manufactured in Grades 60, 65, 70, 75, and Grade 80. The grade refers to the minimum yield 

strength (fy in ksi) of the WWM wires. Both plain and deformed wires are available (see 

WRI 2006). WWM must meet the requirements of AASHTO M55/ASTM A1064 or ASTM 

1064M. Reinforcing steel must meet the requirements of AASHTO M31/ASTM A615, 

Grade 420, deformed. Precast concrete panels may also be used to construct the final facing, 

especially for projects with special aesthetic requirements. Typical sizes and properties of 

WWM are presented in Table A.5 (Appendix A). 

Shotcrete, which comes out of the feed hose at high velocity, is sprayed pneumatically onto 

the exposed soil surface. Shotcrete must be mortar or small-aggregate concrete. As the 

43 
material is applied, the impact energy consolidates the concrete. Shotcrete can be applied 

using a wet or dry process (PCA 2013). To verify the strength and consistency of shotcrete, 

test panels are prepared, cored, and tested for compressive strength (Figures 3.10 and 3.11) 

according to ASTM C1604. After shotcrete is applied, polyethylene film meeting the 

requirements of AASHTO M171 can be used to control moisture loss. 

Figure 3.10: Photo. Curing of a shotcrete test panel 

on site. Photograph courtesy of 

Schnabel Engineering. 

Figure 3.11: Photo. Shotcrete test panel cored for 

compressive testing of recovered 

44 
specimens. Photograph courtesy of 

Schnabel Engineering. 

3.2.7 Drainage 

To limit water pressure development behind the wall facing, vertical geocomposite strip 

drains (referred herein as strip drains) are installed behind the initial facing and adjacent to 

the excavation face (Figure 3.12). Geocomposite strip drains consist of a drainage core and a 

filtration geotextile attached to or encapsulating the core. The drainage core is manufactured 

from synthetic polymers composed of polypropylene, polyester, polyamine, PVC, polyolefin, 

or polystyrene. The core should have a minimum compressive strength of 40 psi when tested 

in accordance with ASTM D1621 Procedure A. In general, the drainage core with the 

geotextile fully encapsulating the core must have a minimum flow rate of 0.1 gallons per 

second per foot of strip width, when tested in accordance with ASTM D4716. 

The strip drains are fitted with drainage elements that allow exit of the water from the strips 

to the outside of the wall, as depicted in Figure 3.12. Strip drains are also fitted to discharge 

into a pipe drain running along the base of the wall and/or through weepholes discharging 

through the facing and to the toe of the wall. 

Most drainage elements are made of PVC and consist of a snap-on cap or grate, and an exit 

PVC pipe connected to the underdrain system. Generally the underdrain system consists of a 

drainage pipe embedded in an aggregate-filled trench, which runs along the bottom of the 

excavation. The underdrain system pipe, as well as the pipe fittings, should meet the 

requirements of Schedule 40 PVC solid and perforated wall. The drainage pipe is slotted 

PVC or polyethylene (PE) surrounded by clean, coarse-gravel sized aggregate that is free of

fine particles. 

The aggregate trench must be wrapped with geotextile filter fabric as the use of a geotextile

sock directly over the slotted pipe must be avoided. The geotextile around the aggregate has 

the function of preventing the removal of fines by piping from the natural soil surrounding 

the aggregate trench. To prevent clogging, the geotextile should meet filter criteria (Holtz et 

al. 2008) and be selected from a range of available commercial products based on the particle 

size distribution of the soil being retained. The aggregate around the pipe has the function of 

collecting groundwater along the pipe and into the slots as needed, providing a redundant 

pathway to groundwater. 

When the groundwater behind the proposed soil nail wall is abundant, horizontal pipe drains 

extending into the retained soils are necessary. However, if there are large volumes of 

groundwater or the groundwater is high, the applicability of soil nails versus other 

technologies should be carefully evaluated further during the feasibility study. Great care 

45 
should be exercised in the design and construction of a soil nail wall if significant seepage or 

high groundwater levels exist behind the planned wall. Additional aspects of the design of 

drainage systems are presented in Chapter 6. 

Figure 3.12: Photo. Strip drain prior to initial shotcrete 

placement. Photograph courtesy of 

Schnabel Engineering. 

3.3 Construction Methods

3.3.1 Introduction 

The sequence of construction for soil nail walls was introduced in Chapter 2 and includes the 

following major steps: 

1. Excavation

46 
2. Drilling of nail holes 

3. A) Nail installation and grouting 

B) Installation of strip drain

4. Construction of initial shotcrete facing

5. Construction of subsequent levels (Repeat Steps 1-4) 

6. Construction of final facing

Detailed descriptions of these major construction activities are presented below.

3.3.2 Excavation 

Prior to any excavation, surface water controls should be installed along the top of the wall to 

prevent surface water from flowing into the excavation, as this will adversely affect 

construction and promote instability of the excavated face. Collector trenches behind the 

limits of the excavation are used to intercept and divert surface water. Subsequently, soil 

excavation is performed using conventional mass excavation or earth-moving equipment 

from a platform, and final trimming of the excavation face can be carried out using a backhoe 

or excavator from this platform. The initial cut depth is often 3- to 5-ft high. The excavated 

face profile should be reasonably smooth and not too irregular to minimize excessive 

shotcrete quantities. Soil profiles containing cobbles and/or boulders may require hand 

excavation. A level working bench on the order of 30-ft wide is required to accommodate 

the conventional drilling equipment used for nail installation. Small track drills can work on 

benches as narrow as 15 ft and with headroom clearance as low as 8 to 10 ft.

In many instances, the most critical situation related to wall stability occurs during

construction. For the lower excavation lifts, the lowest margins of safety might occur when 

the open cut is temporarily unsupported; that is, before nails and shotcrete are placed at these 

levels. It is important to watch for early signs of instability during construction, such as 

bulging, sloughing, and excessive deformation of the excavated soil face. If early signs of 

wall instability are observed, it is critical to backfill the exposed face quickly with a 

temporary berm. The exposed length of an excavation should be limited to that which can be 

stabilized and covered with shotcrete during a single working shift. Figure 3.13 shows the 

excavation of soil below the already completed rows of soil nails. 

47 
Figure 3.13: Photo. Excavation of soil lift during construction of 

soil nail wall. Photograph courtesy of Moretrench

American Corporation. 

For cases where the excavated face cannot stand unsupported for the required period of time, 

a continuous berm may be left during excavation to provide support to the cut face (Figure 

3.14). The soil nails are installed and grouted first through the stabilizing berm. 

Subsequently, the berm is excavated and shotcrete is applied along the entire excavation level 

shortly after.

48 
Figure 3.14: Illustration. Soil nail support of excavation with stabilizing berm. Modified 

after Porterfield et al. (1994). 

Alternatively, the stabilizing berm can be removed in a staggered sequence in which 

alternating excavation slots are excavated and soil nails are installed in each open slot. The 

width of the excavation slots should not exceed approximately the soil nail horizontal 

spacing. Next, soil nails are installed and grouted, and shotcrete is applied on the face of the 

excavation slots. Subsequently, the remaining berm sections are removed, the soil nails are 

installed, and shotcrete is applied between the previously installed nails.

The use of stabilizing berms will have a significant impact on construction costs and 

production schedule. If temporary excavation stand-up time is a major concern and 

represents a potential risk, alternative top-down construction methods such as soldier piles 

and ground anchors should be considered. In addition, ground improvement methods such as 

permeation grouting have been used and documented for improving stand-up time of 

unstable granular soils (LaRue 2010) and minimizing impacts on construction cost and 

schedule. 

49 
As an alternative to temporary berms, vertical grouted bars can be installed with a horizontal 

spacing of 1 to 3 ft along the base of the wall to provide temporary face stability. Soil nail 

spacing should be smaller for soils that are more prone to face instability. These grouted bars 

should only be installed where loose deposits are encountered. If the design incorporates a 

batter wall, the design can be modified to incorporate a stepped wall where loose deposits are 

encountered with the grouted bars being installed at this location. 

While the overall cost of adding vertical grouted bars may be higher than the creation of 

temporary berms, this system may be advantageous regarding project schedule. Some 

contractors install vertical grout columns (without a bar) adjacent to the excavation face to 

limit overbreak, provide a neat excavation line, and prevent ground loss during excavation. 

3.3.3 Drilling of Nail Holes

Nail holes are drilled using one of several available drilling methods, including rotary, 

percussion, auger, and rotary-percussion drilling. Table 3.1 (a, b, c) presents a summary of 

the most common drilling equipment and methods. The design engineer can use this table 

for guidance, as the selected equipment must be compatible with the anticipated ground 

conditions and the required total nail length and nail diameter. Figure 3.15 shows a drill hole 

being advanced using the external flush open hole method. 

Table 3.1a: Hydraulic Rotary Auger Methods for Drilling Competent

Soils or Weathered Rock (Modified from Elias and Juran 1991) 

Drilling Method Cased? Cuttings Removal Method 

Lead Flight Kelley-Bar Driven No Mechanical

Sectional Solid-Stem No Mechanical

Sectional Hollow-Stem Yes Mechanical (air support) 

Continuous Flight Solid-Stem No Mechanical

Continuous Flight HollowStem Yes Mechanical (air support) 

Available drill hole sizes: 4-12 in. 

50 
Table 3.1b: Hydraulic Air and Water Rotary Methods for Drilling 

Competent Soils, Rock, or Mixed Ground Conditions (Pneumatic Down 

the Hole Hammer Available) (Modified from Elias and Juran 1991) 

Drilling Method Cased? Cuttings Removal Method 

External Flush Open Hole No Water

External Flush Cased Yes Water

Duplex Yes Compressed Air or Water 

Available drill hole sizes: 4-8 in. (air rotary) and 4-12 in. (hollow stem augers). 

Table 3.1c: Pneumatic Rotary (Top Hole Hammer) Methods for 

Drilling Non-Caving Competent Soils or Rock (Modified from Elias and 

Juran 1991) 

Drilling Method Cased? Cuttings Removal Method 

External Flush Open Hole No Compressed Air 

Available drill hole sizes: 4-8 in., typically <5 in. Used for non-caving ground. 

Figure 3.15: Photo. Drilling nail holes. Photograph courtesy of Barry Siel, 

FHWA.

51 
The selection of the drilling method may also be controlled by the local availability of 

equipment and the specific ground conditions to be encountered. The selected drilling 

method should not cause excessive ground mining or caving into the drill hole. Additionally, 

the drilling of the upper nail rows should not cause excessive ground surface heave. These 

potentially damaging effects may be avoided by using drill casings or HBSNs in unstable 

ground, or by limiting the air flush so as to ensure that the drill hole remains open without 

building pressure. Soil nail wall contract documents commonly allow the Contractor to 

select the drilling method. However, the design engineer may occasionally restrict the choice 

of drilling methods and/or procedures based on the subsurface conditions or other project 

needs. For example, restrictions may be imposed on certain drilling methods if it is deemed 

that they might have an adverse effect on the integrity of adjacent structures or underground 

utilities.

Cased drilling includes the use of single tube and the duplex rotary methods. The single tube 

method involves drilling with the drill string and flushing the cuttings outside the tube by air, 

water, or a combination of air and water. The duplex rotary method has an inner element 

(drill rods) and an outer tube (casing). The assembly allows drill cuttings to be removed 

through the annular space between the drill rods and outer casing. Drill hole diameters for 

these methods are generally 7 in. Casing the drill hole will increase the cost of soil nail 

walls, sometimes significantly.

3.3.4 Nail Installation and Grouting

After the tendon is inserted in the drill hole (Figure 3.16), the drill hole is filled with grout 

using a tremie pipe. The grout pipe is inserted to the bottom of the drill hole and the grout is 

injected until it fills the hole. As the grout sets, it bonds to the tendon and the surrounding 

ground. 

The practice of grouting by gravity provides bond strengths that are often sufficient for soil 

nailing to be feasible and cost-effective. However, in cases where poor soil conditions are 

encountered, higher bond strengths may be required to keep soil nail lengths reasonable. 

High bond resistance may be achieved in granular soils and weak fissured rock by injecting 

grout under relatively low pressures through the casing. These increases in bond strength, 

when compared to strengths obtained with gravity grouting, are the result of an increase in 

confining pressures around the grout, the compaction of soils surrounding the grout, 

increased interlocking between the soil and the grout, and an increase in the grout effective 

diameter. Pressure grouting through the casing is seldom used for fine-grained soils because 

only minor increases in bond resistance are achieved, especially if the soils are saturated.

52 
Figure 3.16: Photo. Solid nail tendon installation. Photograph

courtesy of Schnabel Engineering.

There are instances when the design bond resistance cannot be achieved if appropriate 

installation procedures are not followed. For example, poor removal of cuttings from the 

drill hole may cause significant reduction of the bond resistance. In the case of clayey soils 

with moderate plasticity, excessive mechanical cleaning of the drill hole may remold the clay 

and decrease the bond resistance to values much lower than those expected for undisturbed 

conditions. More details on design bond strength of soil nails can be found in Chapter 4. 

3.3.5 Drainage Placement

Strip drains are placed against the excavation face with the geotextile filter side against the 

soil. If the strip drain is packaged in rolls, the rolls must be protected while shotcrete is 

applied to each lift and then rolled down to be continuous. If the strip drains are panel-type, 

they must be spliced at the bottom of each excavation lift and generally should have a 

minimum 12-in. overlap of both the core and the geotextile filter such that the water flow and 

filtration are not impeded. The bottom drainage cap and exit pipe are connected to the strip 

drains and affixed to the reinforcing steel of the facing. During shotcrete placement, the exit 

pipe must be adequately covered to prevent penetration of shotcrete into the system. Once the 

shotcrete operation is complete, the exit pipe can be connected to the underdrain system, if 

applicable.

53 
The underdrain system is constructed inside a trench excavated at the toe of the wall. The 

aggregate-filled trench is wrapped with geotextile filter fabric. The geotextile is placed in the 

excavated trench, then the clean aggregate and drainage pipes are placed, and the geotextile 

is wrapped across the top of the trench. The use of a geotextile-wrapped pipe is generally not 

recommended. Continuity of the drainage path is the key to proper construction of the drain 

system in the following locations: between the drainage core joints, between the drainage 

core and the weephole outlets, between the wall outlet and drain pipe, and between the drain 

pipe and the drain outlet. 

3.3.6 Initial Facing Construction

3.3.6a General

The initial facing for soil nail wall applications is constructed using shotcrete, with a 

thickness most commonly between 3 in. and 4 in. However, thicker initial facings may be 

required in certain special applications. Shotcrete provides a continuous layer over the 

excavated face and fills irregularities. Shotcrete applications have been completed using 

WWM or fiber reinforcement and bars. The initial shotcrete covers the exposed soil with the 

exception of a narrow band at the bottom of the lift. This band remains uncovered to expose 

the lowest portion of the WWM and strip drains, and allows for the overlapping of these 

elements in the next excavation lift. A shotcrete facing for a wall under construction is 

shown in Figure 3.17. 

Figure 3.17: Photo. Initial shotcrete application. 

Photograph courtesy of Moretrench

American Corporation.

54 
3.3.6b Shotcrete Application

Two opposing requirements exist for shotcrete mixtures: “shootability” and “pumpability.” 

Shootability is the ability of a shotcrete mix to stick to a surface, build up thickness, and 

resist sloughing. Pumpability is the ability of a mix to flow like a viscous fluid. High flowresistance and high viscosity are ideal for shooting. Low flow resistance and low viscosity 

are ideal for pumping. Once it is applied, a shotcrete mix with high flow-resistance and high 

viscosity will tend to stick, as layers of the facing are formed. Contractors want high 

shootability to achieve the desired thickness in one pass. With the proper mix design, 

shootability up to a thickness of typically 6 to 8 in. is achieved without producing sloughing 

or sag cracks below the rebar. While thicker shotcrete sections are possible, these may be 

achieved without significant effort or without the use of specialized forms. However, 

because thinner sections are more common for initial facing, shootability is not expected to 

be an issue for initial facings. Methods for shotcrete mix design can be found in existing 

literature (ACI 2014).

Two types of shotcrete methods are used: dry mix and wet mix. In the dry mix method, the 

aggregate and cement are blended in the dry and fed into the shotcrete gun while the mix 

water is added at the nozzle. Depending on their features, admixtures can be added at the 

mix plant or with the water. The most common admixtures for shotcrete construction on a 

vertical surface are accelerators. The addition of water at the nozzle allows the plasticity of 

the shotcrete to be adjusted at the nozzle, if required. In the wet mix method, the aggregate, 

cement, water, and admixtures are mixed in a batch plant and conveyed to the nozzle by a 

hydraulic pump. The plastic mix supplied with the wet method is applied by compressed air 

at higher velocities than that of the dry method. 

Wet mix is often preferred for the construction of shotcrete facing walls because:

• Wet mix yields somewhat higher production of fresh shotcrete, typically 2.2 to 3.0 

yd3

/hour versus 1.5 to 3.0 yd3/hour for dry mix. 

• The shotcrete rebound (i.e., loss of material due to lack of “stick”) for a wet mix is 

often only about 5 percent, compared to 15 percent for a dry mix. 

• There is no need to add water at the nozzle, as in the case of a dry mix, thus it is less 

dependent on the nozzle operator’s experience. 

• Supply of ready-mix shotcrete from commercial batch plants is readily available. 

Both shotcrete methods produce a mix suitable for wall facings. Dry mix and wet mix 

shotcrete use a water/cement ratio of about 0.4 and produce roughly the same mix quality, 

although shotcrete obtained with the wet mix process yields a slightly greater flexural 

strength. Keeping water cement ratios at about 0.4 and using air entrainment, which is 

difficult with the dry-mix process, enhances the durability of shotcrete. Water/cement ratios 

55 
less than 0.45 tend to result in relatively high strength, high durability, and low permeability 

as long as the shotcrete is properly compacted in situ by elimination of entrapped air. 

Two of the most significant factors determining shotcrete quality and durability are cement 

content and in situ density. Shotcrete mixtures have relatively high contents of cement, from 

approximately 600 to 700 pounds/yd3 of mixture. The amount of cement determines both the 

pumpability and shootability of the mixture. The in situ density of the mixture can be 

controlled by the amount of air that enters the mixture. Increasing the air content will 

decrease strength (a 5 percent reduction in shotcrete compressive strength for approximately 

1 percent of air). Requirements of durability for initial facing may be relaxed in relation to 

those for final facing. However, in most cases, requirements are similar.

Steel fiber reinforcement is often added to shotcrete as part of a wet mix to increase ductility, 

toughness, and impact resistance. Fibers tend to reduce the brittleness of the shotcrete and 

thereby reduce crack propagation. They produce only a modest increase in flexural strength 

for conventional dosing rates. 

Tolerances commonly used for formed CIP concrete wall facings cannot be easily achieved 

in shotcrete and, therefore, are not appropriate to specify. Suggested tolerances for initial 

shotcrete facings should be on the order of 1.5 to 2 times the tolerances normally specified 

for CIP concrete.

The initial facing shotcrete does not generally require vertical/horizontal contraction or 

construction joints. The practical limitation for the spacing of vertical construction joints in 

the initial facing is dictated by the length of exposed wall selected by the Contractor any 

given day of construction. The spacing of horizontal construction joints should be 

approximately the height of the exposed lift. 

The Contractor must make provisions to avoid creating weak areas where shotcrete is 

stopped at the end of a shift. The shotcrete should be first tapered at the joint using shovels 

or other means, from the full thickness to an edge with a thickness up to approximately 1 in. 

Joints must be cleaned with air under pressure and then wetted before the next section of 

shotcrete is applied. 

3.3.6c Shotcrete Reinforcement

WWM, which is sold in panels or sheets, is commonly used as reinforcement for the initial 

facing. Occasionally, it may also be used for final facing. The cross-sectional area and mesh 

opening of the WWM are selected to satisfy structural requirements including flexural and 

punching shear capacities and constructability constraints. Common properties for WWM 

are summarized in Appendix A. 

56 
The selected WWM panel must have a width that is consistent with the excavated lift height 

(equivalent to the vertical nail spacing), plus an overlap of at least one full mesh cell. WWM 

is available in the U.S. in 4- to 8-ft wide sheets and rolls. Sheets can be obtained in 12.5-, 

15-, 20-, and 25-ft lengths. On request, WWM sheets can be manufactured up to 40 ft in 

length. In addition, the dimensions of the WWM panels must be selected to comply with 

ACI/AASHTO provisions for lap splice development. 

The WWM wire diameter and mesh opening dimensions are evaluated as part of the soil nail 

wall design. For remote project locations, the design engineer should check the availability 

of different WWM widths near the site. In some cases when the availability of WWM 

widths is restricted locally, the design engineer may decide to modify the vertical nail 

spacing size as a function of the available commercial WWM widths. 

Additional reinforcement, including walers and vertical bars, is placed around nail heads to 

provide additional flexural resistance at these locations. In general, two horizontal walers 

and two vertical bars are installed: one on each side of the nail. Characteristics of steel rebar 

are presented in Appendix A. Figure 3.18 shows WWM and waler bars surrounding an 

installed soil nail. Note that the PVC pipe shown in Figure 3.18 was used as a temporary 

measure to avoid shotcreting over the nail head. 

Figure 3.18: Photo. Shotcrete reinforcement including 

WWM and waler bars. Photograph courtesy 

of Ryan R. Berg & Associates, Inc.

57 
3.3.7 Final Facing Construction

3.3.7a Reinforced Shotcrete

The total thickness of a reinforced shotcrete final facing is often between 6 and 12 in., 

excluding the thickness of the initial facing. Headed studs welded to the bearing plates are 

used to connect the final facing to the soil nails. The thickness of the final facing is created 

by applying successive layers of shotcrete. The final facing is usually, but not always, 

applied after the deepest lift of the initial facing is completed, and is advanced in phases from 

the bottom up. The full final facing thickness can also be constructed as excavation 

progresses, but care must be taken to safely support the significant weight of the facing 

during subsequent excavation lifts.

The shotcrete facing is reinforced with WWM or rebar. In some situations, the available 

sections of WWM may not be sufficient to provide an efficient design. Final facings 

consisting of reinforced shotcrete usually do not require the use of waler bars.

Because the nail heads provide fixed points approximately every 5 ft that tend to resist lateral 

movements due to contraction/expansion, the requirement for spacing vertical contraction 

joints in final facings should be less restrictive than for other wall types. The maximum 

spacing of vertical contraction joints in permanent shotcrete facing is typically between 45 to 

90 ft. The spacing of vertical joints must be adjusted to avoid placing joints over soil nails. 

Some soil nail walls may have special aesthetic requirements. If the uneven finish and color 

of final shotcrete facing do not meet these requirements, other details can be specified. 

Wood, steel, or rubber tools can be used on the as-shot surface to smooth the shotcrete, and 

to add grooves to create a more aesthetic finish. Finished shotcrete surfaces can also be 

colored with pigmented sealers. In areas where wall aesthetics should match nearby rock 

outcroppings, the final shotcrete may be thickened, sculpted, and stained for a natural rock 

look. The final result is an irregular shotcrete surface that matches the surrounding 

landscape. See Section 3.5 for additional discussion and example photos of sculpted faces.

3.3.7b Cast-in-Place Reinforced Concrete

CIP concrete used as the final facing is routinely reinforced with vertical and horizontal rebar 

and supplementary, short bars placed around the nail head. A variety of finishes can be 

implemented by using commercially available form liners; an example is shown in Figure 

3.19. It is generally acceptable to use one-sided formwork tied to the soil nails for support as 

long as this does not compromise the performance of the facing or the corrosion protection of 

the nail. When compared to a shotcrete facing, a CIP reinforced concrete finished facing 

58 
may have potential advantages, including the use and aesthetics of form liners, a uniform 

appearance, and homogeneous quality. 

Figure 3.19: Photo. Cast-in-place facing. Photograph courtesy 

of DYWIDAG-Systems International.

The maximum spacing of vertical contraction joints in permanent CIP facing is typically 90 

to 100 ft, similar to that of shotcrete final facings.

3.3.7c Precast Concrete Facing

Precast concrete facing has been used in permanent applications to meet aesthetic and 

durability criteria. A project using this method is shown in Figure 3.20. Precast facings also 

provide a means of integrating a continuous drainage blanket behind the final facing and/or a 

frost protection barrier in cold climates.

The panels are either small segmental (5 ft by 5 ft) elements or full-height tilt-up elements. 

Panels may be structural and carry the nail head load, or be non-structural. If structural, the 

nail plate may be provided with stud connectors or hoop-shaped rebar positioned at the back 

of the precast panels. The space between them is then filled with low-strength concrete to 

form the connection. Patents may exist over some connection details developed by various 

specialty contractors. If non-structural elements are used for the final facing, the initial 

facing requires adequate strengthening to resist the design loads.

59 
Figure 3.20: Photo. Precast panel facing. Photograph 

courtesy of Texas DOT. 

Prefabricated panels can be attached to the nails or nail head by a variety of devices. With 

some systems, the connection is often made at the corner of each large precast panel by using 

truncated wedging heads between adjoining panels at each nail location. Because connection 

details require a high degree of precision in locating nails, templates for nail installation are 

used to ensure location accuracy. Some projects may have architectural or aesthetic 

requirements and call for the use of special nonstructural pre-cast panels (or masonry stone or 

masonry blocks) in front of the final shotcrete or CIP facing.

3.4 Alternate Materials

3.4.1 Sculpted Wall Facing

As an alternative to traditional final facing options, sculpted wall facing provides a highly 

aesthetic end product. This CIP concrete wall is hand-sculpted to resemble stone or brick 

and often stained to match the surrounding environment. The facing adds construction cost

but offers Owners additional aesthetic options. Figure 3.21 shows an example of sculpted 

wall facing.

60 
Figure 3.21: Photo. Sculpted wall facing. Photography 

courtesy of The Collin Group, Ltd. 

Figure 3.22: Photo. Sculpted natural rock-like wall facing. Photograph 

courtesy of Con-Tech Systems, Ltd. 

61 
3.4.2 Drilled Drainage with Hollow Bar Soil Nails

A grout specifically designed to act as a filter material (i.e., consisting of a highly-permeable 

mix of cement and aggregate) can be installed as part of an HBSN. This special grout would 

allow an HBSN to also act as a drilled (sub) horizontal drain. This system can be used to 

relieve hydrostatic pressure from retaining walls and provide more efficient drainage than 

weepholes at the front of the wall. However, if the installation of deep drains behind the wall 

face needs to be considered, a soil nail wall should be carefully evaluated as it may not be the 

most appropriate alternative for permanent earth retention. 

Drilled drains must intercept groundwater seepage well before it approaches the wall. In 

addition, the use of drilled drains helps to reduce pore water pressures and to avoid ice 

pressure near the facing during periods of freezing. Drilled drains are typically installed in a 

single operation, without casing, by means of rotary percussion drilling.

62 
Chapter 4: Information Required for Design

4.1 Introduction

This chapter summarizes the information that is necessary for the design of soil nail walls. 

The information described in this chapter includes initial information, information from field 

investigations and laboratory testing, and engineering properties for design. In addition, this 

chapter provides guidance for obtaining data related to subsurface corrosion potential, frost 

effects, and site seismic characterization. 

4.2 Project-Specific Requirements and Initial Information

4.2.1 Project-Specific Requirements

Engineers must become familiar with specific requirements of the work that would affect the 

design, construction, and performance of a soil nail wall. These project-specific 

requirements may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Preliminary site development plans indicating height, length and location of the 

wall(s) and related to new infrastructure

• Physical constraints (wall near a bridge abutment, wall constructed as a cut in steep 

terrain, wall near a waterway or subject to scour)

• Potential effects from wall construction and use on existing and/or future, adjacent 

structures that may be sensitive to wall movement (bridge abutment, building, etc.) 

• Accessibility to and ROW at project site

• Overhead and lateral limitations

• Presence of existing or new utilities in front, under, and behind the proposed walls 

• Aesthetics of the wall finish

• Need for partial and/or full traffic closure during construction 

• Availability of staging areas during construction

While the above requirements are not unique to soil nail walls, they must be carefully 

considered during the initial stage of their design. A field reconnaissance is highly 

recommended to help ascertain some of the above-listed conditions. 

4.2.2 Initial Information

The engineer must also review key information related to the site, define design goals, and 

plan an effective site investigation. The review must focus on aspects such as site 

topography, historic land use, local geologic information (to be obtained from geologic maps

and other sources), and other relevant geologic data (if applicable, including landslide maps 

63 
and fault maps). The review of air photographs from the United States Geological Survey 

(USGS) or other sources may be helpful where geologic features, such as landslides, may 

affect the planned structure. The review of information such as frost depth penetration or 

seismic hazard maps will also be needed in regions subject to freezing or exposed to seismic 

hazard. 

Reviewing existing geotechnical reports and data, when available, is a key aspect of the 

evaluation of initial information. Historic geotechnical information is generally helpful; 

however, the engineer must evaluate the quality, completeness, and applicability of existing 

geotechnical information to a new project. The engineer must exercise caution when 

extrapolating subsurface conditions encountered in nearby areas to the project site because 

soil variability may be large in some cases.

The engineer must also review records of design and construction, as well as as-built 

documentation of adjacent structures that may be affected by soil nail construction and use. 

The designer is expected to assess the magnitude of allowable movement of adjacent 

structures based on the type of structure, and to evaluate geotechnical monitoring data, if 

available.

The engineer must also determine the magnitude of the temporary or permanent surcharge 

that may occur near the planned walls. Surcharge may include vehicular or construction 

traffic, loads from temporary stockpiles, loads from existing or future structures, utilities, etc. 

Chapter 5 contains a discussion about the loads that must be considered in soil nail wall 

design. Details about loads in bridges and roadways can be found in AASHTO (2012).

Conventional soil nail walls are not designed to resist scour. The designer must consider the 

potential for scour and, if this factor is of significance, an alternative wall type should be 

considered. Alternatively, appropriate measures will have to be considered for protection of 

the wall base if a soil nail wall is used. 

4.3 Subsurface Investigations

4.3.1 Introduction 

Soil nail walls should only be allowed for construction when site-specific geotechnical 

information, either existing and/or new, is available that fulfills the subsurface investigation 

objectives and requirements discussed in this chapter and any additional project needs

described in Chapters 5 and 6. New geotechnical investigations would be necessary for most 

cases to: provide geotechnical information in the absence of historic information, close data 

gaps from past field investigations, or verify trends seen in historic investigations.

64 
After completing a review of project-specific requirements and existing information, and 

ideally conducting a field reconnaissance, the engineer must develop a detailed work plan for 

conducting site geotechnical investigations. 

Subsurface investigations should be performed in accordance with the AASHTO “Manual on 

Subsurface Investigations” (AASHTO 1988), Geotechnical Engineering Circular No. 5 

“Evaluation of Soil and Rock Properties” (FHWA-IF-02-034; Sabatini et al. 2002), and

“Manual on Subsurface Investigations” (FHWA-NHI-01-031; Mayne et al. 2001). Guidance 

for conducting field investigations can also be found in Section 10.4 of AASHTO (2012). 

Specific test procedures are presented in ASTM or AASHTO standards. Standards of the 

local agency, if available, may need to be consulted in some cases. The following sections 

highlight the main aspects of subsurface investigations used in soil nail wall projects. 

4.3.2 Objectives

The objectives of a subsurface investigation are to: 

• Determine the subsurface stratigraphy 

• Obtain representative soil samples for laboratory testing

• Measure in situ soil properties through field testing

• Measure soil properties in the laboratory 

• Assess soil and groundwater corrosion potential 

• Evaluate the location and fluctuations of groundwater levels and gradients

The subsurface investigation must be conducted along the entire extent of the proposed wall. 

It must include a sufficient number of field tests and sampling locations to assess the 

variation of soil properties across the project site. Determining the location and nature of the 

groundwater is extremely important in soil nail wall projects because the presence of high 

groundwater (particularly in free-drainage soils) is an unfavorable condition. 

The subsurface investigation may need to be conducted in a single phase or in multiple 

phases, depending on the complexity of the project and the availability of existing 

geotechnical data. If little or no geotechnical information is available for a site, conducting 

the investigation in two phases may be a sensible approach. The first phase would consist of 

a preliminary subsurface investigation to help identify the soil strata and their basic 

characteristics, and to determine if the ground is favorable, difficult, or unfavorable for soil 

nails. The second phase would consist of a final subsurface investigation focused on 

collecting the specific data required for design and construction of the soil nail wall. 

The engineer must develop a subsurface exploration plan that allows developing a site 

characterization that is sufficient for design and construction of the soil nail wall. The lack 

65 
of a thorough site investigation will produce various undesirable outcomes, including 

uneconomical designs, re-designs, construction difficulties, additional construction costs and 

delays, and inadequate or unsafe performance.

4.3.3 Requirements for Selecting Location and Number of Exploratory Borings

The type, number, location, and depth of test borings and other field tests are a function of 

the wall dimensions, the presence of adjacent structures, and existing and future grades. 

Other factors include the stage of the project at which the field investigation is conducted 

(i.e., feasibility study, preliminary design, or final design), the availability of existing 

geotechnical data, and the variability of subsurface conditions. 

Guidance for selecting the number of test borings and defining their depths is provided in 

Table 10.4.2-1 – “Minimum Number of Exploration Points and Depths of Exploration” of 

AASHTO (2012). Figure 4.1 provides preliminary guidance about the number and location

of borings for earth-retaining systems. Borings must be drilled along the centerline of, in 

front of, and behind the proposed wall. Borings drilled along the proposed wall centerline 

should be spaced between 100 and 200 ft and be advanced at least to a depth H below the 

planned bottom of the excavation, where H is the height of the wall at that location.

Borings drilled behind the wall should be spaced up to 150 ft along the alignment, be located 

within H to 1.5H behind the wall, and be advanced at least to a depth 2H below final grades. 

If the ground behind the wall slopes up, borings should be drilled within a horizontal distance 

of 1.5H to 2H from the wall. These borings should be deep enough to allow assessing 

potentially larger sliding masses occurring up the slope. 

Borings drilled in front of the wall should be spaced up to 200 ft along the alignment, be 

located between 0.75H to H in front of the wall, and be advanced at least to a depth H below 

the planned bottom of the excavation. 

66 
Figure 4.1: Illustration. Preliminary layout of borings. Modified after Sabatini et al. 

(2002).

When soft to very soft fine-grained soils, organic silt, or peat exist within the terminal boring 

depths shown in Figure 4.1, the depth should be increased at least by H for borings along and 

behind the wall, and by 0.5H for borings in front of the wall. For areas with significant 

seismic risk, borings should be extended to the base of deposits that are suspected to be 

liquefiable (i.e., deposits of loose to very loose, saturated, cohesionless soils), within a depth 

of about 2H below the planned bottom of the excavation. In most cases, the maximum depth 

of borings may not need to exceed approximately 50 ft. 

67 
If weathered rock is encountered within the drilling depths shown in Figure 4.1, borings 

should extend into the weathered rock so that a core sample, at least 10-ft long and in two 5-

ft long runs, can be obtained to allow inspection of discontinuities. Finally, the designer 

must establish the depth of the borings in relation to any slip surfaces that likely may affect 

the stability and performance of the walls. Certain geologic conditions (joints, bedding, etc.) 

may require using oriented rock cores. 

4.3.4 Field Procedures

4.3.4a Overview 

This section presents general information regarding field procedures that are used for soil 

nailing projects. Sabatini et al. (2002) and Mayne et al. (2001) provide more detailed 

descriptions of site investigation and laboratory testing procedures. Corrosion field testing is 

covered in Section 4.7. 

4.3.4b Test Borings and Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) 

Subsurface investigations for soil nail projects are largely based on test borings. Test borings 

are advanced using rotary drilling methods, including hollow-stem auger and wash-borings. 

Both drilling methods allow retrieval of soil samples. Drilling with hollow-stem augers 

allows groundwater level observation, as discussed in Section 4.3.5. 

Soil Standard Penetration Testing (SPT, ASTM D1586) and sampling of both disturbed and 

undisturbed soil samples are performed in test borings. SPT can be used in a wide range of 

soils that are favorable in soil nail projects. The SPT sampler allows obtaining disturbed 

samples; therefore, it is appropriate for sampling cohesionless soils (sands and elastic silt) for 

index geotechnical properties and for sampling soil for corrosion potential testing. The SPT 

sampler can retrieve residual soil to weathered rock, in which cases the SPT sampler is 

driven to refusal (defined when a blowcount of 50 blows has been reached for a penetration 

of one inch or less). 

The SPT is not amenable to gravels, boulders and fill containing large particles. Even if 

sampling is successful, the retrieved samples of these soils would be unrepresentative 

because large particles cannot enter the sampler. Also, the blowcount is expected to be 

biased or meaningless.

Although the SPT is used in practice to sample soft to very soft, fine-grained soils (clays and 

plastic silts), thin-walled samplers (Shelby, Osterberg, Gregory Undisturbed Sampler, and 

other fixed-piston samplers) must be used to retrieve relatively undisturbed samples of these 

68 
soils that permit determination of mechanical properties through strength testing in the 

laboratory. 

For most soil nail wall projects, SPT samples should be obtained at a depth interval of 5 ft. 

Sampling should be conducted at a smaller depth interval or continuously in thin layers 

containing soft to very soft, fine-grained soils, cavities, or soils with expected high corrosion 

potential. 

Numerous correlations exist between the SPT N-value and soil engineering properties. The 

magnitude of overburden has a significant influence on the N-value and must be taken into 

account when using correlations with applicable soil properties. Also, corrections to N-values 

may be necessary to convert these values to N60-values and account for different hammer 

efficiencies. An (N1)60-value, which is an N-value normalized to a 60-percent energy 

efficiency and to 1 tsf of overburden (ASTM D4633), should be used in some correlations. 

The engineer should exercise caution when using SPT-based correlations because N-values, 

even if corrected, tend to exhibit significant variability due to the numerous sources of 

uncertainty in this test.

In cases where deflection of the wall and settlement of the overlying ground surface are 

critical project constraints and require accurate estimates (e.g., using finite element methods 

or similar techniques), SPT-based correlations to estimate soil modulus values may not be 

suitable. Mechanical laboratory testing of undisturbed specimens such as oedometer or 

triaxial testing, or in situ tests such as pressuremeter testing, may be performed. The reader 

is referred to Sabatini et al. (2002) for additional information on this testing. 

4.3.4c Cone Penetration Test (CPT)

The Cone Penetration Test (CPT, ASTM D5778) allows a rapid and cost-effective 

development of continuous subsurface profiles, and permits identifying thin soil layers, 

which would otherwise be difficult to detect using discontinuous SPT sampling. This 

capability may prove particularly useful when investigating thin layers of weak soil behind 

soil nail walls. However, CPT is more limited than SPT for soil nail wall design applications 

because the soils that are conducive to CPT are generally not ideal for application of soil 

nailing. CPT cannot be performed in hard soils, gravelly soils, weathered rock, and boulder 

deposits. 

Correlations between CPT parameters (cone bearing resistance, friction ratio, etc.) and 

various soil engineering properties are available that may possibly carry less variability than 

SPT-based correlations, particularly for properties of soft fine-grained soils. For most soil 

nail projects, the soil shear strength can be estimated based on the CPT or the SPT data. 

69 
Likewise, the elastic modulus can be estimated from CPT data. However, there are no 

widely available correlations between CPT parameters and bond strength for soil nails. 

Conventional CPT has a higher productivity (feet per day) than conventional drilled borings. 

However, CPT does not provide soil samples, which is a significant disadvantage compared 

with borings. However, some CPT contractors have the ability to collect small-diameter, 

disturbed, soil samples by pushing a tube sampler and using the same CPT equipment. The 

sampling is conducted after the CPT probing is complete, using a sampler that is similar to 

the CPT cone penetrometer but does not contain the internal electronics. While the samples 

are disturbed, they can be used for classification purposes, index tests, and soil corrosion 

potential. Some special CPT probes are equipped with sensors that provide a continuous 

profile of soil electric resistivity, which is one important parameter in the assessment of 

corrosion potential. 

The combined use of CPTs (high productivity but no samples) and fewer-than-normal test 

borings with SPT (fewer but well selected samples) might be an attractive alternative in 

certain projects, particularly long wall alignments in relatively consistent geologic 

conditions. 

4.3.4d Other Field Testing Techniques

Other field testing techniques such as the Pressuremeter Test (PMT, ASTM D4719) and the 

Field Vane Shear Test (VST, ASTM D2573) are, in general, not as widely used as SPT and 

CPT. The flat dilatometer test (DMT) is also available but its use is quite rare.

PMT can be employed in a wide range of soil types, including those favorable for soil nailing 

construction. The PMT can provide reasonable estimates of the soil modulus and is therefore 

an attractive testing method when the estimation of wall deflection and ground settlement is 

critical. Also, a correlation developed in France between the PMT limit pressure (pL) and the 

bond strength has been developed for sand, clay, gravel, and weathered rock (Clouterre 

2002). The VST has no routine application for design of soil nail walls as it is suitable for 

soft to medium fine-grained soils, which are unfavorable for soil nails. However, it may still 

be used in connection with a project that incorporates soil nails walls if underlying finegrained strata are critical to the global stability of the excavation. 

4.3.4e Test Pits

The excavation of test pits can provide valuable information on whether an excavation face 

can stand unsupported. Test pits should be at least 20- to 25-ft long and up to approximately 

10 ft deep (when possible). They should be protected as required against collapse and meet 

safety standards. Test pits should preferably be excavated perpendicular to the wall to reduce 

70 
affecting the subsequent excavation face. If test pits are excavated parallel to the wall, they 

should be excavated in the cut zone, at least 15 ft from the wall face. To evaluate the standup time of the excavation, test pits should be left open for 1 to 2 days with adequate 

protection for workers and the public. Excavated test pits should be inspected daily, as a 

minimum. 

Test pits allow observations of seeping groundwater, which may affect the stability of the 

open cut. Test pits also allow grab samples or undisturbed specimens of fine-grained soils to 

be collected for laboratory testing as needed. 

4.3.5 Groundwater 

4.3.5a Overview 

The presence of groundwater, either stable (i.e., static) or perched, must be identified during 

subsurface investigations because groundwater affects various aspects of the design and 

long-term performance of soil nail walls. Groundwater, if present above the bottom of the 

excavation, will likely impact the stability of temporarily unsupported cuts during 

construction of a soil nail wall. Careful observations should be made in test pits to detect 

seeping groundwater, even in small quantities. Fluctuations in the groundwater table over 

time may promote corrosion, affect overall stability, and cause increased pressures on the 

wall facing. Groundwater may affect drill hole stability and influence the selection of 

grouting procedures and the methods needed for permanent drainage.

Grossly underestimating the elevation of groundwater or gradients during field investigations 

can have serious consequences for any earth retaining system, but particularly for soil nail 

walls. These systems are not suited for high, static groundwater levels, significant amounts 

of perched groundwater, or low to moderate seepage velocities, particularly in free-drainage 

soils. 

4.3.5b Groundwater Observation Methods

The depth to groundwater should be obtained from borings during drilling, at the end of 

drilling, and at least 24 hours after drilling. It is advisable to terminate some borings as 

temporary stand-pipe piezometers of slotted PVC pipe. These piezometers need to be 

monitored for days, weeks, or even longer depending on the anticipated or detected 

groundwater fluctuations and ground conditions. Groundwater levels obtained during 

drilling in cohesive soils or other formations with low permeability do not generally 

represent stabilized groundwater levels and, if standpipe piezometers are installed, a 

substantial wait period may be necessary for groundwater readings to stabilize.

71 
It is important to pay attention to the moisture content and index properties of fine-grained 

soils as measured in the laboratory. A fine-grained soil with its water content higher than the 

plastic limit (PL) may be saturated in the field and subject to positive pore pressures. 

Knowing the in situ unit weight, specific gravity, and water content can help to establish 

whether the soil is above or below the groundwater table. Other information about 

groundwater observation methods can be found in GEC 5 (Sabatini et al. 2002). 

4.4 Laboratory Soil Testing

4.4.1 Overview 

The design of soil nail walls requires that some of the engineering properties be determined 

by laboratory testing. The amount and scope of the laboratory testing to be performed 

depend on the particular characteristics of the project. For projects of less complexity, 

laboratory testing of index parameters may suffice if a thorough and adequate field 

investigation was performed previously. For some projects with challenging subsurface 

conditions, a wider range of laboratory testing must be considered even if some existing 

geotechnical information is available. 

4.4.2 Soil Classification and Index Tests

Table 4.1 (a, b, c) lists laboratory tests used in soil nail projects to classify soils and 

determine index properties. 

Table 4.1a: Procedures and Laboratory Tests for Soils – Classification 

Test Name ASTM 

Standard

AASHTO 

Standard

Visual Identification of Soils D2488 NA

Classification of Soils According to USCS D2487 M145 

Particle-Size Analysis D422-63 T88

Soil Fraction Passing No. 200 Sieve D1140 T11

Table 4.1b: Procedures and Laboratory Tests for Soils – Index Parameters

Test Name ASTM 

Standard

AASHTO 

Standard

Moisture Content D2216 T265

Atterberg Limits for Fines Fraction D4318 T89, T90 

Note: Individual ASTM and AASHTO standards referenced herein can be found in ASTM (2012) 

and AASHTO (1988).

72 
Table 4.1c: Procedures and Laboratory Tests for Soils – Shear Strength Tests

Test Name ASTM 

Standard

AASHTO 

Standard

Unconfined Compressive Strength (UC) D2166 T208

Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression (UU) D2850 T296

Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression (CU) D4767 T234

Consolidated Drained Triaxial Compression (CD) D7181 NA

The tests included in Table 4.1c may be used on different soil types, but they are far more 

commonly used on fine-grained soils. Triaxial extension tests may also be considered for 

estimating soil shear strength parameters in unloading, which would be the predominant 

condition behind an earth retaining wall. However, the difference in results obtained from 

compression or extension triaxial tests is not expected to be large for soils considered 

favorable for soil nail walls. 

Index tests should be performed for all soil nail projects for soil classification, according to 

the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). These tests should include grain size 

distributions and Atterberg limits.

Sieve analyses help establish the grain-size distribution, fines content, and estimate the 

hydraulic conductivity of soils. Besides contributing to soil classification, Atterberg limits 

can be used to estimate compressibility and shear strength parameters of fine-grained soils. 

More specifically for soil nail projects, Atterberg limits are used to evaluate the potential for 

creep deformation of fine-grained soils that would be supported by a soil nail wall (see 

Section 4.6). 

Testing for moisture content helps identify certain unfavorable conditions for soil nails. For 

example, in situ moisture contents significantly above the PL of the soil are indicative of low 

shear strength and high compressibility. If the in situ LL is greater than 50%, the potential 

for creep of the soil increases. In addition, the potential for creep increases if the Liquidity 

Index (LI) is equal or greater than 0.2 (Byrne et al. 1996). Moisture contents less than about 

5% in granular soils with little fines may indicate that vertical cuts may not remain 

unsupported. 

Organic content testing (i.e., loss-on-ignition, LOI D21974, T194) should be performed to 

determine whether soils are organic if field observations (e.g., odor, color, and/or texture of 

soil samples) or the review of existing information suggests the presence of organics. Also, 

organic soils with high natural moisture generally have a higher corrosion potential than 

inorganic soils. Organic soils also tend to have lower shear strength and be more 

compressible than inorganic soils, and have a tendency to creep over time.

73 
Other testing, including specific gravity (D854, T100), might be required in some cases to 

support the estimation of other parameters. 

Engineering properties, including strength and deformability, are presented in subsequent 

sections.

4.4.3 Shear Strength Tests

Most soils that are favorable for soil nailing are predominantly granular. The strength 

parameter values of these soils are estimated using correlations based on field testing 

methods (see Section 4.5.4) and not often measured using laboratory testing. If soil nails are 

installed in stiff to hard fine-grained soils or are used to stabilize the structural fill of an 

existing MSE wall, the shear strength of these materials should be estimated using laboratory 

tests, such as those listed in Table 4.1c.

The direct shear test (D3080, T236) may be used for fill when the sample is properly 

compacted in the lab to in situ conditions. Direct shear tests have a number of limitations. 

Because the failure surface is forced along a horizontal plane, rotation of principal stresses 

during the test and anisotropy of the specimen limit the applicability of the interpreted 

strength parameter values. In addition, the development of pore pressures is uncontrolled 

and their measurement is impractical.

In cases where soil nails are installed in stiff, overconsolidated clays that may mobilize fully 

softened or residual strengths upon deformation, the shear strength parameters may be 

estimated using triaxial testing (up to certain level of axial deformation) or the torsional ring 

shear apparatus device (D6467).

4.4.4 Deformability and Modulus

Where soft to medium fine-grained soils exist throughout the excavation or immediately 

below the bottom, it is important to evaluate the magnitude of wall deflections, ground 

surface settlement, and rebound. In these cases, the soil compressibility can be evaluated 

using conventional, one-dimensional consolidation tests (D2435, T216). Soil modulus 

values can also be estimated using triaxial testing. 

It is important to note that the results of laboratory tests may be sensitive to the stress path 

followed and to the orientation of the specimen. Results may not be representative of field 

conditions unless special testing conditions are applied, or suitable interpretation of the 

results is performed, that account for differences with field loading or unloading. 

74 
4.4.5 Other Testing

Other tests, while not routinely used in the design of soil nails, can be useful to detect 

unfavorable conditions for soil nailing. For example, the presence of collapsible or swelling 

fine-grained soils can be established by performing the collapse potential test (D5333) and 

the swelling potential test (D4546, T258), respectively. 

Special tests must be performed in areas exposed to soil freezing to establish the frost heave 

potential and susceptibility to thaw weakening (D5918) of the soils on the soil nails and the 

wall facing. These tests should be performed on samples obtained from soil layers that will 

be exposed to frost action in the long-term. 

4.5 Selection of Design Parameters

4.5.1 Overview 

Once sufficient information is available from borings, field tests, and the laboratory, the 

designer must develop the site stratigraphy and corresponding design parameters for each 

strata. The designer must also identify the variability of subsurface conditions across the site 

that may impact the design of the soil nail wall. 

Developing the site stratigraphy involves locating the contact between soil, weathered rock, 

and possibly bedrock. The locations of these contacts are important not only for the global 

stability analyses, but also to establish whether the soil nails need to extend near or into the 

underlying harder materials. The contrasting conditions above and below this contact may 

affect the selected method and drilling equipment to advance the drill hole, construction 

procedures, and soil nail lengths. The designer must also identify the existence of moist, 

softer zones or water at the rock contact.

Developing the site stratigraphy is critical for design because the nature, extent, and 

distribution of the soil units affect the selection of the drilling methods, control the shape and 

dimensions of the potential sliding soil mass behind the soil nail wall, and affect the number 

and length of nails. The variability of the soils will dictate the number of nail verification 

tests that are necessary to confirm design criteria for each major soil deposit. The variability 

of subsurface conditions is more critical for design of long walls. 

4.5.2 Soil Parameters for Design

The following properties, at a minimum, should be determined for soil nail projects from 

field investigation and laboratory testing:

75 
• Depths of stratigraphy breaks

• Groundwater levels 

• Unit weight of each major soil deposit 

• Shear strength parameters of each major soil deposit 

• Bond strength of each major soil deposit where nails will be installed

When accurate estimates of soil nail wall deflection or ground surface movement are 

necessary, the designer must also determine the values of soil modulus and compressibility 

based on results of field and/or laboratory testing, as described previously. The potential for 

soil creep must be assessed when dealing with fine-grained soils, as discussed in Section 4.6. 

The characterization of soil corrosion potential must be assessed for all types of soils where 

soil nails will be installed, as discussed in Section 4.7. 

4.5.3 Unit Weight

The unit weight is used in stability analysis and calculations for soil nail wall design. The 

unit weight of granular soils and some fine-grained soils can be estimated from soil 

descriptions in conjunction with estimates of the relative density or through correlations (e.g., 

Kulhawy and Mayne 1990). Figure 4.2 shows the dry unit weight (γd) (expressed as a value 

normalized by the unit weight of water, γw) for various USCS-classified cohesionless soils

without plastic fines, including some that are favorable for soil nailing, and as a function of 

the relative density (Dr). To account for the in situ moisture content, the moist unit weight, 

γmoist, must be calculated as γmoist = γd (1+ wn), where wn is the in situ moisture content. Note 

that the use of Figure 4.2 requires knowing the relative density, which can be estimated using 

Table 4.2.a., or the friction angle, which is discussed below. 

Figure 4.2: Graph. Estimation of soil unit weight. Modified after U.S. Navy 

(1982), Kulhawy and Mayne (1990). 

76 
The unit weight of fine-grained soils may be determined in the laboratory from undisturbed 

samples retrieved with a Shelby tube or similar sampler. Conversely, the in situ unit weight 

of granular soils should not be estimated through laboratory testing because samples are 

always disturbed and in situ conditions cannot be easily reproduced in the laboratory. 

4.5.4 Shear Strength

4.5.4a Cohesionless Soils

For most projects, the drained, effective angle of internal friction (φs′), which represents the 

main component of the shear strength of cohesionless soils, can be estimated using 

correlations based on SPT and CPT values. 

Effective stress analysis should be considered for cohesionless soils, which are frequently 

free-draining. A free-drainage condition requires a relatively high hydraulic conductivity of 

the soil, which can be estimated from the gradation of the soil. It is important to assess the 

fraction of material passing the #200 sieve (by weight), because the hydraulic conductivity of 

supposedly “free-drainage,” granular materials can decrease significantly for a content of 

fines higher than about 15 to 25 percent. 

The effective cohesion, c', is estimated separately. Cemented sands exhibit cohesion that 

should be considered for design of the soil nail wall; however, the designer should keep in 

mind that, depending on the project characteristics, there may be a potential for significant 

disturbance of the soil matrix during excavation and resulting loss of cohesion. Also, internal 

and surface erosion of the soil due to seepage and surface runoff may degrade the value of 

cohesion during the life of the project. Partially saturated soils exhibit apparent cohesion due 

to matric suction. Although it is customary to ignore this apparent cohesion, the designer 

may opt to consider cohesion for the analysis of temporary excavation stages if there is 

evidence that such apparent cohesion exists. In this case, short-term, apparent cohesion can 

be adopted to be between 50 psf and 150 psf. 

Preliminary estimates of the effective friction angle can be obtained from Table 4.2a, using 

SPT N-values or from Table 4.2b using normalized CPT values. Figure 4.3 shows the 

increase of the effective friction angle based on SPT N60 as a function of increasing 

normalized, in situ effective overburden, σ'vo/Pa, where σ'vo is the in situ effective overburden 

pressure, and Pa is the atmospheric pressure.

77 
Table 4.2a: Correlations between SPT N-values, CPT, and 

Friction Angle of Cohesionless Soils – SPT

SPT N60

(1) (blows/ft) Soil Density

Description

Soil Relative 

Density φs′ (deg) (2)

0 to 4 Very Loose < 20 < 30

4 to 10 Loose 20 – 40 30 to 35 

10 to 30 Medium 40 – 60 35 to 40 

30 to 50 Dense 60 – 80 40 to 45 

> 50 Very Dense > 80 > 45 (3)

Notes: (1) Uncorrected values are considered equivalent to N60. 

 (2) From Kulhawy and Mayne (1990) based on Meyerhof (1956).

(3) Sands should be selected to have a friction angle ≤ 40 degrees. 

Gravelly soils should be selected to have a friction angle ≤ 45 

degrees.

Table 4.2b: Correlations between SPT N-values, CPT, and 

Friction Angle of Cohesionless Soils – CPT

Normalized CPT 

Cone Bearing 

Resistance, qc/Pa (1)

Soil Density 

Description

Soil Relative 

Density φs′ (deg) (2)

< 20 Very Loose < 20 < 30

20 to 40 Loose 20 – 40 30 to 35 

40 to 120 Medium 40 – 60 35 to 40 

120 to 200 Dense 60 – 80 40 to 45 

> 200 Very Dense > 80 > 45 (3)

Notes: (1) Pa is the normal atmospheric pressure = 1 atm ~ 100 kN/m2 ~ 1 tsf.

 (2) From Meyerhof (1956).

(3) Sands should be selected to have a friction angle ≤ 40 degrees. 

Gravelly soils should be selected to have a friction angle ≤ 45 

degrees.

78 
Figure 4.3: Graph. Friction angle of cohesionless soils as a 

function of normalized overburden (Modified 

after Schmertmann 1975). 

4.5.4b Cohesive Soils – Drained Conditions

The shear strength of cohesive, fine-grained soils is generally a function of the rate of 

loading, as related to the ability of the soil to drain excess pore pressures. Cohesive soils are 

most often considered undrained in short-term excavation-support applications. The drained 

strength, however, must be considered when evaluating the long-term stability of a soil nail 

wall.

Overall stability evaluations of heavily overconsolidated cohesive soils would require that 

the long-term, drained conditions and associated drained friction angle of these soils be 

considered. In these cases, fully remolded (i.e., fully softened) or residual values of the 

friction angles must be used as opposed to peak values. Results from consolidated undrained 

triaxial (CU) tests with pore-water pressure measurements must be used to correctly assess 

the long-term drained strength of fine-grained soils. 

When determination of strength parameters through testing is not possible, the effective 

friction angle of clays may be estimated as a function of PI using the relationship of 

79 
Figure 4.4. This figure does not apply to remolded or residual values. The designer must 

exercise caution when using correlations which may be applicable only to specific 

conditions. 

Figure 4.4: Graph. Relationship between friction angle and plasticity index (after

Terzaghi, Peck, and Mesri 1996). 

4.5.4c Cohesive Soils – Undrained Conditions

The undrained shear strength of fine-grained soils should be considered for short-term 

stability of a wall during construction, if these soils are affected by the excavation. For an 

excavation lift involving fine-grained soils, undrained stability analyses should be performed 

to model the wall stability immediately after excavation and before the nail installation for 

that lift.

The undrained shear strength (Su) of fine-grained soils should be assessed using field 

techniques (preferably CPT or VST, although SPT may be used for preliminary estimates), 

and specific laboratory testing techniques that take into account the undrained response of 

these soils.

VST-based results obtained in the field should be modified using the Bjerrum correction 

(Kulhawy and Mayne 1990), which depends on the plasticity index. CPT-based estimates of 

Su are a function of the cone tip resistance (qc), the cone bearing factor (Nk) and the total 

overburden stress at the test depth. Various publications report Nk varying from about 10 to 

20. The practice is to assume Nk = 15, which is appropriate for most situations. When 

possible, a site-specific calibration of Nk values should be performed by relating Su values 

measured with adequate laboratory testing techniques (CU triaxial tests), carefully conducted 

VST tests, and CPT results. 

80 
In overconsolidated clays, triaxial testing on undisturbed specimens can be used to determine 

the value of Su for design. However, the specimens for testing must be carefully selected so 

as to be representative of the shear strength throughout the stratum. It is especially important 

to consider that the value of Su may vary significantly with stress history, desiccation, and 

fissuring. Fissuring may reduce the overall strength of the soil mass with respect to that 

determined from laboratory tests on specimens of limited size.

Evaluations of Su should consider the stress history of the soils, in situ overburden, and in 

situ pore pressures. The preferred techniques for estimating Su are: field VST and CU with 

pore-pressure measurements laboratory tests. 

Su values to be used for design should not be based on mini-torvanes, pocket penetrometers, 

or unconfined compression tests, because the results from these tests are greatly affected by 

local variations of the specimens and by the drying of the specimen surface. Furthermore, 

these test results do not reflect the shear strength along specific orientations within the soil 

mass. 

When testing is not possible, Su may be estimated as a function of various parameters. 

Numerous correlations exist between Su and soil indices, including Atterberg limits 

(Kulhawy and Mayne 1990; Sabatini et al. 2002). As mentioned, the designer must exercise 

caution when using correlations, as they may only be applicable to specific conditions. 

Ideally, however, correlations of undrained shear strength with index property values are 

only used to supplement the values of shear strength measured in the field and the laboratory. 

A thorough review is recommended of other related parameters, such as moisture content, 

fines content and Atterberg limits, when evaluating Su to understand possible site variability.

4.5.5 Compressibility and Modulus

Compressibility and soil modulus values may be estimated from correlations with SPT or 

CPT values. However, the value of these correlations is limited because of their potential 

inaccuracy. PMT can provide a direct measurement of the soil modulus over a range of soil 

strain; however, PMT is rarely used in practice of soil nails because accurate determination 

of modulus values is not often needed in soil nail projects. 

Table 4.3a can be used to obtain initial estimates of the elastic modulus, based on the soil 

type. Tables 4.3b and 4.3c can be used to estimate the modulus from SPT and CPT results. 

Poisson’s ratio (ν), which also is used in numerical analyses to estimate displacements, can 

be estimated from Table 4.3a. Poisson's ratio can also be evaluated from triaxial and 

oedometer tests; however, this level of accuracy in the estimation of this parameter is rarely

needed in the design of soil nail walls. 

81 
Table 4.3a: Elastic Properties of Soils Based on Soil Type

(after AASHTO 2014) 

Soil Type Range of Young’s 

Modulus, Es (ksf) Poisson’s Ratio, ν

Clay – soft sensitive 50 – 300 0.4 – 0.5 (undrained)

Clay – medium stiff to stiff 300 – 1,000 0.4 – 0.5 (undrained)

Clay – very stiff 1,000 – 2,000 0.4 – 0.5 (undrained)

Loess 300 – 1,200 0.1 – 0.3

Silt 40 – 400 0.3 – 0.35

Fine sand – loose 160 – 240 0.25

Fine sand – medium dense 240 – 400 0.25

Fine sand – dense 400 – 600 0.25

Sand – loose 200 – 600 0.20 – 0.36

Sand – medium dense 600 – 1,000 0.20 – 0.36

Sand – dense 1,000 – 1,600 0.30 – 0.40

Gravel – loose 600 – 1,600 0.20 – 0.35

Gravel – medium dense 1,600 – 2,000 0.20 – 0.35

Gravel – dense 2,000 – 4,000 0.30 – 0.40

Table 4.3b: Elastic Properties of Soils Based on SPT N-values 

(after AASHTO 2014) 

Soil Type Es (ksf)

Silts, sandy silts, slightly cohesive mixtures 8 (N1)60

Clean fine to medium sands and slightly silty sands 14 (N1)60

Coarse sands and sands with little grave 20 (N1)60

Sandy gravel and gravels 24 (N1)60

Table 4.3c: Elastic Properties of Soils Based on CPT Cone Tip 

Resistance (qc) (after AASHTO 2014)

Soil Type Young’s Modulus,

Es (ksf)

Sandy soils 2 qc (qc, in ksf)

4.5.6 Bond Strength

The pullout resistance of a soil nail is a quantity of fundamental importance in the design of 

soil nail walls. Calculation of the pullout resistance of each soil nail is based on the length of 

nail extending behind the potential slip surface under analysis, the diameter of the grout body 

82 
surrounding the tendon, and the bond strength of the soil-to-grout interface. The following 

sections provide information on the bond strength for solid bar soil nails, while the bond 

strength for HBSNs is discussed in Chapter 10. 

4.5.6a Drilled and Grouted Soil Nails

The bond strength (qu) is the (ultimate) shear strength of the soil-to-grout interface. This 

parameter is equivalent to a nominal bond resistance, as used in LRFD practice. In this 

manual, the term bond strength will be used for simplicity, regardless of the design platform 

being used. 

Factors affecting the bond strength include the conditions of the ground around soil nails 

(e.g., soil type and soil overburden stress) and installation methods (drilling, drill hole 

cleaning, grouting procedure, and grout characteristics). 

For preliminary design, the nominal bond strength of a soil nail can be estimated from

published literature, correlations with parameters obtained from field tests, and soil nail load 

tests. Engineers may also estimate the bond strength based on local experience and 

construction techniques. The bond strength is not measured in the laboratory because the key 

aspects affecting the bond strength cannot be easily reproduced. Final design requires 

verification of the bond strengths with load tests (see Chapter 9). 

Values of bond strength have been reported in the literature for drilled and gravity-grouted 

soil nails installed in various types of soils/rocks and for different drilling methods. 

Table 4.4 includes ranges of presumptive bond strength (i.e., nominal values) for various 

combinations of soil and drilling methods. The minimum and maximum bond strength 

values correspond approximately to the least favorable and most favorable conditions for 

each combination. The median of the range of values given for fine-grained soils is suitable 

for use as a preliminary value for design in many cases. Conversely, experience shows that 

the presumptive bond strength values for granular soils tend to be conservative and, thus, a 

value somewhat higher than the median can be used in most cases.

Typical ranges of the bond strength are included in Table 4.4 for gravity grouted soil nails. 

The bond strengths in Table 4.4 are provided for guidance. It is important that the design

engineer estimates bond strengths based on soil descriptions and other factors, such as the 

soil shear strength and overburden, as described below. It is important that the bond 

strengths from Table 4.4 or any other source to be used in design must be confirmed in the 

field by soil nail load testing. 

Pressure grouting and post-grouting have a beneficial effect on bond strength. However, 

these procedures are uncommon in soil nail practice due to their added cost, and because 

83 
other measures can be taken to increase the pullout capacity of soil nails. For example, the 

Contractor may simply increase the diameter of the drill hole or improve the cleaning method 

to obtain larger pullout resistances. 

When nails are installed in ground considered to be unfavorable for soil nailing, some 

adjustments in the conventional soil nail installation procedures will be necessary to achieve 

the required design bond strengths. An example is when soil nails are installed in dry loess 

using the gravity grouting method. In this case, the bottom and lateral portions of the drill 

hole wall are weakened because the grout provides moisture to the dry loess, possibly 

causing the drill hole walls to collapse. Also, along portions of the nail, the grout may 

permeate and develop a void between the nails and the drill hole wall. Experience has shown 

that adequate bond strengths can be achieved in loess, using pressure grouting or re-grouting 

with a tremie tube.

Table 4.4a: Estimated Bond Strength for Soil Nails in Coarse-Grained Soils

(Modified after Elias and Juran 1991) 

Drill-Hole Drilling 

Method Soil Type Bond Strength, qu (psi)

Rotary Drilled Sand/gravel 15 - 26 

Rotary Drilled Silty sand 15 - 22 

Rotary Drilled Silt 9 - 11 

Rotary Drilled Piedmont residual 6 - 17 

Rotary Drilled Fine Colluvium 11 - 22 

Driven Casing Sand/gravel w/low overburden (1) 28 - 35 

Driven Casing Sand/gravel w/high overburden (1) 41 - 62 

Driven Casing Dense Moraine 55 - 70 

Driven Casing Colluvium 15 - 26 

Augered Silty sand fill 3 - 6 

Augered Silty fine sand 8 - 13 

Augered Silty clayey sand 9 - 20 

Note: (1) Low and high overburden are defined as effective overburden pressure being, 

respectively, less than and greater than 1.5 tsf.

84 
Table 4.4b: Estimated Bond Strength for Soil Nails in Fine-Grained Soils

(Modified after Elias and Juran 1991) 

Drill-Hole Drilling 

Method Soil Type Bond Strength, qu (psi)

Rotary Drilled Silty clay 5 - 7 

Driven Casing Clayey silt 13 - 20 

Augered Loess 4 - 11 

Augered Soft clay 3 - 4 

Augered Stiff clay 6 - 9 

Augered Stiff clayey silt 6 - 15 

Augered Calcareous sandy clay 13 - 20 

Estimated values of bond strength in weathered rock and rock are presented in Table 4.5 as a 

reference. The Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI 2005) also presents presumptive values of the 

nominal bond strength of ground anchors grouted under gravity.

Table 4.5: Estimated Bond Strength for Soil Nails 

in Rock – Drilling Method: Rotary Drilled

(Modified after Elias and Juran 1991) 

Rock Type Bond Strength, qu (psi)

Marl/limestone 44 - 58 

Phyllite 15 - 44

Chalk 73 - 87 

Soft dolomite 58 - 87

Fissured dolomite 87 - 145 

Weathered sandstone 29 - 44

Weathered shale 15 - 22 

Weathered schist 15 - 25

Basalt 73 - 87 

Slate/Hard shale 44 - 58

4.5.6b Pullout Resistance per Unit Length

The ultimate pullout resistance per unit length of soil nail (rPO) is equal to the bond strength 

multiplied by the perimeter of the bond zone. This quantity has also been referred to as the 

ultimate load-transfer rate. A correlation has been developed between SPT (N1)60 and the 

ultimate pullout resistance per unit length for gravity-grouted ground anchors installed in 

85 
soils with a relatively small diameter of 4 to 6 in. (Sabatini et al. 1999). Table 4.6 presents 

presumptive values of the pullout resistance per unit length for sand/gravel, sand, sand and 

silt, and silt-clay mixtures of low plasticity, and sand/silt mixtures as a function of soil 

density/consistency and (N1)60 ranges.

The bond strength can be estimated by dividing the values presented in Table 4.6 by the 

perimeter of the drill hole, once its diameter has been selected.

Table 4.6: Presumptive Ultimate Values of Soil Nail Pullout Resistance per Unit 

Length (1) (Modified after Sabatini et al. 1999)

Soil Type 

Relative 

Density/ 

Consistency

SPT 

(N1)60

Range 

Ultimate 

Pullout 

Resistance per

Unit Length, 

rPO (kip/ft)

Sand and Gravel Loose 4-10 10 

Sand and Gravel Medium dense 11-30 15 

Sand and Gravel Dense 31-50 20 

Sand Loose 4-10 7 

Sand Medium dense 11-30 10 

Sand Dense 31-50 13 

Sand and Silt Loose 4-10 5 

Sand and Silt Medium dense 11-30 7 

Sand and Silt Dense 31-50 9 

Silt-clay mixture of low plasticity or 

fine micaceous sand or silt mixtures Stiff 10-20 2 

Silt-clay mixture of low plasticity or 

fine micaceous sand or silt mixtures Hard 21-40 4 

Notes: (1) Values are for small-diameter (4 and 6 in.), straight-shaft, gravity-grouted ground anchors 

installed in soil.

4.6 Soil Creep

All soils retained by a passive structure, even granular soils, tend to creep under sustained 

shear stress over time. While in granular soils the effect is quite small, creep may be much 

more significant in fine-grained soils and soils with significant organic content. Creep will 

tend to induce deformation of the wall and the surrounding areas and, in the case of finegrained soils, may result in some reduction of the shear strength of the soil. Creep of the soil 

mass behind a soil nail wall can be addressed following appropriate soil mechanics 

86 
procedures during slope stability analyses, which may include the use of fully softened shear 

strength and other considerations. 

Time-dependent displacement may also take place at the soil nail grout-soil interface. Creep 

takes place under constant effective stress and may lead to excessive, time-dependent lateral 

deflection of the wall. Although there are no definitive criteria to estimate before 

construction which soil nails would creep, it is considered that creep may occur in soils that 

meet one of the following: 

• LL ≥ 50 

• PI ≥ 20 

• Su ≤ 1,000 psf 

• Liquidity index (LI) ≥ 0.2 

• Soil is organic

In addition, the soil stresses should be kept well below strength peak values to reduce the 

creep potential. Creep potential can be evaluated during construction through load testing of 

individual test soil nails. Details of creep testing are provided in Chapter 9. 

4.7 Soil Corrosion Potential

4.7.1 Overview 

Corrosion potential is of primary concern in soil nail applications and must be evaluated in 

every soil nail project. Corrosion potential is assessed through laboratory soil testing of 

samples obtained from field investigations and through field testing. The following 

properties must be assessed: 

• pH (potential of hydrogen) 

• Electrical resistivity

• Chloride content 

• Sulfate content 

• Organic content

All the parameters listed above are measured in the laboratory. Electrical resistivity and pH 

can also be measured in the field (see below). It is recommended that each of the properties 

listed above be measured during the feasibility phase and/or final investigations of a soil nail 

project. 

87 
4.7.2 Field Corrosion Testing

It is desirable to perform field measurements of soil resistivity, a quantity associated with soil 

corrosion potential. Field measurements could be performed using different arrays. The 

FHWA document titled “Application of Geophysical Methods to Highway Related 

Problems” (Wightman et al. 2003) describes the Schlumberger Array and the Wenner tests. 

ASTM G57 (2012) “Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using 

the Wenner Four-Electrode Method” describes the Wenner Array test. 

These field methods, which are minimally invasive, provide electrical resistivity profiles that 

may aid in identifying potentially problematic zones within the subsurface or geological 

profile. These tests can provide independent resistivity measurements from those obtained in 

the lab. If these tests are conducted before a geotechnical investigation, they may help to 

plan where to obtain soil samples for laboratory testing of electric resistivity.

Some special CPT probes allow obtaining a continuous profile of the soil electric resistivity. 

Several portable probes exist that can be used in the field to provide pH values. In general, 

field-measured pH values should be verified by laboratory testing.

4.7.3 Testing of Corrosion Potential in Soil

Investigation plans should include retrieval of soil samples to be tested for corrosion 

potential. Samples should be obtained from locations where soil nails and any metallic 

components of the wall may be in contact with the soils. The number of samples depends on 

the size of the project and the aggressiveness and variability of native materials. As a 

minimum, three samples from each major soil deposit are recommended. More samples may 

be specified when the on-site soils are known to be aggressive and/or variable. 

The laboratory tests are conducted according to the following standards: 

Table 4.7: Laboratory Test Standards 

Laboratory Test Standard

pH ASTM G 51

Soil Resistivity AASHTO T288

Water-Soluble Chloride Ion 

Content in Soil AASHTO T291

Water-Soluble Sulfate Content 

in Soil (Method A gravimetric) AASHTO T290

Organic Content ASTM D2974, AASHTO T194

88 
Stray currents may also contribute to the corrosion potential of soils. Stray currents may 

result from power sources, such as electric rail systems, electrical transmission systems, and 

welding operations, and are particularly damaging in a coastal environment. Stray currents

may be DC or AC and exist where the resistance of the ground becomes lower than that of 

the conduits or paths. When the sources are located more than about 100 to 200 ft from the 

nail tendons, the potential of stray current corrosion is very small (Elias 2000). Stray 

currents and their potential for impacting corrosion of soil nail walls should be evaluated by 

experienced personnel using geophysical field methods. 

4.7.4 Corrosive Soil Types

Besides the conditions listed above, certain additional environmental and/or chemical 

conditions inherent in some soils make them more aggressive. This section provides 

examples of aggressive soils and lists other factors that may increase soil corrosion potential 

(Elias et al. 2009). The list does not imply that soil nails would be appropriate for use in 

some of these materials. For example, permanent soil nails would not be installed in

industrial refuse or peats, which contain large amounts of organic matter. 

• Acidic soils – These soils exhibit a naturally low pH (less than 5) and include pyritic 

soils and soils with a high level of soluble iron, which in turn can contain acidic iron 

sulfides. Acidic (sulfate) soils are found in areas containing pyritic soils, such as in 

the Mid-Atlantic States, and more specifically Appalachia. These pyritic soils may 

have pH < 4.5, SO4 (1000-9000 ppm), and CL (200-600 ppm). Residual soils of tropical 

regions (e.g., Hawaii and Guam) with high rainfall may be subject to long-term 

leaching of soluble salts that lower the pH and increase the corrosion potential. 

• Sodic soils – These are encountered in the western U.S. and arid environments. They 

exhibit low hydraulic conductivity, and may be alkaline soils (pH>7 or even pH > 9). 

They also tend to have high solute content including dissolved salts with sodium 

cations, and chloride and sulfate anions, which are known to cause corrosion. The 

low precipitation and intense evaporation cause soluble salts (e.g., sodium, chloride, 

and sulfates) to be gradually transported from the underlying rock to shallow layers of 

soil by capillary forces.

• Calcareous soils – These soils are another type of alkaline soils (7<pH<9) that may 

contain large concentrations of sodium, calcium, and calcium-magnesium carbonates 

and sulfates. These are mildly corrosive. Examples of these soils include those 

derived from calcite, dolomite and gypsum. Calcareous soils occur in Florida, Texas, 

New Mexico, and in the western U.S. 

• Organic soils – When soils contain organic materials, they can initiate the formation 

of anaerobic pockets that may become contaminated with sulfate-reducing bacteria, 

thereby initiating severe pitting (described in Chapter 7). Testing for organic content 

89 
is part of the AASHTO criteria for determining corrosivity (see Table 7.1). Total 

organic content should be limited to 1% by weight of the total soil fraction to 

preclude formation of anaerobic pockets. Potentially organic soils include peats, 

mucks, cinder, and bogs, all exhibiting unusually high water content, and those soils 

with humic acid.

• Material of Industrial Origin – Industrial fills may include slag, fly ash, or fills 

containing construction debris. Some of these fills derived from industrial waste may 

have characteristics that can raise their pH. Other types of refuse (e.g., acid mine 

tailings and acid mine refuse) can have a low pH. 

• Coastal Environments – These are encountered in Eastern, Southern and Western 

Seaboard States and Utah. Atmospheric salts and salt laden soils in marine 

environments may contribute to corrosion. 

• Road Deicing Salts – These are encountered in Northern States. Deicing liquid 

contains salts that can infiltrate into soils and contribute to corrosion potential. 

Other environmental factors may affect the corrosion potential. For example, the corrosion 

potential of granular soils seems to increase when these soils have a degree of saturation in 

the range of 60 to 80%. In regions where deicing salts are used, the top 7 to 8 ft of soil 

behind a soil nail wall should be assumed to contain a higher concentration of chlorides. 

4.8 Frost Potential

Soil nail walls constructed in cold regions are susceptible to experiencing increased nail 

loads due to frost formation. Ice lenses can form if: (i) temperatures fall below freezing; (ii) 

the ground contains soils susceptible to frost; and (iii) a source of water (i.e., perched lenses 

or groundwater) exists. Ice formation in the soil can cause large pressures on the wall facing 

and loads in soil nails. Damage to soil nail facing was reported (Byrne et al. 1998) and 

settlements of the soil behind the wall may also occur when the frozen soil thaws. 

Elias and Juran (1991) conducted a survey of monitored soil nail walls subject to frost action. 

They reported that nail loads are larger with increases in: (i) frost penetration depth; (ii) 

intensity and duration of the freezing season (as defined below); and (iii) the proximity of 

groundwater or other water sources to the wall. Nail loads during the freezing season were 

reported to be approximately twice as much as the loads measured immediately after 

construction. Kingsbury et al. (2002) reported that the force measured in nail heads caused 

by frost can be 2.5 times the maximum seasonal nail forces arising without frost. Some 

increase in soil nail loads and facing pressures can be expected when frost forming in 

susceptible soils lasts more than one week. The largest force increases occur near the facing 

and soil nail head connections, generally within 5 ft from the face of the wall. The maximum 

soil nail forces do not generally occur at the same time as the frost develops.

90 
Ice lenses can form and tend to wedge between soil particles (Hallin 2004), but this effect 

changes with soil types. Little to no frost action generally occurs in free-draining granular 

materials because the relatively large voids permit water to freeze in-place without 

segregation and then form ice lenses, and they can better accommodate the expansion of ice 

lenses. Conversely, silts are generally highly susceptible to frost because the voids are 

relatively small and the capillary potential is relatively high.

The frost penetration depth is a critical parameter to ascertain the frost effect in soil nail 

walls. It increases with latitude and climatic factors and depends on soil properties. Frost 

penetration depth in the continental U.S. varies from approximately 0 in the southernmost 

states to 6 ft in the north. Contours of frost penetration depths can be obtained from various 

sources (e.g., FHWA-HRT-08-057, Selezneva et al. 2008). 

The direction of heat loss, and hence frost creation, also effects soil nail walls. The heat loss 

is vertical near the ground surface behind the wall and horizontal through the facing. The 

effect depends on how frost formation advances into the soil as two-dimensional (and 

occasionally three-dimensional) fronts of frost penetration. This contrasts with flat structures, 

such as pavements where the direction of heat loss is mainly vertical. Studies demonstrated 

that thermal effects behind walls are as intense at the top and behind the facing when no 

insulation is provided (Duchesne 2003). To counter these effects, insulation may be 

provided. 

The design of insulation should be based on the frost penetration depth and a measure of the 

severity and duration of freezing. The quantity defined as the Air Freezing Index (AFI), 

which is used in pavement design, expresses jointly the intensity and duration of freezing 

over the cold season. AFI has units of degree F-days and is computed as the sum of daily, 

average air temperatures that are below 32 degrees over the cold season. AFI may be used to 

estimate frost penetration depths because the frost penetration depth and AFI are 

approximately proportional. AFI contours are obtained from the NOAA National Climatic 

Data Center (NCDC) web site. With this information, the design engineer would evaluate 

design options, including insulation, to provide frost protection as presented in Section 

6.10.14 “Frost Protection and Design for Frost.” 

4.9 Seismic Data

Seismic loading must be considered to safely design and construct soil nail walls located in 

earthquake-prone regions. While the peak ground acceleration (PGA) is the main parameter 

to characterize seismic loading, the peak ground velocity (PGV) is used in some aspects of 

the seismic design of earth-retaining systems. Peak ground accelerations are differentiated as 

horizontal (in two orthogonal directions) and vertical components. The vertical component is 

91 
routinely disregarded; therefore, only the geometric average of the two horizontal ground 

acceleration components is considered for design. This value is referred to as PGA herein, 

unless indicated otherwise. 

Structural effects of ground motions are routinely represented by a spectrum of response 

accelerations to an applied ground motion, which are the collective response of elastic 

structures with varying periods, T, and with a 5-percent damping. Modern codes, including 

AASHTO (2014), draw from the National Seismic Hazard Maps developed by the USGS 

(Petersen et al. 2014) to provide acceleration spectra based on only three parameters for the 

seismic design of structures. The parameters are PGA (equivalent to the response 

acceleration at T = 0), Ss (response acceleration at a short period of T = 0.2 sec), and S1 

(response acceleration at T = 1.0 sec). PGA is always used in the seismic design of earthretaining systems; S1 is used when a wall seismic-deformation needs to be considered; Ss is 

not often needed. 

Modifications to the AASHTO (2014) values need to be considered. First, the AASHTO 

(2014) PGA, Ss, and S1 values used for the seismic design of bridges and substructures are 

based on a 1,000-year return period. However, Owners may adopt a more severe seismic 

intensity for their structures and select a longer return period than AASHTO specifies.

In addition, the USGS maps are developed for a reference (mild) rock site (described as a 

Site Class B). However, if the site is not underlain by mild rock, PGA and S1 must be 

modified if the site is underlain by soils (these produce seismic-wave amplification) or hard

rock (this produces de-amplification). PGA and S1 must be modified using site adjustment 

factors FPGA and Fv, respectively, which are selected considering site subsurface conditions 

and the amplitudes of PGA and S1. Subsurface conditions are represented by a single 

parameter, which is chosen as one of the following: average shear-wave velocity (v_bar), 

average N60 (N_bar), or, in the case of cohesive soils, average Su_bar, all of which are 

calculated in the upper 100 ft below the ground surface. Note that these averages are not 

arithmetic averages but averages that rely on wave-propagation theory. For example, v_bar is

calculated as follows:

Equation 4.1: Average shear wave velocity. 

Where: 

92 
di = thickness of layer “i”, with ranging from i = 1 to n. Also, Σdi = 100 ft. 

vsi = shear-wave velocity (in ft/s) of layer “i”

The average N_bar, which can be used for cohesionless soils, cohesive soils, and rock, is 

defined as: 

Equation 4.2: Average SPT N value. 

Where: 

Ni = SPT blow count of layer “i” per ASTM D1586. This value must be as measured in the 

field without corrections. Ni must be limited to 100 bpf where refusal is encountered in very 

competent materials.

A similar equation can be developed for Su_bar. 

Once these averages are computed, a site class, from Site Class A (hard rock site) through 

Site Class F (extremely poor soil conditions) is assigned to the site, according to Table 4.8. 

Site Class F requires that site-specific dynamic site response analysis be performed to 

quantify ground motion amplifications with a greater accuracy than that provided by the 

simplified 3-parameter AASHTO procedure. Note that site-specific analysis requires 

subsurface material parameters in addition to those described in this chapter. The additional 

parameters include: shear-wave velocity (or alternatively, small-strain shear modulus), cyclic 

modulus degradation curves, damping curves, and possibly, cyclic residual shear strengths. 

Kavazanjian et al. (2011) presents additional information. 

The site adjustment factors FPGA and Fv can then be obtained from Tables 4.9 and 4.10. 

Design, corrected values PGAD and SD1 are obtained as: 

Equation 4.3: Design, site-corrected peak ground acceleration.

Equation 4.4: Design, site-corrected response acceleration at 1 second. 

93 
PGAD is input in stability analysis as a seismic coefficient, and S1D is used to modify the 

seismic coefficient considering seismically-induced deformations. Detailed procedures for 

the evaluation of soil nail walls are presented in Chapter 6. 

Table 4.8: Definition of Site Classes (Kavazanjian et al. 2011) 

Site 

Class Soil Profile Name

Average 

Shear-Wave 

Velocity

vs (ft/sec) (1)

Average SPT 

Blowcount 

N60 (bpf) (1)

Average 

Undrained 

Shear Strength

Su (psf) (1)

A Hard rock >5,000 NA NA

B Rock 2,500 to 5,000 NA NA

C Very dense soil and soft 

k

1,200 to 2,500 >50 >2,000

D Stiff soil 600 to 1,200 15 to 50 1,000 to 2,000

E Soft clay soil <600 < 15 <1,000

E - (2) (2) (2)

F - (3) (3) (3)

Notes: (1) Averaged in the upper 100 ft of the subsurface profile. 

(2) Any profile with more than 10 ft of soil having the following characteristics:

o Plasticity index, PI > 20; or

o Moisture content, wn ≥ 40%; or

o Undrained shear strength, Su < 500 psf.

(3) Any profile containing soils having one or more of the following characteristics:

o Soil that is vulnerable to potential failure or collapse under seismic loading, such as 

liquefiable soils, quick and highly sensitive clays, and collapsible weakly cemented 

soils.

o Peats and/or lightly organic clays having a total thickness (H) greater than 10 ft.

o Very-high plasticity clays with PI > 75 with H > 25 ft. 

o Very thick soft/medium stiff clays with H > 120 ft.

Table 4.9: Site Coefficient FPGA (Kavazanjian et al. 2011) 

Site Class PGA ≤ 0.25 PGA = 0.5 PGA = 0.75 PGA = 1.0 PGA ≥ 1.25 

A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 

B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 

C 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0 

D 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.0 

E 2.5 1.7 1.2 0.9 0.9 

F (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)

Note: (1) A site-specific dynamic site response analysis must be performed in these cases.

94 
Table 4.10: Site Coefficient Fv (Kavazanjian 2011) 

Site Class S1 ≤ 0.1 S1 = 0.2 S1 = 0.3 S1 = 0.4 S1 ≥ 0.5 

A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 

B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 

C 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 

D 2.4 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.5 

E 3.5 3.2 2.8 2.4 2.4 

F (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) 

Note: (1) A site-specific dynamic site response analysis must be performed in these cases.

95 

Chapter 5: Resisting Mechanisms and Limit States

5.1 Introduction

This chapter introduces the load and resisting mechanisms and the relevant limit states that 

should be considered in the design of soil nail walls. It also presents a design framework 

following LRFD principles combined with ASD aspects as used in soil nail design software, 

SNAP-2 (Siel 2014). Resistance factors utilized in an LRFD framework for each limit state

are back-calculated from ASD factors of safety. 

5.2 Load Transfer in Soil Nail Walls

The load-transfer mechanisms that are applicable in soil nail walls from construction to 

completion are described below: 

• The initial lift height is selected so at the end of Excavation Phase 1 (Figure 5.1), the 

portion of the soil behind the excavation is stable and the soil can remain unsupported 

before any nails are installed. Only the soil resistance participates at this stage as it is 

mobilized along potential slip surfaces. 

• The upper soil behind the excavation tends to deform outward throughout Excavation 

Phase 1, after the installation of the first row of nails (Nail 1) and after the placement 

of the initial facing on the excavated face. The soil deformation generates lateral 

earth pressure on the facing. This pressure is transferred to the soil nails, and in turn 

is transferred from the soil nail to the soil through shear stress mobilized along the 

grout soil interface. 

• Axial tensile force (T1) develops in Nail 1, with its magnitude varying along the nail. 

T1 varies as a function of the distance (x) along Nail 1 (top portion of Figure 5.1). T1

increases from the facing (x=0) to a maximum value (Tmax) near the critical slip 

surface for the excavation stage being considered, and decreases toward the soil nail 

end (x=L, where L is the length of Nail 1). 

97 
Figure 5.1: Illustration. Potential slip surfaces and soil nail tensile forces. 

• In Excavation Phase 2, the partially completed wall and the upper portion of the soils 

deform farther. The critical slip surface at this excavation phase is larger than that at 

the previous excavation level, as the volume of deformed soil expands with a deeper 

excavation. The additional soil deformation causes additional pressures at the facing, 

a larger tensile force T1, and larger shear stresses at the nail-ground interface. As the 

critical slip surface moves farther back from the excavation face, the location of Tmax

also moves farther back from the face.

• After Nail 2 is installed and facing is placed in front of Excavation Phase 2, 

subsequent soil movement above the excavation depth causes additional loads to be 

transferred to Nail 1 (note the increase in T1 at this stage), and generates loads in the 

recently installed Nail 2.

• The increasing lateral deformation in subsequent excavation stages through the last 

stage (Excavation Phase N) causes the shear stress along the nail-ground interface and 

98 
the axial force to continue to increase in the lowest and intermediate nails. The 

maximum force in these nails is likely reached at the final excavation phase. 

• The increasing lateral deformation with each excavation stage may cause the loads in 

upper nails to redistribute and possibly decrease. The contribution of the upper nails 

to the stabilization of a larger sliding mass decreases as the critical slip surfaces 

become deeper. The upper nails may in some cases appear to become entirely 

ineffective, as shown by stability analyses (see Section 5.6 “Overall Stability of Soil 

Nail Walls”), in tensile resistance for deep slip surfaces extending behind the terminal 

end of upper nails. However, the upper nails are still important because they provide 

local stability. 

Nail forces tend to experience a moderate increase, up to approximately 15 percent, after the 

end of construction, over time and for long-term conditions (Plumelle et al. 1990; Holman 

and Tuozzolo 2009). These post-construction increases in nail forces occur mainly due to 

soil creep and stress relaxation. These increases in load are not explicit in soil nail design but 

should be considered by selecting suitable values of bond strengths that would account for 

soil creep. 

The design of soil nail walls must consider both intermediate and final excavation stages to 

establish the most critical case at each soil nail level. The critical situation for most designs 

arises when a combination of loads (including dead load, live load and extreme loads such as

earthquake) acts on the wall. However, a critical case may also occur after an excavation lift 

is completed but before the nails and shotcrete are installed at that level (Figure 5.2). The 

potential for instability of the unsupported cut at this stage may be exacerbated when seepage 

forces act on the open face. 

Figure 5.2: Illustration. Potential critical stability case during construction. 

99 
5.2.1 Soil-Nail Interaction and Tensile Force Distribution

5.2.1a Overview 

The interaction between soil nails, the soil behind the wall, and the facing is complex and

causes redistributions of tensile forces in the nails. The mobilized shear stress along the 

grout-soil interface, q, is in general not uniform and changes in direction along the nail length 

(Figures 5.3a and b). The maximum force occurs along the nail (Figure 5.3c).

Figure 5.3: Illustration. Stress-transfer mechanism in soil nails: (a) basic soil layout; (b) 

schematic distribution of shear stresses at the grout-soil interface; (c) 

schematic distribution of resulting tensile forces.

5.2.1b Maximum Tensile Force Distribution

The tensile force that can develop in a tendon depends on the location where the nail crosses 

the slip surface. As mentioned, the location of maximum nail tensile forces is close to, but 

100 
generally does not coincide with, the critical slip surface established in stability analyses. 

Figure 5.4 shows the contribution of tensile forces to stability for a typical soil nail wall 

layout. As illustrated, loads change in magnitude from nail to nail. The location of the 

maximum load also changes from nail to nail. The intersection of a soil nail with the slip 

surface determines the length (Lp) of that soil nail that can develop pullout resistance. The 

stability contribution of the upper soil nail, T1, is relatively small because Lp is relatively 

small for this nail; conversely, the contributions of nails T2 and T3 are greater because Lp is 

greater for them. The maximum load in Nail 1 at the slip surface is T1max as shown in Figure 

5.4. 

Figure 5.4: Illustration. Location of maximum tensile forces in soil nails. Modified after 

Byrne et al. (1998). 

The maximum tensile force that can be generated in any nail is limited by not only the tensile 

strength of the tendon, but also by the various resistances of the facing. These conditions 

101 
will be discussed in more detail in Section 5.2.1c “Tensile Forces at the Wall Facing.” Note 

that the maximum soil forces, T, must be equal to or less than the resistance, R, which will be 

presented subsequently. 

Figure 5.5 presents the distribution of maximum nail tensile forces as obtained from fullscale instrumented soil nail walls. Strain measurements indicated that the maximum tensile 

force in the upper portion of these walls occurred approximately between 0.3H and 0.4H 

behind the wall facing. The maximum tensile force in the lower portion of the walls 

occurred approximately between 0.15H to 0.2H behind the wall facing. Measured nail 

forces were normalized with respect to the soil unit weight, γs; the soil nail vertical and 

horizontal spacing, SV and SH; the wall height, H; and the calculated active earth pressure 

coefficient, Ka. These normalized forces, which are shown as a function of the height of the 

wall, represent the long-term, service soil nail forces. These values exclude other effects on 

nail forces at the face, such as frost and earthquake loading. 

The normalized nail loads shown in Figure 5.5 range from 0.4 to 1.1, averaging 

approximately 0.75 in the upper two thirds of the wall. The average normalized nail loads 

increase from approximately 0.5-0.6 near the top, to 0.75-0.85 in the central third, and 

decrease to about 0.4-0.5 at the lower third, and to 0 at the bottom. These observations are 

consistent with observations made on experimental walls (Plumelle et al. 1990; Holman and 

Tuozzolo 2009).

Tensile forces may be estimated using the normalized loads of Figure 5.5 and considering an 

influence area around individual nails (SV × SH). The maximum nail tensile forces in the 

upper two thirds of the wall vary from approximately Tmax = 0.50 Ka γs H SV SH to 

Tmax = 1.1 Ka γs H SV SH. Considering a normalized average of 0.75 in the upper two thirds 

of the wall, the average maximum tensile force can be estimated at Tmax = 0.75 Ka γs H SV SH. 

Maximum tensile forces in the lower one third of the wall are approximately 50 percent of 

the maximum force in the upper part. Briaud and Lim (1997) suggested that the average 

maximum tensile force of soil nails can be estimated as Tmax = 0.65 Ka γs H SV SH for the top 

row of nails and half of this value for lower nail rows. Cohesion is not considered. 

The foregoing information illustrates that, for the same contribution area, the average nail 

force is smaller than a force that would be estimated for the full active lateral earth pressure. 

This implication is important because the concept of apparent pressure applied over the 

tributary area SV × SH may be used to check or estimate soil nail forces, which are routinely 

calculated from limit-equilibrium analyses.

102 
Figure 5.5: Chart. Summary of maximum nail tensile forces measured in soil nail walls. 

From Byrne et al. (1998). 

5.2.1c Tensile Forces at the Wall Facing

The nail tensile force at the wall face, To (also referred to as the nail head force), is smaller 

than forces along the soil nail. Figure 5.6 presents the distribution of working (i.e., inservice, not ultimate) normalized tensile nail forces measured at the facing of instrumented 

soil nail walls. These forces exclude the effect of frost and other factors. The general 

distribution of the forces at the facing is comparable to that of the maximum nail forces 

shown in Figure 5.5. The normalized values of To vary from approximately 0.6 to 1.0. The 

normalized nail head tensile forces in the upper two thirds of the wall vary from 

approximately 0.40 to 0.70. The average tensile force in the nail head ranges from 

approximately To = 0.50 Ka γs H SV SH to To = 0.60 Ka γs H SV SH. 

These observations are consistent with observations made in experimental walls in Germany 

(Gässler and Gudehus 1981) and France (FHWA 1993a), and other instrumented walls 

(Holman and Tuozzolo 2009). These results showed that soil arching between nails 

contributes to load re-distribution among nails. Closer nail spacings tend to cause smaller 

nail forces at the facing than those estimated using simple tributary areas.

103 
Figure 5.6: Chart. Summary of facing tensile forces measured in soil nail walls. From 

Byrne et al. (1998). 

Clouterre (2002) provided design guidelines based on these results and suggested that the 

nail head force for working conditions be estimated as: 

Equation 5.1: Maximum soil nail load at head. 

Where Smax = maximum of SV and SH. For a typical nail head spacing of 5 ft, To ~ 0.7 Tmax

for normal conditions of loading and slope behind the wall. Note that To is determined or 

limited by the minimum of the available facing resistances, as discussed in the next section. 

The computer program SNAP-2 calculates the force at the facing for each nail based on the 

Rankine theory of lateral earth pressures, and checks whether this calculated load exceeds the 

calculated resistance (Siel 2014). However, Equation 5.1 will be preferred in the design 

procedures presented in Chapter 6.

5.2.1d Considerations for Design

The tensile load in a soil nail is determined or limited by the minimum of the soil nail pullout 

resistance, RPO, and the tendon tensile resistance, RT. In addition, at the facing, the nail head 

104 
load is determined by the minimum of the facing resistance(s), RF (Figure 5.7). Nail loads 

are identified as T1 ...TN for nails 1...N, respectively, where N is the total number of rows of 

nails in a wall. The maximum load that can be achieved in each nail, Tmax_i, is derived from 

limit-equilibrium stability analyses and is controlled by the conditions mentioned above. 

This can be represented as:

Equation 5.2: Maximum load in a soil nail.

If RPO < RT and RF, pullout controls Tmax_i (Figure 5.7a). If RT < RP and RF, tensile resistance 

controls (Figure 5.7b). Finally, if RF < RT and RP, facing resistance controls To of soil nail 

“i.” 

Limit-equilibrium stability analyses, however, have limitations in estimating accurately the 

maximum loads in soil nails because those programs cannot reproduce the actual, complex 

wall deformation and load mobilization interaction existing in this top-down construction 

system. In addition, the loads estimated with limit-equilibrium stability analyses can vary 

significantly depending on the selected soil nail layout (i.e., soil nail length, vertical spacing, 

and inclination over the height of the wall). Two different soil nail layouts would appear to 

be equivalent when limit-equilibrium stability analyses of each provide the same overall 

factor of safety. However, the maximum soil nail loads estimated for each layout can vary 

greatly. Additional discussions and guidance will be provided in Chapter 6. 

In most design situations, all nails have the same tensile resistance, and the same facing 

resistance. Therefore, RTi = RT and RFi = RF. However, the developed pullout resistance is 

different in each nail because, even if the bond strength and drill hole diameter are the same 

for all nails, the length that can develop pullout resistance, Lp, is generally different. The 

location of Point A shown in Figure 5.7 defines the length Lp. 

All nails are in practice designed based on Tmax, which, as mentioned earlier, is the 

maximum, Tmax_i, of all nails. Because the most critically loaded nail (or row of nails) is the 

basis for design, the other nails are over-designed, at least for the critical slip surface. 

However, these other soil nail rows are important for other slip surfaces and other excavation 

stages. Although a designer may consider optimizing the design by evaluation Tmax_i of 

individual nails, this is rarely done in practice. 

105 
Figure 5.7: Illustration. Limitations to tensile forces in nails: (a) pullout resistance 

controls, (b) tensile resistance controls.

5.3 Introduction to Design Framework

This manual introduces a framework for the design of soil nail walls that: (i) takes into 

account factors of safety (FS) as previously used in allowable stress design (ASD); and (ii) 

integrates LRFD principles. Previously, soil nail design was completed with ASD, and with 

use of limit equilibrium slope stability analyses. Today, a designer is limited to ASD-based 

slope stability procedures because LRFD-based slope stability analysis procedures are not 

available. Therefore, a soil nail wall design must use ASD-based stability calculations to 

106 
quantify loads and slip plane geometries, and then take those values and perform limit state

checks.

5.3.1 Use of LRFD and ASD Platforms

In this manual, a procedure is presented to allow the user to verify structural resistances in an 

LRFD format using load factors from AASHTO (2014) and results from ASD-based slope 

stability analysis. The resistance factors for LRFD presented in this manual were derived to 

be: (i) related to AASHTO (2014) load factors; (ii) compatible with (but not necessarily 

equal to) those already presented in AASHTO (2014) for comparable structures; (iii) related 

to FS included in the previous version of this manual, where applicable, to fit past practice 

until new research emerges; and (iv) consistent with the minimum required frequency of 

verification soil load testing, as discussed subsequently. 

5.3.2 Allowable Stress Design (ASD)

The design condition in ASD is generally expressed as: 

Equation 5.3: General design equation in ASD.

Where ΣQi is the effect of all combined loads acting on the component under consideration 

(e.g., soil or structural element) in a given limit state; Rall is the allowable stress of the 

component; Rn, is the ultimate capacity (i.e., when an ultimate stress is considered to be 

acting over an entire element) of that component; and FS is the factor of safety. FS is the 

single factor that accounts for all the uncertainty from design, materials, and construction. 

Allowable values, which represent “working” conditions, are derived from the FS values. 

Minimum recommended factors of safety for soil nail design are presented in Table 5.1. 

These values coincide with those presented in the previous edition of this manual. 

107 
Table 5.1: Minimum Recommended Factors of Safety for the Design of Soil Nail Walls 

Using the ASD Method (1)

Limit State Condition Symbol 

Minimum 

Recomm. 

Factors of 

Safety, Static 

Loads

Minimum 

Recomm. 

Factors of 

Safety, 

Seismic Loads

Overall Overall Stability FSOS 1.5(2) 1.1(6)

Overall Short Term Condition, 

Excavation FSOS 1.25-1.33(3) NA

Overall Basal Heave FSBH 2.0(4), 2.5(5) 2.3(5)

Strength –

Geotechnical Pullout Resistance FSPO 2.0 1.5 

Strength –

Geotechnical Lateral Sliding FSLS 1.5 1.1 

Strength –

Structural

Tendon Tensile Strength

(Grades 60 and 75) FST 1.8 1.35 

Strength –

Structural

Tendon Tensile Strength

(Grades 95 and 150) FST 2.0 1.50 

Strength –

Structural Facing Flexural FSFF 1.5 1.1 

Strength –

Structural Facing Punching Shear FSFP 1.5 1.1 

Strength –

Structural

Headed Stud Tensile

(A307 Bolt) FSFH 2.0 1.5 

Strength –

Structural

Headed Stud Tensile

(A325 Bolt) FSFH 1.7 1.3 

Notes: (1) The limit state and symbol nomenclature differ from that presented in the previous version of 

this manual. Many of these changes reflect the move toward using LRFD terminology as 

presented in AASHTO (2014). 

 (2) For non-critical, permanent structures, some Owners may accept a design for static loads and 

long-term conditions with FSOS = 1.35 when uncertainty is considered to be limited due to the 

availability of sufficient geotechnical information and successful local experience on soil 

nailing.

 (3) This range of safety factors for global stability corresponds to the case of temporary 

excavation lifts that are unsupported for up to 2 days before nails are installed. The larger 

value may be applied to critical structures or when more uncertainty exists regarding soil 

conditions.

 (4) This factor of safety for basal heave is applicable to permanent walls for short-term 

conditions. 

(5) This factor of safety for basal heave is applicable to permanent walls for long-term 

conditions. 

(6) The minimum FSOS for seismic overall stability should be 1.0, when horizontal seismic 

coefficients are used and these were derived from estimated, allowable seismic deformations.

108 
5.3.3 Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) 

Transportation structures and substructures are analyzed and designed today based on an 

LRFD platform. ASD slope stability results must be checked with LRFD-based procedures, 

including verification that all limit states are not exceeded. The LRFD platform employs 

both load factors and resistance factors for each element to account for uncertainties. The 

LRFD condition is generally expressed as:

Equation 5.4: General design equation in LRFD. 

Where: 

Rn = nominal resistance of a structural component selected for a given limit state

φ = the resistance factor related to Rn 

Qi = generic load (or effect) 

γi = load factor associated with Qi 

ηi = load-modification factor relating to ductility, redundancy, or operational classification 

(equal to 1.0 for soil nail walls) 

i = 1...N and refers to the various loads/effects in that limit state

Nominal resistances include the yield strength of tendons, the pullout resistance of soil nails, 

the shear strength of soils, and various resistances of the facing. For consistency, the reader 

should note that the term strength (more typically used in ASD platforms) is equivalent to the 

term nominal resistance (more typically used in the LRFD platform). The nominal resistance 

of soils and other natural materials to be used in an LRFD platform are mean values. Soil 

resistances are obtained using the field/laboratory methods presented in Chapter 4. Load 

factors (γi) are defined in AASHTO (2014); however, resistance factors for soil nail walls are 

not contained in the current AASHTO (2014). Load factors and recommended resistance 

factors are presented in subsequent sections, which discuss each mechanism and limit state. 

The objective of the LRFD methodology is to have a factored resistance greater than the 

factored load. The term capacity-to-demand ratio, CDR, which can be used to quantify the 

ratio of the factored resistance to the factored load, is defined as follows: 

109 
Equation 5.5: Capacity-to-demand ratio. 

5.3.4 Calibration of Resistance Factors

Various methods can be used to calibrate resistance factors. The most advanced calibration 

methods are those that use reliable statistical data, employ adequate statistical methods, and 

result in acceptable levels of reliability across the system. However, several limitations exist 

in obtaining consistent and complete databases for soil nails, which are noted in NCHRP 

Report 701 (Lazarte 2011). A calibration of the resistance factor for soil nail pullout was 

obtained in that research using a database of load testing for soil nails. Shortcomings of the 

load tests were identified, including data inconsistencies, incomplete or lack of information 

about soil nail installation procedures, and poor load test documentation. Most importantly, 

various load tests did not apply enough force to achieve the expected maximum pullout 

resistance of the test nails. With these limitations, only a preliminary reliability-based set of 

pullout resistance factors were obtained.

The resistance factors presented in this manual were back-calibrated from the safety factors 

provided in Table 5.1. The basis of calibration for individual resistance factors will be 

presented when each limit state is discussed in subsequent sections. This approach allows 

LRFD verifications, or designs, of soil nail walls based on existing ASD slope stability 

analysis procedures. 

The resistance factors presented in this manual are valid for a minimum frequency of load 

testing as part of a performance monitoring program, as discussed in detail in Chapter 9. 

Specifically, resistance factors for nail pullout resistance are valid as long as verification and 

proof testing is conducted with the following minimum frequency. Proof load tests must be 

conducted during construction on a minimum of 5 percent of the total production nails that 

are installed. The number of verification load tests is project-specific, depending on various 

conditions. More verification tests should be conducted for: (i) a larger number of different 

soil types existing behind the wall; (ii) a higher variability of soil property even if there is a 

single soil type; and (iii) larger and longer walls, which would tend to encounter more 

variable conditions. Further details of soil nail load testing are presented in Chapter 9. 

It is acknowledged that the approach of using ASD-based computer programs for overall 

stability and employing resistance factors calibrated from safety factors is an interim 

provision. One limitation in the current approach is that different load factors cannot be 

110 
applied to different load components in ASD-based computer programs. Satisfactory 

computational methodologies and the availability of complete databases are lacking, but will 

be available in the future to fully apply compatible LRFD methods to current limitequilibrium analysis computations. 

5.4 Load Combinations and Load Factors

5.4.1 Load Combinations

Structural design requires considering the simultaneous occurrence of various load types in 

load combinations. The load combinations to be considered for soil nail design in highway 

projects in an LRFD framework generally include:

• Service Limit State I

• Strength Limit State I 

• Extreme-Event Limit State I (involving earthquake loads)

The above combinations are consistent with those used for earth-retaining structures in an 

LRFD framework, as presented in Articles 3.11.6.1 and 3.11.6.2 of AASHTO (2014). 

5.4.2 Load Factors

The load combinations listed above include permanent, transient, and extreme-event loads. 

These loads are assigned load factors as presented in Table 3.4.1-1 “Load Combinations and 

Load Factors” and Table 3.4.1-2 “Load Factors for Permanent Loads” of Section 3 “Loads 

and Load Factors” of AASHTO (2014). These load factors are summarized below. 

Permanent loads for earth-retaining structures may include: 

• Dead loads from structural components/nonstructural attachments (DC)

• Dead load of wearing surfaces and utilities (DW), when supporting a bridge abutment 

or the roadway

• Horizontal earth pressure load (EH)

• Earth surcharge load (ES)

• Vertical pressures caused by the dead load from earth fill (EV)

Loads EH and EV are considered in this manual differently than they are dealt with in the 

design of other types of earth-retaining structures because of the computational limitations in 

software dedicated to soil nail design. These limitations are discussed in Section 5.6 

“Overall Stability of Soil Nail Walls.”

111 
Transient loads may involve vehicular live loads (LL), live load surcharge (LS), construction 

equipment, and other live surcharge, when the walls support a bridge abutment or the 

roadway. They may also include construction equipment in the analysis of intermediate 

construction stages. In the case of a wall supporting a bridge abutment, transient loads 

originating in the bridge superstructure may be transferred to the abutment (see Article 

3.11.6.4 in AASHTO 2014), and these loads may need to be considered in the design of the 

soil nail wall. Design of soil nail walls supporting a bridge is not within the scope of this 

manual. However, note that if the soil nail wall at an abutment settles, this effect may need 

to be considered in the bridge design. Extreme-event loads for soil nail walls comprise 

earthquake loading (EQ), as discussed in Section 6.8 “Step 9: Seismic Design.”

Table 5.2 presents a summary of load factors (γ) to be used in LRFD load combinations for 

earth-retaining systems (AASHTO 2014). Only the factors for permanent loads and for 

extreme-event loads will be used in the LRFD verifications presented in this manual. 

Table 5.2: Load Factors and Load Combinations Based on AASHTO 

(2014) 

Limit State Permanent 

Loads

Transient 

Loads

Extreme-Event 

Loads

Strength I γp

(1) γ = 1.75 NA

Extreme Event I γp

(1) NA γ = 1.00 

Service I γp = 1.00 γ = 1.00 γ = 1.00 

Note: (1) Load factors for permanent loads (γp) for these limit states are presented in 

Table 5.3. 

Table 5.3 presents load factors for permanent loads (γp) in earth-supporting structures. In 

general, load factors for permanent loads for strength and extreme-event limit states must be 

selected as a function of the permanent load type being considered and whether the 

permanent load has a destabilizing or stabilizing effect (AASHTO 2014, Article 3.4.1). 

When the load effect tends to destabilize, γp > 1.0, maximum values are used; when the effect 

is stabilizing, γp ≤ 1.0, minimum values are used (Table 5.3). 

However, because of the shortcomings of ASD-based computer programs in dealing with 

load factors, only the load factor for the maximum effect of vertical earth loads (γEV) will be 

considered in this manual to conduct LRFD verifications for static loads. This selection is 

justified by results of stability analysis of model soil nail walls. These results suggest that 

the effect of the vertical earth loads is larger than that of horizontal earth loads. As a result, 

γEV =1.35 (per AASHTO 2014) is used for LRFD verification of various limit states in this 

112 
manual. This approach has limitations but is an interim provision to allow performing LRFD 

verifications.

Table 5.3: Load Factors, γp, for Permanent Loads

Load Type 

Maximum

Load 

Factor (1)

Minimum

Load 

Factor (2)

DC: Dead loads 1.25 0.90 

DW: Loads from wearing surfaces and utilities 1.50 0.65 

EH: Horizontal earth pressure (active condition) 1.50 0.90 

EH: Horizontal earth pressure (at-rest condition) 1.35 0.90 

EV: Vertical earth pressure (overall stability) 1.00 N/A

EV: Vertical earth pressure (ret. walls and abutments) 1.35 (3) 1.00 

ES: Earth surcharge 1.50 0.75 

Notes: (1) When permanent load has a destabilizing effect.

(2) When permanent load has a stabilizing effect.

(3) This load factor is used in this manual primarily for static loads.

Load factors in service limit states are γ = 1.0 for all loads (AASHTO 2014). As discussed 

below, both overall stability using limit-equilibrium analyses (see Section 5.6) and 

deformation/settlement verifications (see Section 5.9) use a Service I Load Combination; 

therefore, unfactored loads must be used in these verifications. 

Note that the need to treat overall stability as a service limit state stems from the present lack 

of analytical procedures that would allow using fully compatible LRFD methods in limitequilibrium analysis computations. A simplistic manner to accommodate different load 

factors applied to loads other than soil self-weight (for example, surcharge or traffic loads) in 

an LRFD approach, using an ASD-based stability program, is to enter the values of these

loads as corrected values in these programs. An adjusted load value would be the original 

load value times γ/γEV, where γ is the load factor associated to that load component. 

113 
5.5 Limit States

The following checks must be considered for service, strength, and extreme limit states in the 

design of soil nail walls: 

5.5.1 Overall Stability

• Internal stability (with stability contribution from nails) (Figure 5.8a) 

• General global stability (with no stability contribution from nails) (Figure 5.8b) 

• Global stability – basal heave (Figure 5.8c) 

5.5.2 Strength Limit States 

• Geotechnical limit states: 

o Lateral sliding stability (Figure 5.8d)1

o Nail pullout (Figure 5.8e)

• Structural limit states: 

o Nail in tension (Figure 5.8f)

o Facing: bending (or flexure) (Figure 5.8g) 

o Facing: punching shear (Figure 5.8h) 

o Facing: headed stud in tension (Figure 5.8i)

5.5.3 Extreme-Limit States

• Earthquake loads 

5.5.4 Service Limit States (Deformations)

• Lateral displacement

• Wall settlement

1 Sliding stability is in general a special case of global stability limit state. It is considered a geotechnical limit 

state to illustrate the use of LRFD with load factors ≥ 1.0.

114 

 
Figure 5.8: Illustration. Potential limit states in soil nail walls: (a) internal stability (slip 

surface intersecting soil and nails); (b) global stability (slip surface not 

intersecting nails); (c) global stability: basal heave; (d) geotechnical strength: 

lateral sliding; (e) geotechnical strength: pullout; (f) structural strength: nail in 

tension; (g) facing structural strength: bending; (h) facing structural strength: 

punching shear; (i) facing structural strength: headed stud in tension. 

115 
5.6 Overall Stability of Soil Nail Walls

5.6.1 Overview 

Overall stability for soil nail walls needs to be analyzed and checked for internal and global 

stability. Internal stability involves contribution from both the soil and soil nails; and global 

stability (as defined herein) involves no contribution from the soil nails. Overall stability

may also be considered for special conditions such as basal heave stability.

5.6.2 Internal Stability

Internal stability of soil nail walls must be considered for potential slip surfaces extending 

through the soil and some or all of the nails. The soil strength can be modeled as frictional, 

cohesive, or both, depending on the soil type and on whether the loading rate generates 

drained or undrained shear resistance. If the slip surface intersects some or all of the nails, 

the mobilized soil nail pullout resistance behind the slip surface also contributes to stability. 

The nail tensile resistance is treated separately as a structural strength limit state, as discussed 

in Section 5.8.1 “Nail Tensile Resistance.” 

Internal stability of soil nail walls is routinely evaluated using two-dimensional, limitequilibrium analyses as employed in conventional ASD-based slope stability analyses. 

Limit-equilibrium analyses consider several potential slip surfaces and provide an FS for 

each. Typically, numerous analyses are performed to find the lowest FS value. The lowest 

calculated value of FS must be equal to or greater than the minimum acceptable FS 

established for the structure. The analyses also provide a critical slip surface corresponding 

to the lowest FS value, and the tensile forces for each of the nails supporting the wall under 

consideration. 

Soil nail design procedures to evaluate internal stability consider various shapes for the slip 

surfaces, including: (i) planar (Sheahan and Oral 2002); (ii) bi-linear (Stocker et al. 1979; 

Caltrans 1991); (iii) parabolic (Shen et al. 1981); (iv) log spiral (Christopher et al. 1990); and 

(v) circular (Golder 1993; Siel 2014). The safety factors obtained for different slip surfaces 

generally do not significantly affect the calculated safety factor (Long et al. 1990), as long as 

these surfaces exit in front of the wall and the ground surface behind the wall at 

approximately the same locations. 

Internal stability analyses for soil nail walls are most commonly performed using computer 

programs specifically developed for their design. These programs give engineers greater

ability to quickly analyze multiple design scenarios. Programs such as SNAIL (Caltrans 

1991), SNAILZ (Caltrans 2007) and GoldNail (Golder 1993) have been used for several 

years. FHWA released the software Soil Nail Analysis Program 2 (SNAP-2), (Siel 2014). 

116 
Of these programs, only SNAP-2 checks the strengths of the facing. Any of these programs 

can be used to meet the guidance presented in this manual provided the user understands how 

parameters are used in the particular software. Other available programs include the updated 

SNAIL from Caltrans and SNAIL Plus, a commercial software. Any of the programs 

mentioned above may be used to analyze and design soil nail walls. 

General slope stability computer programs, such as Slope/W (Geostudio 2012), XSTABL 

(Softpile 2013) or Slide 6.0 (Rocscience 2013), can model multi-level, generic 

reinforcement, which would be similar to soil nails. Hence, these general programs can also 

assess internal stability of soil nail walls. However, their use can be cumbersome because 

these programs do not evaluate different design scenarios with ease, and the user generally 

needs to make separate calculations. Dedicated soil nail wall software is generally more 

convenient to use than general slope-stability software. However, the use of general slopestability software may be needed to verify global stability, which cannot be correctly 

addressed by most dedicated soil nail software.

Minimum safety factors, such as those recommended in Table 5.1, are entered into ASDbased computer programs for soil nail wall analysis. The programs then calculate an overall 

stability FS. For example, SNAILZ and GoldNail use allowable bond stresses, which are 

calculated as the bond strength (or equivalently a nominal bond unit resistance) times a 

reduction factor selected by the user. Note that the reduction factor coincides with the 

inverse of the factor of safety for pullout, 1/FSPO. Preliminary dimensions and the yield 

strength of the tendon must be entered as a “trial design” in most computer runs. 

Users of this manual should realize that limit-equilibrium programs have limitations in 

reproducing actual distributions of soil nail forces over the height of the wall. Observations 

of soil nail force distributions made in full-scale instrumented soil nail walls (see Section 

5.2.1b Maximum Tensile Force Distribution) indicate that the largest soil nail forces occur 

most commonly in the upper two thirds of the wall. This trend is the result of the top-down 

construction of soil nail walls and the mobilization of soil nail forces in the staged 

construction. Conversely, limit-equilibrium programs tend to predict larger soil nail forces 

near the bottom of the wall (at least for homogeneous subsurface conditions and uniform soil 

nail lengths), as these programs only deal with equilibrium requirements but ignore 

kinematic constraints and deformations. While these limit-equilibrium programs would yield 

safe designs meeting the minimum stability criteria (see Section 6.6.3 “Resistance Factors for 

Overall Stability”), their computational limitation would tend to yield nail force distributions 

that might not be optimal for reducing wall deformations near the top of the wall, or will be 

larger than loads actually developed in the soil nails. 

117 
A simple approach to counter this artifact of limit-equilibrium methods is to select the soil 

nails in the lower half of the wall with lengths increasingly shorter toward the bottom. This 

approach will be described in detail in Section 6.3.3e “Distribution of Soil Nail Lengths in 

Elevation.” 

5.6.3 Global Stability 

Global stability of soil nail walls is also routinely evaluated using two-dimensional, limitequilibrium analyses with a conventional ASD framework. Global stability is more 

adequately performed using general slope stability computer programs than with dedicated 

soil nail design software. Most of the dedicated soil nail design software has limitations to 

performing adequate global stability analyses. For example, although slip surfaces in SNAIL 

and SNAILZ extend under the toe of the wall, these programs use a simple approach based 

on passive resistance to estimate the soil resistance under the toe. Slip surfaces only pass 

through the toe of the wall in GoldNail. On the other hand, slip surfaces in SNAP-2 can 

extend above, at, or under the toe of the wall; and the soil resistance under the toe is 

computed using appropriate limit-equilibrium based formulation. For the purpose of 

demonstrating the design procedure of this manual, the design example in Appendix C has 

been prepared using SNAP-2. 

The minimum safety factors for global stability analysis are similar to those for internal 

stability analysis. Special cases of global stability will be considered in Section 5.6.6 “Basal 

Heave” and Section 5.7.3 “Lateral Sliding Stability.” 

5.6.4 Idealized Example

This section presents a manual check of internal stability to illustrate the interaction of forces 

in a typical soil nail wall design and how these forces may be considered. Note, however, 

that manual calculations of stability for complete design of soil nail walls are rarely 

performed in practice. Manual calculation can be used to spot-check computer results. 

Checks in LRFD and ASD are presented.

Figure 5.9 shows a generic, single-nail wall of height H as a simplified trial design. While 

the soil nail has an inclination, i, from the horizontal, the slip surface is selected as a plane 

with inclination, α, from the horizontal to define a wedge, and with an angle β with respect to 

the nail. T is mobilized up to its nominal value of pullout resistance, which develops in the 

nail behind the slip surface. Loads consist of an external surcharge, Q, and the weight of the 

wedge, W. RS is the resultant of the nominal soil resistance along the slip surface. For 

simplicity, it is assumed that the soil is purely frictional. Although, in general, separate load 

factors need to be applied for each load component, the same load factor is assumed for Q 

and W in this example for simplicity.

118 
The resisting and driving force components acting parallel to the slip plane are then 

considered. The component of T parallel to the slip plane is considered to be a driving force 

and is not included at this point. A factored resistance can be derived from the effect caused 

by the components of W, Q, and T that are normal to the plane as follows: 

Equation 5.6: Factored resistance. 

Where: 

φ = resistance factor for soil strength

N = normal force on slip surface 

φs = ultimate friction angle of soil 

Figure 5.9: Illustration. Simple wedge for overall stability verification. 

The component of T that is parallel to the slip surface is now considered a driving force. 

Load factors are applied to the components of (W+Q) but not to T, for simplicity of this 

illustration. However, the relevant component of T can also be modified with a load factor. 

In this example, the factored driving force is:

Equation 5.7: Factored driving force. 

119 
For equilibrium along the slip plane, the factored driving force must be equal to the factored 

resistance. Therefore, T can be calculated as:

Equation 5.8: Mobilized pullout resistance under equilibrium. 

The length and section of the nail, as well as the characteristics of the facing, may be 

developed once T is obtained. 

A similar equation can be formulated using an ASD approach, where the frictional resistance 

of soil normal force would be reduced by FS, to N tan φs/FS in Eq. 5.6, and unfactored loads 

(i.e., γ = 1.0) would be considered in Eq. 5.7. Similarly, T can be calculated as:

Equation 5.9: Mobilized pullout resistance using ASD approach. 

Overall stability of soil nail walls should be investigated at Service I Load Combination, and 

using an appropriate resistance factor. The load factor, γ, at Service I limit state is equal to 

1.0 for permanent loads. A comparison between Eqs. 5-8 and 5-9 indicates that φ is 

approximately equal to 1/FS if the value of γ is equal to 1.0. 

Slip surfaces are in reality more complex than the planar surface of the simple wedge 

example above. The simple expressions could be extended to more complex slip surfaces, 

and to include other loads and other assumptions. However, it is impractical to perform 

overall stability of soil nail walls by hand. Computer programs, such as those discussed 

earlier, can perform these calculations far more efficiently. The manner in which a resistance 

factor can be back-calibrated from the factor of safety, once the load factor has been defined, 

is still applicable for computer-based overall stability analysis.

5.6.5 Resistance Factors for Overall Stability

Resistance factors for overall stability are presented in Table 5.4. They were back-calibrated 

from ASD-based safety factors reproduced in Table 5.1 and rounded up to the nearest 0.05 

value. 

120 
Table 5.4: Resistance Factors for Overall Stability

Condition Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Static φOS 0.65

Seismic loading φOS 0.90

These resistance factors are valid regardless of whether the slip surface intersects the nails. 

They provide a design consistent with past ASD practice and in alignment with AASHTO 

(2014). 

5.6.6 Basal Heave

5.6.6a Methodology 

The potential for basal heave should be evaluated when soft, fine-grained soils are present 

beneath a soil nail wall excavation (Figure 5.8c). If the excavation depth is excessive for 

existing soft soil conditions, unbalanced loads may cause the bottom of the excavation to 

heave and ultimately result in basal movement. Basal heave is uncommon in soil nail walls 

because these structures are not often constructed over (or in) soft, fine-grained soils. 

However, this scenario is considered to allow a feasibility evaluation for soil nail walls when 

there is a potential for basal heave at a site. 

The commentary of Article 11.9.3 of AASHTO (2014) provides guidance for assessing the 

stability of anchored walls. This information may also be applied to other top-down 

construction, including soil nail walls. In addition, commentary of Section 11.9.5.2 of 

AASHTO (2014) indicates that heave may occur under a wall constructed in/over soft clays 

having an undrained shear strength, Su < 0.15 γsꞌ H (where γsꞌ = buoyant unit weight of the 

soil, and H = wall height), and that such a wall should be embedded to mitigate heave. Soil 

nail walls constructed over soft clays are more susceptible to basal heave than other topdown retaining systems with embedded segments because most soil nails in a wall are not 

embedded below the wall toe. An alternative support-of-excavation system may be 

necessary if the potential for basal heave is found to be significant. A methodology is 

presented in this section to evaluate the potential for instability of the base of an excavation. 

If the entire excavation is in fine-grained soils, the nominal soil resistance, RS, at the base of 

the excavation develops along a composite slip surface (Figure 5.10). The width B′e is 

controlled by the excavation width, Be (ideally with no influence from soil nails), or whether 

a deposit of stiff soil exists within a depth DB under the excavation. The value of RS is given 

in units of force per linear foot of wall and can be calculated using the following expressions: 

121 
If Bꞌe < DB (Figure 5.10a): 

Equation 5.10: Nominal soil resistance.

If Bꞌe ≥ DB (Figure 5.10b): 

Equation 5.11: Nominal soil resistance. 

Where:

Su = undrained shear strength of fine-grained soil below the soil nail wall

Nc = factor for cohesion (see Figure 5.11) 

Bꞌe = width of soil block causing heave ~0.707 Be 

DB = depth to top of stiff soil deposit under excavation 

Because the width of the soil block may extend behind all nails for wide excavations, the 

contribution of soil nails is disregarded in Eqs. 5-10 and 5-11. If the excavation is not 

sufficiently wide, nails may contribute some shear resistance; however, soil nails are

particularly inefficient in resisting this limit state. 

Nc is a function of the ratios H/Be and Be/Le, where H, Le, and Be are the excavation height, 

length, and width, respectively (Figure 5.11). For very long soil nail walls (Be/Le ~ 0), 

supporting very wide excavations, (H/Be ~ 0), it can be conservatively assumed that

Nc = 5.14. The total pressure, q, at the base of the soil block is: 

Equation 5.12: Total pressure at the base of the soil block. 

122 
Where:

Qi = total load at the base of the soil block 

γs = unit weight of the soil behind the wall 

Q = external load (dead or live load, depending on the conditions) 

Su1 = undrained shear strength of the fine-grained soil behind the soil block 

Note that Su1 was not affected by a load or resistance factors as a simplification. This 

assumption appears to be neutral. Also note that if Bꞌe ≥ DB, DB must replace Bꞌe in Eq. 5.12. 

Figure 5.10: Illustration. Basal heave for: (a) deposit of soft-fine grained soils, and (b) 

deposit of soft fine-grained soil underlain by stiff layer. Modified after 

Terzaghi et al. (1996) and Sabatini et al. (1999). 

The stability for basal heave can then be expressed as:

Equation 5.13: Basal heave stability. 

With φBH = resistance factor, and γEV = 1.35 from Table 5.3. If the shear resistance of the 

soil behind the wall is disregarded as is typical in Terzaghi theory, basal heave will not 

happen if: 

123 
Equation 5.14: Basal heave stability with external load. 

DB must replace Bꞌe in Eq. 5.14 if Bꞌe ≥ DB. Furthermore, if Q = 0, the excavation will be 

stable against basal heave if:

Equation 5.15: Simplified expression for basal heave stability.

Figure 5.11: Graph. Bearing capacity factor (Nc) for determining basal heave. Modified 

after Terzaghi et al. (1996) and Sabatini et al. (1999). 

5.6.6b Resistance Factors for Basal Heave

The resistance factor for basal heave can be calibrated by fitting to past ASD-based safety 

factors. Eq. 5.15 can be rewritten as: 

Equation 5.16: Factor of safety against basal heave.

124 
Where FS is the safety factor against basal heave. Minimum factors of safety of 2.0 and 2.5 

for short-term and long-term conditions, respectively, are shown in Table 5.1. 

Recommended resistance factors are listed in Table 5.5. 

Table 5.5: Resistance Factors for Basal Heave 

Condition Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Permanent wall, short-term conditions φBH 0.65 

Permanent wall, long-term conditions φBH 0.50 

5.6.6c Lateral Squeeze

Soil nail walls forming part of a bridge abutment may overlie soft soils, and thus be subject 

to an unbalanced embankment load behind the wall. Lateral squeeze should be considered a 

service limit state, where deformations, not strengths, control. However, lateral squeeze is 

not presented herein since it is considered a variation of basal heave because the two 

mechanisms are controlled by relatively low strength and high compressibility of finegrained soils. 

5.7 Geotechnical Strength Limit States

5.7.1 Overview 

Geotechnical strength limit states occur when the soil resistance is fully mobilized along a 

potential slip surface. The two geotechnical strength limit states described in this section 

include nail pullout and lateral sliding of the reinforced soil mass. 

5.7.2 Nail Pullout Resistance

The resistance factors for overall stability are back-calibrated from ASD-based safety factors. 

These values are presented in Table 5.6. 

125 
Table 5.6: Resistance Factors for Pullout

Condition Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Static φPO 0.65 

Seismic loading φPO 0.65 

As mentioned earlier, the resistance factors presented above are valid as long as bond 

strengths are verified by field load testing conducted with the minimum frequency described 

in Section 5.3.4 and Chapter 9 “Construction Inspection and Performance Monitoring.” 

5.7.3 Lateral Sliding Stability

5.7.3a Methodology 

Lateral sliding is not present in most soil nail designs. However, lateral sliding can be 

considered to be a special case of global stability limit state, which may arise when a weak 

soil layer underlies the block of reinforced soil (Figure 5.8d), and when the soil nails to do 

not contribute to stability. 

Lateral sliding stability can be readily verified using a general slope-stability program where 

the reinforced soil can be modeled such that the slip surfaces are forced to extend as a plane 

along the layer of weak soil. Note that computer programs for soil nail wall design generally 

cannot model slip surfaces with horizontal segments. 

As an alternative to the computational methods described above, this limit state can be 

considered similarly to the sliding of gravity-retaining structures, where simplified, manual 

procedures can be used. While the simplified procedure presented herein is used to check the 

lateral sliding for horizontal basal slip surfaces, it can also illustrate the use of the LRFD in 

soil nail design. The soil nail wall is modeled as a rigid block against which a generally nonhorizontal force generated by the earth pressure is applied (Figure 5.12). The earth pressure 

is assumed to act beyond the longest soil nail so that no contribution from the nails is 

considered. In addition, a permanent earth surcharge (QES) is assumed to act behind the 

reinforced soil. The horizontal effect of QES is defined as ES.

The case is treated as strength limit (Strength I). Lateral earth loads can be estimated using 

Coulomb or Rankine lateral-earth pressure theory. The reader is referred to Article 3.11.5.1 

of AASHTO (2014) for additional information on analysis procedures. 

The horizontal component of the earth load (EH) is Pa cos δ, where Pa is the lateral earth 

thrust, and δ is the friction angle at the surface between the block and the retained soil 

126 
defining the inclination of Pa from the horizontal (Figure 5.12). Angle δ would typically be 

the internal friction angle of the soil, although it may be assumed equal to the inclination 

(βeq) of the ground surface behind the wall for simplicity and if safe to do so. 

Lateral sliding stability is verified using the following expression: 

Equation 5.17: Lateral sliding stability. 

Where:

φLS = resistance factor for lateral sliding

Rs = nominal soil resistance per unit width acting at the base of the soil block

γEH = maximum load factor for horizontal earth loads = 1.5 (from Table 5.3 for Strength I, 

and Table 5.3 for permanent loads, active conditions) 

γES = maximum load factor for horizontal effect of permanent surcharge = 1.50 (from Table 

5.3 for Strength I)

ES = horizontal component of the permanent earth surcharge 

δ = friction angle between the reinforced block and the retained soil, which may be 

considered equal to βeq, as defined below 

Rs can be estimated as:

Equation 5.18: Nominal resistance of soil at the base of soil block. 

Where: 

cb = effective soil cohesion strength along the base 

BL = length of the horizontal slip surface where cb is effectively acting

W = weight of reinforced soil mass

βeq = equivalent backslope angle for broken or “infinite” slopes: 

 βeq = tan-1(∆H/2H) for broken slopes (see Fig. 5.12) 

 βeq = β for infinite slopes 

β = backslope angle from horizontal 

φꞌfb = effective friction angle at base (remolded or residual values may be applicable)

127 
Note that W and Pa sin δ are implicitly affected by the minimum value of γEV = 1.00 (load 

factor for the vertical component of earth pressure). The effect of QES on the vertical 

pressure at the base of the reinforced soil block is not shown here as a simplification. 

The lateral earth thrust is the active force per unit width:

Equation 5.19: Lateral earth thrust. 

Where:

γs = unit weight of the soil behind the wall 

H1 = effective height over which the earth pressure acts

Ka = active earth pressure coefficient

and: 

Equation 5.20: Effective height over which earth pressure acts.

Where:

α = face batter angle

If the slope has no breaks within a horizontal distance 2H from the wall (Figure 5.12), the 

slope is considered “infinite” and βeq = β. If the slope has a break within a distance 2H from 

the wall, the slope has an equivalent inclination βeq = tan-1 (∆H/2H), where ∆H is the slope 

rise over a distance 2H.

The active earth pressure coefficient, Ka, can be obtained using Coulomb or Rankine theory 

for cohesionless soil (assuming no cohesion in the soil behind the block). 

According to the Coulomb theory: 

Equation 5.21: Active earth pressure coefficient according to Coulomb theory. 

128 
Where: 

φf = friction angle of soil retained behind the soil nail reinforced mass 

θ = inclination of the back of the wall face from horizontal (i.e., θ = α + 90 ̊) 

Eq. 5.21 derived from the Coulomb theory is more general than equations based on the 

Rankine theory. For walls with α < 8 ̊, according to the Rankine theory: 

Equation 5.22: Active earth pressure coefficient according to Rankine theory.

For the case of a vertical, or near vertical, wall (α = 0) and horizontal ground behind the wall 

(β = 0), and assuming no friction at the soil interface (δ = 0), the Rankine theory provides:

Equation 5.23: Active earth pressure coefficient (vertical wall, horizontal backfill, and no 

friction at the soil interface). 

In cases where the sliding plane occurs along stiff, fissured clays, the fully softened shear 

strength should be selected for φf. If it has been determined that significant shearing and 

displacement have taken place along the base, the residual strength should be selected.

129 
Figure 5.12: Illustration. Lateral sliding of a soil nail wall.

5.7.3b Resistance Factors for Lateral Sliding

The resistance factors for lateral sliding are back-calibrated from ASD-based safety factors, 

considering that the maximum load factors for both EH and ES are 1.50, and that the 

minimum load factor for EV is 1.0 (from Table 5.3). The resistance factors for lateral sliding 

are presented in Table 5.7. 

130 
Table 5.7: Resistance Factors for Lateral Sliding

Condition Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Static φLS 1.00 

Seismic loading φLS 0.90 

5.8 Structural Strength Limit States

5.8.1 Nail Tensile Resistance

Resistance factors for tensile resistance were back-calibrated using load factor values

γEV = 1.35 for static conditions and γEV = 1.00 for seismic loading, to match ASD-based 

designs. These resistance factors are presented in Table 5.8. 

Table 5.8: Resistance Factors for Tendon in Tension 

Condition Case Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Static Tendon Grades 60/75 (ASTM A615) φT 0.75 

Static Tendon Grade 95/150 (ASTM A722) φT 0.65 

Seismic loading Tendon Grades 60/75 (ASTM A615) φT 0.75 

Seismic loading Tendon Grade 95/150 (ASTM A722) φT 0.65 

5.8.2 Overview of Facing Limit States

The strength limit state modes at the facing-nail head connection are presented in Figure 

5.13, and are as follows: 

• Bending/Flexure Limit State: This limit state takes place when the bending moment 

on the facing exceeds its resistance. This mode needs to be considered separately for 

initial and final facings. The contribution of the initial facing is disregarded in the 

design of the final facing (Figure 5.13b). 

• Punching Shear Limit State: This limit state occurs in the facing around the nails and 

must be evaluated separately for the initial and final facings (Figure 5.13c and d). 

131 
• Headed Stud Tensile Limit State: This limit state occurs when the tensile resistance

of the headed studs is exceeded. This limit state only applies to the final facing

(Figure 5.13e). 

An adequate design must ensure that the facing and other nail head elements provide 

sufficient resistance for each of these potential limit states, in excess of the maximum nail 

head tensile force (To). Appropriate dimensions, strength, and reinforcement of the facing 

and suitable nail head hardware (bearing plate, nut, and headed studs) must be provided to 

achieve the design resistances and to perform adequate LRFD verifications for these potential 

limit states. The following sections describe the methodology to design the facing and other 

related elements, and to perform verifications for each of the limit states.

5.8.3 Facing Flexural Strength Limit State 

5.8.3a Introduction 

Lateral earth pressures acting against the facing cause flexural/bending moments. The facing 

is considered a continuous two-way slab, while the nails support the slab for the purposes of 

its design and the strength limit state verification. A flexural/bending limit state is reached 

when the lateral earth pressures increase, deform the facing, and ultimately produce a 

yielding mechanism (i.e., plastic hinges in cross section that are actually yield lines across 

the slab, Figure 5.14).

Bending moments produce tension on the outside of the facing between nails (positive 

moments in conventional structural engineering practice), and tension on the inside of the 

facing around the nails (negative moments). Because the facing is reinforced in two 

directions, it acts as a two-way slab, whereby bending moments are generated around a 

horizontal axis (vertical moments, mV, Figure 5.13b) and a vertical axis (horizontal moments, 

mH). The maximum bending moments that can be achieved depend on: the horizontal and 

vertical nail spacing (SH and SV), the thicknesses of the initial and final facing (hi and hf, 

respectively), the layout and type of the facing reinforcement, the strengths of the facing 

reinforcement (WWM and additional rebar, if present), and the shotcrete/concrete resistance 

(Seible 1996). 

5.8.3b Bending Mechanisms

Bending resistances are estimated using conventional formulas for reinforced concrete 

design, as shown below. Figure 5.15 shows schematically a generalized section of reinforced 

shotcrete/concrete of thickness hi for the initial facing (or thickness hf for the final facing), 

and with reinforcement located in the middle of the section. The reinforcement could consist 

of WWM alone or WWM with rebar. The thickness hi (or hf) would represent the height of 

132 
an equivalent beam sustaining pure bending, in accordance with reinforced concrete design. 

Figure 5.15 shows the moment per unit length (mv) acting around a horizontal axis. The 

figure also shows the forces generated by this moment: a compressive force per unit width 

(force “c” divided by “a,” the effective width of the area in compression), and a tensile force 

per unit length (t). The distance from the outer edge in compression on the left to the 

centroid of the reinforcement in tension is “d.” The distances di and df are half of hi and hf, 

for the initial and final facings, respectively. 

133 
Figure 5.13: Illustration. Limit states in soil nail wall facings. (a) typical facing layout; (b) 

bending of a facing section; (c) punching shear in initial facing; (d) punching 

shear in final facing; (e) tension of headed studs. Modified after Lazarte 

(2011). 

134 
The nominal compressive resistance is calculated as follows:

Equation 5.24: Nominal compressive resistance.

Where:

fꞌc = shotcrete/concrete compressive strength

a = extent of area in compression across section (stress is assumed to be uniform for 

simplification)

The horizontal spacing of soil nails (SH) can be considered as the section width in 

Figure 5.15 (along a horizontal direction and normal to the page); however, because forces 

and moments are expressed per unit length, the width is not relevant in these equations. 

The nominal tensile resistance (force per unit length) is:

Equation 5.25: Nominal tensile resistance.

Where:

fy_W = yield strength of WWM (assumed to be the primary reinforcement) 

as_eq = equivalent cross sectional area per unit width (accounts for any type of 

reinforcement placed in the section, as defined below) 

The force, t, can be the result of the combined use of WWM and rebar in the section, and it 

can be expressed more generally as:

Equation 5.26: Bending force in initial facing.

Where:

fy_W = yield strength of WWM 

as_W = cross sectional area per unit width of WWM (cases for vertical and horizontal 

reinforcement will be defined below) 

135 
fy_R = yield strength of rebar

As_R = cross sectional area of rebar

S = SH or SV, depending on the case 

Figure 5.14: Illustration. Bending mechanism and nail 

force in facing. Modified after Lazarte 

(2011). 

A general equivalent cross-sectional area of rebar (A's_R) is defined below for the case when 

the yield strengths of the rebar and WWM are different.

136 
Equation 5.27: Equivalent cross-sectional area of rebar. 

The total equivalent area per unit of length (as_eq) is defined as:

Equation 5.28: Total equivalent area per unit length. 

The consideration of force equilibrium (c = t) and moment equilibrium (mv = t × z) leads to 

an expression for calculating the maximum bending moment. In these equations, z is the 

moment arm between a and t and is defined as z = d – a/2. Considering that hi = di/2 for the 

initial facing, and after replacing terms for t and z, the following expression is obtained: 

Equation 5.29: Bending moment.

137 
Figure 5.15: Illustration. Section showing bending 

mechanism in initial facing.

It is assumed that all reinforcement achieves yield strength in this equation. It has also been 

assumed that the centroid of all reinforcement in either direction is at the center of the 

section, as a reasonable estimation of a more complex geometry. Eq. 5.29 will be used in 

Chapter 6 to estimate the flexural resistance of the facing.

The bending moments in the horizontal and vertical directions must be evaluated around the 

nail heads and in the span between nails because these are the locations where the maximum 

magnitudes of bending moment occur. Consequently, the reinforcement for each of these 

locations and directions must be evaluated. As described in the Chapter 3 section “Shotcrete 

Reinforcement,” it is common to place both WWM and rebar around the nails heads, and 

only WWM extending over the span between nails in the initial facing. It is also common to 

place only rebar in the final facing, where the rebar is placed in both the vertical and 

horizontal directions. 

138 
5.8.3c Resistance Factors for Flexure at Facing

Resistance factors for flexure resistance at the facing are back-calibrated for a load factor of 

γEV = 1.35 for static conditions and γEV = 1.00 for seismic loading to match ASD-based 

designs. These values are presented in Table 5.9. 

Table 5.9: Resistance Factors for Flexure Resistance at Facing

Condition Case Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Static Initial and final facing φFF 0.90

Seismic loading Initial and final facing φFF 0.90 

5.8.4 Punching Shear Strength Limit State

Resistance factors for punching at the facing are back-calibrated for a load factor of 

γEV = 1.35 for static conditions and γEV = 1.00 for seismic loading to match ASD-based 

designs. These values are presented in Table 5.10. 

Table 5.10: Resistance Factors for Punching Shear at Facing

Condition Case Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Static Initial and final facing φFP 0.90

Seismic loading Initial and final facing φFP 0.90 

5.8.5 Headed Stud in Tension in Final Facing

Resistance factors for headed stud in tension punching in the final facing are back-calibrated 

for a load factor of γEV = 1.35 for static conditions and γEV = 1.00 for seismic loading to 

match ASD-based designs. These values are presented in Table 5.11. 

139 
Table 5.11: Resistance Factors for Headed Stud in Tension in Final Facings

Condition Case Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Static A307 Steel Bolt (1) φFH 0.70 

Static A325 Steel Bolt φFH 0.80 

Seismic loading A307 Steel Bolt (1) φFH 0.65 

Seismic loading A325 Steel Bolt φFH 0.75 

Note: (1) This is equivalent to AWS D1.1 Type B studs, with fy = 60 ksi.

5.9 Service Limit States (Deformations)

5.9.1 Introduction 

The maximum lateral and vertical movements of the wall must be estimated as part of the 

design of soil nail walls. These deformations must be less than tolerable deformation limits 

for the wall. Design considerations for the movements are described below.

5.9.2 Soil Nail Wall Displacements

A soil nail wall is a passive reinforcement system and some deformation of the wall should 

be expected during its service life. As discussed at the beginning of this chapter, a soil nail 

wall and the soil behind it tend to deform outwards during and after construction. Most of 

the movement of soil nail walls supporting predominantly granular soils occurs during or 

shortly after excavation. Post-construction deformation is generally small unless there is 

deterioration of the wall, its foundation, or the retained soil. Creep of retained fine-grained 

soils may take place with the consequent increase of tensile forces in the soil nails and 

deflection of the wall after construction. 

The maximum horizontal displacements commonly occur at the top of the wall. Settlements 

of the wall are generally small, and are on the same order of magnitude as the horizontal 

movements measured at the top of the wall. Lateral deflections are generally larger for taller 

walls and for increasing nail spacing, nail inclination, and surcharge magnitude. Conversely, 

lateral deflections tend to be smaller for an increase of: (i) wall batter, (ii) soil stiffness, or 

(iii) a decrease in soil nail spacing. Vertical displacements are also affected by similar 

factors. They are generally largest near the facing and commonly smaller than lateral 

deflections measured at the top of the wall. 

140 
The maximum long-term horizontal and vertical displacements at the top of the wall, δh and 

δv (Figure 5.20), can be estimated as follows (Clouterre 1991): 

Equation 5.30: Maximum long-term horizontal and vertical displacement at the top of wall. 

Where (δh/H)i is a ratio that depends on soil conditions, as indicated in Table 5.12. 

This equation is valid as long as: (i) the ratio L/H ≥ 0.7, where L = soil nail length, H = wall 

height; (ii) the surcharge is negligible; and (iii) FSOS ≥ 1.5 for overall stability. 

Table 5.12: Values of (δh/H)i and C as Functions of Soil Conditions

Variable Weathered Rock 

and Stiff Soil Sandy Soil Fine-Grained Soil

(δh/H)i 1/1000 1/500 1/333 

C 0.8 1.25 1.5 

Note: Modified from Clouterre (1993) and Byrne et al. (1998). 

Ground deformation can be significant up to a distance (DDEF) behind the wall (Figure 5.16), 

which can be estimated as:

Equation 5.31: Distance of significant soil deformation behind the wall. 

Where:

α = wall batter angle

C = soil-dependent coefficient included in Table 5.12 

If critical or sensitive structures are located near the soil nail wall, a project-specific 

assessment of the potential impact of wall movement on these structures is warranted. This 

assessment can be performed through a variety of available numerical methods, or through 

the examination of data of similar walls in similar ground conditions, or both. 

Horizontal deflections greater than 0.005H during construction should be a cause for 

concern, as they generally represent an upper limit of acceptable performance. It is possible 

141 
to mitigate deformations, when necessary, by using a battered wall, installing longer nails in 

the top portion of the wall, or increasing the overall steel section of the nails per unit area of 

wall. It is even possible in some cases to use ground anchors in conjunction with the soil 

nails.

Post-construction monitoring data from soil nail walls suggest that movements tend to 

continue after wall construction, sometimes up to 6 months, with the longer duration 

corresponding to soils with creep potential. Long-term post construction deformations may

increase up to 15 percent beyond those observed soon after construction. Additional tensile 

forces are developed in the nails as a result of this post-construction movement. Fine-grained 

soils of high-plasticity (approximately PI > 20) and high water contents (such that LI > 0.2) 

tend to incur deformation for longer periods of time due to their potential for creep. 

Figure 5.16: Illustration. Deformation of soil nail walls. Modified after Clouterre (1991) 

and Byrne et al. (1998). 

SOIL NAIL

(TYP)

V

h

H

DDEF

EXISTING

STRUCTURE

L

DEFORMED

PATTERN

INITIAL CONFIGURATION

142 
Chapter 6: Design of Soil Nail Walls

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Overview

This chapter presents step-by-step procedures for the design of soil nail walls. The principal 

activities throughout the duration of a soil nail project take place in the following main 

phases:

• Initial design considerations 

• Design

• Pre-construction 

• Construction and post-construction 

The sequence of the major steps and sub-steps is listed in Tables 6.1 and 6.2. The Design 

phase is the focus of this chapter. The other three phases are introduced for completeness, 

but are only briefly discussed in this chapter. 

Table 6.1: Main Steps – Initial Design Considerations

Step No. Description

Step 1 Project Requirements

a Establish project requirements, standards and constraints 

b Establish project performance

c Assemble preliminary geotechnical information 

Step 2 Subsurface Exploration and Development of Parameters for Design

a Plan and conduct subsurface exploration 

b Conduct soil laboratory testing program

c Establish soil corrosion potential and level of corrosion protection 

d Develop subsurface profiles for analysis

e Develop soil parameters for design

f Obtain seismic parameters

g Conduct a risk analysis

Step 3 Load Definition

a Define unfactored, service loads 

b Select load combinations and load factors 

143 
Table 6.2: Main Steps – Design

Step No. Description

Step 4 Soil-Nail Configuration and Material Selection

a Develop wall layout

b Develop soil nail cross sections

c Select soil nail pattern on wall face

d Evaluate soil nail horizontal splaying

e Detail corrosion protection

f Select soil nail type and material properties

Step 5 Selection of Resistance Factors

Step 6 Overall Stability Analyses

a Evaluate internal stability

b Evaluate global stability

c Evaluate basal heave (if applicable)

d Evaluate sliding stability (if applicable)

Step 7 Strength Limit States (Geotechnical and Structural)

a Verify pullout resistance

b Verify sliding stability (if applicable)

c Verify nail tensile resistance

d Verify facing bending/flexural resistance

e Verify facing punching shear resistance

f Verify facing headed stud resistance

g Other facing design considerations

Step 8 Service Limit States (Deformations)

a Evaluate wall lateral and vertical displacements

b Evaluate lateral squeeze (if applicable)

Step 9 Seismic Design

a Select design seismic parameters

b Adjustment of design seismic coefficients

c Evaluate overall stability with seismic loads

Step 10 Drainage and Drainage Details

a Evaluate internal drainage

b Evaluate surface water runoff

c Develop drainage details

d Specialty items (if present)

Step 11 Other Design Considerations

a Develop final constructability evaluation

b Prepare plan for load-testing program

c Prepare plan for geotechnical monitoring program

Step 12 Preparation of Construction Drawings and Specifications

The sequence of work shown in Tables 6.1 and 6.2 is independent from who does the design. 

The sequence is applicable when an Owner (e.g., typically a public Agency), or the Owner’s 

144 
consultant, performs the analysis, design and plan preparation for a project in a Design/Bid/ 

Build contract. The sequence of work should be approximately the same if the Owner 

procures the project as a Design/Build contract. The difference is the proportion of design 

work performed by the Owner’s design team and the Contractor’s design team.

6.1.2 Initial Design Considerations

The Initial Design Considerations phase includes establishing the project performance 

requirements and constraints (Step 1), collecting geotechnical information (Step 2), and 

defining loads (Step 3). 

6.1.2a Step 1 Project Requirements

In this step, the Owner must establish or confirm the project requirements and constraints, 

confirm the design standards to be used, select expected project performance (depending if 

structure is critical or not, permanent or not, etc.). In addition, the Owner must collect and 

assemble preliminary geotechnical information that may exist and is relevant for the project. 

6.1.2b Step 2 Subsurface Exploration and Development of Parameters for Design

The Owner performs or commissions the preliminary evaluations and analysis in Step 2 to 

establish baselines and develop criteria in specifications and to evaluate feasibility and 

constructability.

Developing a thorough understanding of the geotechnical conditions at the site is of utmost 

importance. These conditions define the feasibility of soil nailing and impact the design. 

The detailed and complete characterization of site variability, definition of soil design 

parameters, and establishing the site corrosion and frost potentials are significant aspects of 

soil nail wall design that need to be completed before the Design phase is initiated.

Generally, the Owner performs Step 2 of the Initial Design Considerations phase to establish 

baselines and develop criteria so that the designers (whether working for Owner or 

Contractor) can evaluate feasibility, develop the core design and review constructability. 

The Owner or Owner’s consultant also often conducts other activities in the Initial Design 

Considerations phase. For example, the Owner should select the level of corrosion 

protection of soil nails, develop preliminary plan layouts, and perform preliminary overall 

stability and basal heave analyses (the latter, when applicable). In addition, if a sensitive 

structure exists next to the planned excavation, the Owner is expected to take responsibility 

for defining the performance criteria and for performing a preliminary deformation 

evaluation of the planned wall. If the Owner has strict limits for deformation (less than 

approximately 0.5 in.), the Owner may consider a soldier pile anchor wall or a secant pile 

145 
wall. For preliminary evaluation, the designer may need to consult existing publications 

dealing with the performance of top-down excavation systems (e.g., Clough and O’Rourke 

1990). 

The required level of corrosion protection for soil nails should be determined based on test 

results of soil corrosion potential, and following the procedure developed for selecting soil 

nail corrosion protection levels presented in Chapter 7 for solid bar soil nails and Chapter 10 

for HBSNs.

Deformation analyses can be of significant consideration if structures exist adjacent to the 

planned soil nail wall. Preliminary deformation analyses at this stage will help identify 

problem areas, and possible measures to limit displacements. Performance requirements 

must stipulate that these issues be further addressed in final design. Where deformations are 

of concern, the project documents must include monitoring requirements to verify 

deformations of the wall during and after construction. 

Owners must also conduct a risk evaluation. This evaluation will help identify other 

potential project risks (e.g., assessment of right-of-way constraints, traffic control and 

phasing, schedule, access restrictions, subsurface hazards, and seismic exposure), and help 

select strategies to mitigate these risks. Owners are expected to determine wall face aesthetic 

requirements and the soil nail wall procurement method in this Design phase. The engineer 

should consider all apparent aspects that affect constructability, including access, overhead 

limitations, obstructions, type of soil, drainage, traffic, etc.

6.1.2c Step 3 Load Definition

The engineer must define the loads that act upon the soil nail wall. These loads include 

permanent, transient, and extreme-events as described in Chapter 5. The engineer should 

determine load combinations according to AASHTO (2012). For soil nail design in highway 

projects, the load combinations are generally applicable for the following limit states:

• Strength I

• Service I

• Extreme-Event I (involving earthquake loads) 

6.2 Design Phase

6.2.1 Overview

The Design phase involves six main steps, which are discussed below. These are Steps 4 

through 9 in Table 6.2. Some steps may need to be repeated until the design is adequate. 

146 
The focus of the description is solid bar soil nails, but steps are generally applicable for 

HBSNs. 

6.3 Step 4 Soil Nail Configuration and Material Selection

6.3.1 Introduction

Once the existing geometric constraints are identified, the engineer must establish 

preliminary wall cross sections, including number of nails, vertical and horizontal nail 

spacing, and nail inclination and length. However, all of these quantities are expected to be 

adjusted to some degree as the design progresses. At this stage, the engineer should evaluate 

corrosion protection requirements and establish the corrosion protection features that meet 

the selected level of corrosion protection. Details about the adequate level of corrosion 

protection can be defined at a later stage (see Step 4e). Finally, the engineer must select a 

soil nail type and its mechanical properties before starting the verification of strength limit 

states.

6.3.2 Step 4a Develop Wall Layout

Using longitudinal profiles, plan views, cross sections, location of appurtenances (e.g., traffic 

barriers, utilities, and drainage systems), ROW limits, and other information obtained in Step 

1, the engineer determines the wall alignment, height range, and wall length. Constructability 

issues may include obstructions encountered during a pre-construction site survey, 

limitations that are specific to the drilling equipment, and potential cost-saving and 

construction scheduling adjustments.

6.3.3 Step 4b Develop Soil Nail Wall Cross Sections 

6.3.3a Wall Batter

The engineer must select the wall batter considering its design, cost, and aesthetic 

implications. The wall face for a soil nail wall can be vertical or nearly vertical. However, a

moderate (up to about 10 degrees) batter reduces the forces transferred to nails and allows the 

use of shorter nails. A larger batter can contribute to face stability, may eliminate the need 

for temporary berms in unstable sections, and allow the use of soil nails in not so 

advantageous soil conditions. However, the savings in shorter nails can be offset partially by 

the increase in wall face area and excavation volume created with the batter. A mild batter 

may also contribute to aesthetics, especially around horizontal curves. Truly vertical walls 

often appear to be leaning inward and may cause discomfort to the public. 

147 
6.3.3b Soil Nail Spacing

Soil nails are installed in a grid pattern. The horizontal nail spacing, SH, is often the same as 

the vertical nail spacing, SV (Figure 6.1). Nail spacing in both directions generally ranges 

from 4 to 6 ft and occasionally up to 6.5 ft, and is routinely selected at 5 ft. The spacing can 

be checked such that SH × SV is less than approximately 36 to 42 ft2

. 

The first row of nails should not be installed deeper than approximately 2 to 3.5 ft from the 

top edge of the wall to reduce the potential for instability of the upper excavation lift and to 

reduce cantilever effects on the temporary facing. The lowermost row of nails should be 

installed about 2 to 3 ft above the base of the excavation. These requirements are the result 

of the limited ability of the facing to work as a cantilever at the top and bottom of the wall. 

However, these limits may be adjusted for project-specific conditions, and when based on 

suitable analysis.

The engineer should consider adopting uniform nail spacing to simplify construction and 

quality control. However, nail spacing needs to be adjusted near the top and bottom of walls 

and where the grade changes. It may be difficult to obtain uniform nail spacing along the 

vertical edges of wall corners, where a wall ends (Figure 6.2a), and around existing utilities 

or underground structures. It is commonly more practical to install upper nails along one or 

two rows parallel or sub-parallel to the top of the wall, and install other nails in between, not 

exceeding a maximum spacing of approximately 6 ft (Figure 6.2a). 

A minimum soil nail spacing of approximately 3.5 ft must also be specified so the potential 

for drilling into previously installed nails due to drilling deviations will be reduced. Further, 

close spacing of nails may result in stress overlap in the load transfer similar to closely 

spaced piles. Exceptions to this guidance may arise in areas where concentrated loads (such 

as those from existing foundations) are applied above or immediately behind the soil nail 

wall.

148 
GEOCOMPOSITE 

DRAINAGE STRIPS

SH / 2

NAIL STAGGERED PATTERN

BOTTOM OF 

EXCAVATION

LIFTS

BOTTOM 

OF 

EXCAVATION

NAIL SQUARE PATTERN

NAIL 

#1

N

i

GEOCOMPOSITE 

DRAINAGE STRIPS

SVO < SV

SH / 2

SVN

SV

SVO

SVN < SV

SV

SH

0.30 M

(TYP)

0.30 M

(TYP)

Figure 6.1: Illustration. Soil nail patterns on wall face.

149 
6.3.3c Soil Nail Inclination

Soil nails are installed at 10 to 20 degrees from the horizontal, and most commonly at 15 

degrees. The grout can flow at these inclinations from the bottom of the drill hole to the 

head. Grout generally can fill the hole without leaving air pockets for typical drill-hole 

dimensions and grout mixes. 

Nail inclination angles less than 10 degrees should be avoided to prevent creating voids in 

the grout and an extended “bird’s beak” at the nail head. Voids can reduce the pullout 

resistance and decrease corrosion protection. 

Project conditions may require nails to be installed steeper than 15 degrees. Figure 6.2b 

illustrates that when utilities or underground structures are too close, the nails need to be 

installed at varying inclinations around these utilities or structures. The presence of utilities 

only impacts the upper few rows of nails because utilities are generally shallow. Nails 

should not be installed above utilities because future excavations for maintenance will likely 

disturb the wall stability. For example, Nail 1 in Figure 6.2b would need to be shorter than 

others to avoid reaching the utility pipeline. Note that Nail 2 Figure 6.2b, which is shown as 

a dashed line, may be compromised, depending on the type of utility if this nail is installed as 

shown. If layers of competent or highly competent soils exist below and near the base of the 

wall, some nails could be installed at steeper inclinations to extend into the competent soils 

and develop a higher pullout resistance. However, nail inclinations that are too steep may 

cancel out this benefit because the direction of the nail is not optimal for stability. Nails that 

are steeper than about 40 to 45 degrees may be in compression. 

Overhead restrictions in road widening projects under existing bridges can often impose a 

restriction on the inclination of the first few rows of nails by obstructing the positioning of 

the drill rig mast. This situation may require installing soil nails with shallow inclinations, or 

reinforcing the wall facing to allow cantilevers taller than 3.5 ft. Also, operating the drill rig 

at the bottom of a narrow, deep excavation can require installing nails at inclinations steeper 

than 15 degrees. 

The inclination of individual nail rows can be readily input in soil nail wall design computer 

programs. Steep soil nails will require a vertical reaction provided by the wall facing that is 

not calculated by soil nail wall computer programs and should be accounted for during 

design (see Section 6.10.3 “Strut-Nails”). 

150 
Figure 6.2: Illustration. Varying nail patterns: (a) example of nail arrangement for nonhorizontal ground, (b) varying nail inclination and lengths around utilities, and 

(c) nail splaying at corners.

6.3.3d Soil Nail Length

To develop a preliminary cross section for analysis, the soil nail length can be estimated to be 

approximately 0.7H, where H is the wall height. Longer nails will be needed: (i) in weak 

151 
soils; (ii) where deep-seated critical slip surfaces exist; (iii) when large surcharge loads exist 

behind the wall; and/or (iv) when a rising backslope exists behind the wall. 

Battered walls typically result in slightly shorter nails. A batter of 10 percent reduces the soil 

length requirements by approximately 10 to 15 percent when compared to walls with vertical 

faces, with all other conditions equal.

If it is determined with well-selected parameters and appropriate stability analysis that nail 

lengths would have to be greater than about 1.2H, this result may suggest that ground 

conditions are not favorable for soil nail walls. On the other end of the range, nail lengths 

less than 0.5H will not likely satisfy sliding stability requirements. Nail lengths less than 

approximately 0.6H are rare. 

6.3.3e Distribution of Soil Nail Lengths in Elevation

All nails in a wall can have uniform length for simplicity. This pattern is common in many 

walls. However, design engineers must take into account other considerations related to a 

uniform versus a non-uniform soil nail length pattern. 

Section 5.6.2 “Internal Stability” presented a discussion about how limit-equilibrium-based 

soil nail wall design programs tend to be unable to reproduce actual distributions of soil nail 

forces. In modeling soil nails of uniform length, these programs tend to predict the largest 

forces occurring in the lower sections of the wall; however, the largest soil nail forces tend to 

actually occur in the upper two thirds of the wall (as long as the upper nails are as long as or 

longer than the lower nails). In addition, the load distribution indicated in these programs 

tends to be inefficient across all nail rows. While a uniform soil nail pattern is not inherently 

unsafe, it is not optimal for reducing wall deformation. 

To offset this drawback, the design engineer may need to consider shorter nails in the lower 

half of the wall, with nails increasingly shorter toward the bottom. To achieve the same 

factor of safety as for uniform-length nails, if the lower rows are shortened, the upper rows 

must be longer. Therefore, smaller overall values of Tmax will be obtained, and a more 

realistic and better load distribution among nails will be obtained. In addition, longer nails in 

the upper half will result in smaller wall movements, other conditions being equal.

The following guidelines can be followed when selecting nail lengths to be modeled in limitequilibrium programs to achieve a more uniform load distribution among rows and reduce 

wall deformations (based on a procedure by Byrne et al. 1996). 

• Upper half of the wall: Soil nails whose heads are in this zone should have a uniform 

length, L. 

152 
• Lower half of the wall: Soil nails whose heads are in this zone should be increasingly 

shorter toward the bottom. The lengths of these nails must be determined by linear 

interpolation from value L at the wall mid height, to R × L at the base of the wall. R 

is < 1.0 and is selected depending on subsurface and geometric conditions and other 

factors, as indicated below. 

o For very dense, coarse-grained granular soils: 0.15 ≤ R ≤ 0.30 

o For silty sand, sand, to gravelly sand: 0.25 ≤ R ≤ 0.40 

o For fined-grained soils: 0.30 ≤ R ≤ 0.45 

R has been estimated for the following conditions: safety factor for pullout 

FSPO = 2.0, drill hole diameter (DDH) between 4 to 8 in., horizontal and vertical nail 

spacing (SH and SV) between 4 and 6 ft, and typical ranges of bond strengths (qU) for 

the soil types listed above. 

In addition, the following ranges of soil properties were considered to be consistent 

with the listed soil types: soil unit weight of retained soils (γs) between 110 and 130 

pcf, and ratio of maximum soil nail length to wall height (L/H) between 0.75 and 1.0. 

In general, larger values of DDH and qU, in conjunction with lower values of SH, SV, 

and γs, would produce lower values of R. 

Using a similar approach to that described above, SNAP-2 can perform a correction of the 

nails lengths if they were initially selected with the same length. This correction must be 

selected by the user because it is not a default setting. In other programs, the nail length can 

be easily modified. Regardless of the selected soil length pattern, stability analyses must be 

performed to verify that trial lengths and distribution of nails are adequate.

Note, however, that other soil nail length patterns can be selected to obtain lower estimates of 

the maximum soil nail load and to promote smaller wall deflections. For example, soil nail 

lengths can be selected to be longest in the upper third of the wall height, with an 

intermediate length in the central third, and shortest in the lower third. 

The presence of utilities or underground structures behind a soil nail wall may also require 

altering the lengths of some rows or individual nails. To achieve a target factor of safety, 

some nails may need to be longer, to compensate for other nails that need to be shorter, to 

avoid obstructions. 

153 
6.3.4 Step 4c Select Soil Nail Pattern on Wall Face

Soil nails are installed on the excavation face in “square” or, more commonly, “staggered” 

(also referred to as triangular or offset) patterns (Figure 6.1). The pattern of nails on the 

excavation face can become irregular at locations with space restrictions.

In the square pattern, nails are vertically aligned in rows. This pattern allows the easy 

construction of vertical joints in shotcrete and an easier installation of precast concrete panels 

(if used). Drain strips are equidistant from nails in this pattern. A staggered pattern results in 

more uniform earth-pressure distributions, better soil arching effects, and provides a slightly

larger resistance compared to those from a square pattern. 

6.3.5 Step 4d Evaluate Soil Nail Horizontal Splaying

Nails may need to be splayed on plan view to: (i) avoid manholes and other obstructions, (ii) 

avoid external corners due to interference with adjacent nails (Figure 6.2c); or (iii) to 

possibly improve stability at internal corners. The engineer must consider nail splaying 

before using a design computer program because these programs do not account for the splay 

angle. 

6.3.6 Step 4e Detail Corrosion Protection

The designer must select the corrosion protection technique or techniques that meet the level 

of corrosion protection established during the Initial Design Considerations phase. This 

selection involves specifying a material or process that is suitable for the nail type and 

installation procedures. Guidelines for selection of corrosion protection materials are 

provided in Chapters 7 and 10. 

6.3.7 Step 4f Select Soil Nail Type and Material Properties

The engineer must select a grade of steel for the soil nail bar and other metallic parts. 

Information on steel grades and sizes is presented in Chapter 3 and Appendix A. 

In traditional Design/Bid/Build contracts, the engineer may estimate a practical minimum 

drill hole diameter to provide the bond resistance required for stability. However, the drill 

hole diameter is ultimately selected by the Contractor to obtain the specified, nominal pullout 

resistance, and to possibly allow cleaning the drill hole, or accommodating a tremie pipe, 

tendon couplers, and centralizers.

154 
6.4 Step 5 Select Resistance Factors

The engineer should select resistance factors for LRFD verification and in accordance with 

the formulations presented in Chapter 5. Resistance factors are summarized in Table 6.3. 

As discussed in Section 5.3.4 “Calibration of Resistance Factors,” the selected resistance 

factors are consistent with the minimum required frequency of verification and proof testing, 

as discussed in detail in Chapter 9.

Table 6.3: Resistance Factors for Soil Nail Wall Design

Limit State Condition Symbol Resistance 

Factor 

Overall Stability Static φOS 0.65

Overall Stability Seismic loading φOS 0.90

Basal Heave Permanent wall, short-term 

conditions φBH 0.50 

Basal Heave Permanent wall, long-term 

conditions φBH 0.40 

Pullout Static φPO 0.65 

Pullout Seismic loading φPO 0.65 

Lateral Sliding Static φLS 0.90

Lateral Sliding Seismic loading φLS 1.00

Tensile Resistance Static – Grades 60/75

(ASTM A615) φT 0.75 

Tensile Resistance Static – Grades 95/150

(ASTM A722) φT 0.65 

Tensile Resistance Seismic loading – Grades 60/75 

(ASTM A615) φT 0.75 

Tensile Resistance Seismic loading – Grades 95/150 

(ASTM A722) φT 0.65 

Facing Flexural

Resistance Static φFF 0.90 

Facing Flexural 

Resistance Seismic loading φFF 0.90 

Punching Shear at Facing Static φFP 0.90 

Punching Shear at Facing Seismic loading φFP 0.90 

Headed Stud in Tension Static – A307 Steel Bolt φFH 0.70 

Headed Stud in Tension Static – A325 Steel Bolt φFH 0.80 

155 
Limit State Condition Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Headed Stud in Tension Seismic loading – A307 Steel 

Bolt φFH 0.65 

Headed Stud in Tension Seismic loading – A325 Steel 

Bolt φFH 0.75 

6.5 Step 6 Overall Stability

6.5.1 Step 6a Evaluate Internal Stability

Internal stability is typically analyzed using two-dimensional, limit-equilibrium, ASD-based

slope stability procedures, with readily available computer programs. A well-established 

computer program for designing soil nail walls should be preferred so that it can model 

multiple soil strata, groundwater, external loads, seismic loads, and also various geometric 

features. 

The ASD-based slope stability program will calculate the safety factors for overall stability 

(FSOS) and the maximum loads of all nails. Of these loads, which are limited in the program 

by tensile, pullout or facing resistances, the maximum among all nails (Tmax) will be selected 

for LRFD verifications, which are discussed in subsequent sections. If uniform soil length 

patterns are selected, larger values of Tmax will be obtained when compared to soil nail loads 

for nails that are increasingly shorter toward the base of the wall (for the same FSOS and other 

conditions being the same). 

The engineer must enter all applicable parameters into the computer program, including bond 

strengths for each representative layer (developed in Step 3e), wall geometry, nail layout, 

groundwater location, and external loads (Steps 4a – 4d). The soil parameters must be 

characterized according to Chapter 4, including soil unit weight, effective cohesion, effective 

angle of friction, and bond strengths. Preferably mean values should be input. 

Select an appropriate, minimum safety factor, FSOS, for internal stability as follows 

(Table 5.1): 

• For static conditions of permanent structures that the Owner considers to be “critical,” 

minimum FSOS = 1.5.

• For static conditions of permanent structures that the Owner considers to be noncritical, minimum FSOS = 1.35. This value may also apply to a critical structure and 

when the design uncertainty is considered to be limited (e.g., availability of abundant 

geotechnical information and successful local experience on soil nailing). 

156 
• For static conditions and temporary excavation (e.g., excavation lifts are unsupported 

for up to 2 days before nails are installed) for permanent structures that the Owner 

considers to be critical, minimum FSOS = 1.30. 

• For static conditions and temporary excavation for permanent structures that the 

Owner considers to be non-critical, minimum FSOS = 120. 

• For seismic conditions, when permanent seismic deformations are not taken into 

account, minimum FSOS = 1.1. 

• For seismic conditions, when the horizontal seismic coefficient is based on estimated, 

allowable seismic deformations, minimum FSOS = 1.0. 

Some ASD computer programs require input of values of factors of safety, or alternatively 

reduction factors for pullout, tension, and facing flexure, as shown in Step 5. Recommended 

minimum factors of safety for these limit states were also presented in Table 5.1. 

The user has to first estimate (outside of the program) the ultimate tensile and facing 

punching resistance, per Table 6.3 or via an iterative process (see Step 7); and then enter 

them into the program. The user should select mean values of the strengths (or nominal 

resistances) for consistency with LRFD practice. Programs such as SNAP-2 calculate the 

strengths of the facing based on the user’s input of facing design parameters (thickness, 

strengths, etc.) and factors of safety specific to these failure modes, also entered by the user. 

The user must also enter a trial design (soil nail lengths, spacing, size, facing details, etc., per 

Step 4) into the computer program. 

The following iterative procedure is used in ASD stability analyses: 

• Enter trial design and calculate the factor of safety. 

• Compare it to the selected minimum factor of safety, FSOS.

• Modify nail lengths (globally or in selected rows) until the calculated factor of safety 

is equal to or higher than the minimum FSOS. 

• Inspect the calculated loads of all nails, and record the maximum value of each nail 

for later use. Select Tmax as the largest of all these nail loads.

• If the program indicates that nail length should be much longer than the range of nail 

lengths listed in Step 4e, consider adjusting the nail resisting force by increasing the 

nail hole diameter (more cost-effective), decreasing the nail spacing (less costeffective), or by combining these effects. 

Soil nail design programs are generally sufficient for producing complete ASD-based designs 

for typical and routine structures. However, the range of potential slip surfaces investigated 

may vary. Potential slip surfaces should be investigated: (i) above and below a wall; (ii) 

completely behind and beneath the soil nails; and (iii) at each stage of construction. 

Additionally, for complex wall geometries (multi-tiered walls, sloping terrain above or at the 

157 
toe of the wall), general slope-stability programs may need to be used to thoroughly 

investigate instability concerns. 

Note that general slope-stability programs may require different types of input. For example, 

some programs require that the nail pullout resistance be entered as an allowable value (e.g., 

one of the options in SNAIL or SNAILZ). Other programs allow the user to enter either 

bond stresses or resistance per unit length. In SNAP-2, the ultimate (i.e., nominal) value of 

the bond strength is input. 

Soil nail design programs usually indicate which structural limit state is controlling the 

analysis: pullout, tensile, or facing mechanisms. With this feature, the engineer may iterate 

an analysis more efficiently by modifying the features associated with the controlling limit 

state: length of nail or drill hole diameter for pullout, nail bar size for tensile resistance, or 

facing thickness and/or facing reinforcement for facing resistance mechanisms. If the failure 

mode is pullout, some programs, such as SNAP-2, indicate in which soil layer pullout is 

occurring. 

When soil nail walls are evaluated for seismic loading, the horizontal seismic coefficient, kh, 

needs to be input in design programs. Guidance for selecting the horizontal seismic 

coefficient is presented in Section 6.8. 

6.5.2 Step 6b Evaluate Global Stability

The global stability of soil nail walls must be performed using two-dimensional, limitequilibrium analyses in a conventional ASD framework. In these analyses, the slip surfaces 

must be considered to extend behind the soil nails, hence disregarding any contribution to 

stability from the nails. The Owner is responsible for providing global stability in most 

projects before the project construction is put out for bid. Depending on the type of contract, 

the Contractor may be responsible after bid for verifying internal stability of the soil nail 

wall. Because the length of soil nails is only assumed until a design is complete (by the 

Owner in Design/Bid/Build procurement, or by the Contractor in a Design/Build contract), 

global stability analyses may need to be repeated considering the final design nail lengths. 

General slope stability computer programs are more commonly used to evaluate global 

stability than dedicated soil nail design software, as discussed in Section 5.6.3 “Global 

Stability.” Soil nail design software may provide reasonable results for simple wall 

geometries and regular stratigraphies; however, these results are generally not comprehensive 

because slip surfaces do not extend under the toe of a wall, or, if they do, the passive 

resistance below the wall is generally not modeled correctly. While slip surfaces in SNAP-2 

can extend under the toe of the wall, the program does not provide the user full control to 

select trial slip surfaces.

158 
Both internal and external stability must be evaluated in complex geometries, such as that of 

a stepped wall shown in Figure 6.3. Internal stability analysis must include slip surfaces 

intersecting some or all of the soil nails of each wall and the retained soil. These slip 

surfaces are labeled “compound” and are shown with dashed lines in Figure 6.3. All soil nail 

design software can handle short, compound slip surfaces behind individual stepped walls. 

However, these programs, with the exception of SNAP-2, cannot model compound slip 

surfaces extending below the toe of individual walls. On the other hand, none of the soil nail 

design programs can properly model the long slip surface shown as a filled line in Figure 6.3. 

Figure 6.3: Illustration. Overall and compound slip surfaces in complex soil nail walls. 

Modified after AASHTO (2014). 

6.5.3 Step 6c Evaluate Basal Heave (if applicable)

If soft fine-grained soils exist at the base of a soil nail wall, the potential for heave at the base 

of the excavation must be evaluated. If computations indicate a high potential for basal 

heave, an alternative support-of-excavation system may need to be recommended. 

Preliminary evaluation of basal heave should be performed during the Initial Design 

Considerations phase. If appropriate, a detailed evaluation should be performed for the final 

wall layout. In some cases, general slope-stability programs can be used to evaluate stability 

159 
for both drained and undrained conditions of the fine-grained soils. The slip surfaces should 

be selected to extend under the wall and to daylight at the base of the excavation. For soft 

fine-grained soils, undrained conditions for short-term conditions are more critical than 

drained resistance conditions.

However, the analysis of basal heave may require special considerations with slope stability 

software to force the slip surfaces along vertical planes. The simplified method described in 

Section 5.6.6 “Basal Heave” can be used to evaluate basal heave.

6.5.4 Step 6d Evaluate Sliding Stability (if applicable) 

The potential for sliding along the base of the nail-reinforced block must be evaluated if a 

horizontal (or sub-horizontal with unfavorable orientation) layer of weak soil is present 

immediately under the zone of nail-reinforced soil, and this layer leads to instability after the 

wall excavation is initiated. 

General, modern ASD-based slope-stability programs can be used to evaluate sliding 

stability, as they can model planar slip surfaces, which would pass along the layer of weak 

soil. On the other hand, most soil-nail design computer programs cannot appropriately 

model horizontal slip surfaces. If ASD-based slope stability programs are used for these 

evaluations, LRFD verifications of sliding stability should be conducted considering the 

resistance factors for overall stability of Table 5.4 and load factors equal to 1.0. 

Alternatively, if the simplified procedure of Section 5.7.7 “Lateral Sliding Stability” is used 

for these evaluations, LRFD verifications of sliding stability should include the resistance 

factors for sliding of Table 5.7 and the EV and ES load factors from Table 5.3. 

6.6 Step 7 Verify Geotechnical and Structural Resistances

6.6.1 Overview

At this stage, the designer first must obtain from the stability analysis the load at each nail 

level and select Tmax as the largest value in all nails. This will represent the load in the LRFD 

verification of strength limit states. The load will be multiplied by a load factor that is 

selected for LRFD verification in this manual. The selected load factor is γ = γEV = 1.35, 

where γEV is the load factor for vertical earth loads per AASHTO (2012). The selected load 

factor will be appropriate in most cases. While vertical and horizontal earth loads are the 

predominant loads in soil nail walls, analyses of idealized soil nail walls suggest that the 

effect of the vertical earth loads is more significant than that of horizontal earth loads.

Therefore, the load factor selected is associated with vertical earth loads. However, the load 

factor selected for verification may need to be adjusted in cases where surcharge loads are 

160 
much larger than earth loads. Loads other than soil self-weight (for example, surcharge or 

traffic loads) may be considered using an ASD-based stability program by entering these 

loads as adjusted values, where an unfactored, original load is modified by a factor γ/γEV, 

where γ is the load factor associated with that load component. 

6.6.2 Step 7a Verify Pullout Resistance

Pullout resistance is mobilized behind the slip surface, along the length, Lp, and contributes 

to overall stability. The length, LP, can be estimated from the graphical output of soil nail 

design programs, where critical slip surfaces and soil nails are shown to an appropriate scale. 

The nominal (i.e., ultimate) pullout resistance per unit length, rPO, is expressed as:

Equation 6.1: Nominal unit pullout resistance. 

Where: 

qu = bond strength of the nail-grout-soil interface (force/unit area)

DDH = diameter of the drill hole

Distributions of bond stresses along the grout-soil interface can be complex and exhibit 

variations along Lp (Figure 6.4).

161 
Figure 6.4: Illustration. Single nail stress-transfer mode: (a) soil 

nail layout, (b) distribution of mobilized bond stresses, 

and (c) hypothetical distribution of loads along the nail. 

The distribution is assumed to be constant along the nail pullout length for simplicity, and the 

bond stress is considered to have an apparent, average value. When the bond stress increases 

to its maximum value, the bond strength, qu, is mobilized. 

The nominal pullout resistance, RPO, is calculated as follows:

Equation 6.2: Nominal pullout resistance.

Pullout resistance is evaluated as follows:

Equation 6.3: Capacity-to-demand ratio (CDR). 

162 
Where: 

γ = γEV = 1.35 

Tmax = maximum nominal tensile force

6.6.3 Step 7b Evaluate Sliding Stability (if applicable)

The sliding stability should be evaluated if a layer of weak soil underlies the block of 

reinforced soil. A simplified hand-calculation, as presented in Section 5.7.3, can be used 

when the sliding plane is horizontal. For more complex subsurface conditions, the sliding 

evaluation can be performed using a general slope-stability program. Sliding stability should 

be checked with service limit state load factors. Minimum factors of safety for the ASDbased slope stability analysis are presented in Table 5.1 for static and seismic design cases. 

In general, soil nail computer programs do not have the capability of modeling these types of 

slip surfaces.

6.6.4 Step 7c Verify Nail Tensile Resistance

The capacity-to-demand ratio will be: 

Equation 6.4: CDR definition. 

Where:

φT = resistance factor for tensile resistance of the tendon 

RT = nominal tensile resistance of the tendon

γ = load factor selected for verification

Tmax = as defined before

The nominal tensile resistance of the tendon is: 

Equation 6.5: Nominal tensile resistance of tendon.

Where:

At = cross-sectional area of tendon

fy = nominal yield resistance of tendon (force per area) 

163 
In selecting the nominal yield resistance of the tendon, consider that Grade 150 bars achieve 

an apparent yield at 120 ksi and a tensile rupture at 150 ksi. Grade 75 bars yield at 75 ksi and 

rupture at 100 ksi. The grout surrounding the bar does not contribute to the tensile resistance 

of the soil nail.

Select the smallest bar size that meets the required cross-sectional area (see Appendix A). 

Although the ultimate selection of the drill hole diameter will be the Contractor’s 

responsibility, the designer should verify during design if the tendon diameter is compatible 

with: (i) the estimated drill hole diameter; (ii) the requirements for corrosion protection plus 

grout cover, and (iii) couplers.

6.6.5 Step 7d Verify Facing Bending/Flexural Resistance

6.6.5a Initial Calculations

Programs like SNAP-2 perform a rigorous calculation of the flexural resistance and compute 

the reinforcement ratio checks. For programs that do not have this capability, the designer 

must verify the flexural resistance at the facing using the following steps: 

(1) Select the thickness of the initial facing (hi) and the final facing (hf):

hi (in in.): 4 (typical) or 6 

hf (in in.): 6, 8 (typical, for final shotcrete), 10 and thicker (CIP facing) 

(2) Select type and grades of facing reinforcement: 

Grade 60 rebar is typically used. Grade 60 WWM is typical, but alternative grades 

such as 70, 75 and 80 are also available. Select yield strengths fy_R and fy_W for rebar 

and WWM, respectively.

Refer to Appendix A for WWM and rebar sizes. 

(3) Select shotcrete strength (fꞌc): (typically 3000 to 4000 psi, with the latter value being 

more commonly used).

164 
(4) Select headed stud characteristics (Appendix A).

Select bearing plate geometry: 

Recommended minimum dimensions: 8 in. × 8 in. 

Recommended minimum thickness: 0.75 in. 

(5) Calculate the reinforcement ratio, ρij, as:

Equation 6.6: Reinforcement ratio.

Where, aij = ratio of cross-sectional area of reinforcement per unit width (in “i” 

direction and “j” location) and h = thickness of the facing being designed, whether 

initial or final. The direction “i” can be “v” (for vertical) or “h” (for horizontal); the 

location “j” can be “n” (nail head) or “m” (mid-span between nails). 

The cross-sectional areas of reinforcement per unit width in the vertical or horizontal 

direction and around and between nails are shown schematically in Figure 6.5. The 

nomenclature for the reinforcement areas per unit width is presented below and in 

Table 6.4: 

Equation 6.7: Definition of reinforcement cross-sectional area per unit width in the 

vertical direction at the nail head.

Equation 6.8. Definition of reinforcement cross-sectional area per unit width in the 

horizontal direction at the nail head.

165 
Table 6.4: Nomenclature for Cross-Sectional Area per Unit Width 

of Facing Reinforcement

Direction Location Cross-Sectional Area of 

Reinforcement per Unit Width

Vertical Nail Head (1) avn

Vertical Mid-Span (2) avm

Horizontal Nail Head (1) ahn

Horizontal Mid-Span (2) ahm

Notes: (1) Both WWM and the rebar contribute.

(2) Only WWM contributes.

Where:

avn = reinforcement cross-sectional area per unit width in the vertical direction at the 

nail head. If the yield strengths of the WWM and the rebar are different in the 

initial facing, this is an equivalent value.

avm = reinforcement cross-sectional area per unit width in the vertical direction at 

midspan 

ahn = equivalent reinforcement cross-sectional area per unit width in the horizontal 

direction at the nail head

ahm = reinforcement cross-sectional area per unit width in the horizontal direction at 

midspan 

A'VN = equivalent cross-sectional area at the head in the vertical direction to consider 

different yield strengths for the WWM and rebar. A'VN = (fy_R/fy_W) × AVN, where 

fy_R = rebar yield strengths and fy_W = WWM yield strength 

A'HN = equivalent cross-sectional area at the head in the horizontal direction. 

A'HN = (fy_R/fy_W) × AHN

SH = nail horizontal spacing 

SV = nail vertical spacing

166 
Figure 6.5: Illustration. Reinforcement nomenclature for facing in bending. 

The additional horizontal and vertical rebar in the initial facing must be placed near the nail 

heads, usually within a distance hi from the walls of the drill hole. Horizontal bars should 

have a length of at least 0.60SH; however, it is not uncommon to place waler bars with a 

length equal to SH (Figure 6.5). Vertical rebar should be at least 0.60SV long. Laps between 

adjacent bars must be in the mid-span between nails. The wire spacing in WWM typically 

used in soil nail walls must meet the requirements for maximum spacing of reinforcement per 

Section 10.6 “Distribution of Flexural Reinforcement” of ACI (2011).

6.6.5b Estimation of Nominal Flexural Resistance

The nominal flexural resistance, RFF, is the force at the nail head that arises when the facing 

reaches its maximum bending resistance. This force is calculated based on the contribution 

of bending capacities around the nails and in the mid-span between nails of equivalent twoway slabs. If the vertical and horizontal spacings are different or if different size 

reinforcements are used in the two directions (a relatively uncommon situation), the 

maximum force must be calculated separately for the vertical and horizontal directions, and 

the smaller of these forces must be adopted as RFF. This evaluation must be carried out for 

both the initial and final facings, as shown below. 

167 
Initial Facing

To estimate RFF for the initial facing, the bending resistance (mv) of the initial facing must be 

first evaluated at the nail head and then in the mid-span, for both vertical and horizontal 

directions, and considering equivalent cross-sectional areas in each case. For each of these 

four scenarios, the bending resistances are:

Equation 6.9: Vertical bending resistance of initial facing at midspan. 

Equation 6.10: Vertical bending resistance of initial facing at nail head. 

Equation 6.11: Horizontal bending resistance of initial facing at midspan. 

Equation 6.12: Horizontal bending moment of initial facing at nail head. 

RFF is the smaller of the following two quantities:

Equation 6.13: Nominal bending resistance for bending in the vertical direction. 

Equation 6.14: Nominal resistance for bending in the horizontal direction. 

CF is a factor that considers the effect of non-uniform soil pressures acting behind the facing. 

The distribution of soil pressure behind the wall is affected by the magnitude of the wall 

displacement, soil conditions, and the facing stiffness and thickness. As depicted in Figure 

168 
6.6, the soil pressure is smaller between nails, where the displacements are larger and tend to 

produce a stress relief. The soil pressure immediately behind the nails is larger than that in 

the mid-span because the soil confinement is greater. 

Eqs. 6.9 through 6.14 are also valid for the final facing provided the parameters of the 

equations (thickness and material strengths) are selected appropriately for the final facing.

Figure 6.6: Illustration. Soil pressure distribution 

behind facing. Modified after Byrne et 

al. (1998). 

If Grade 60 steel is used for WWM and rebar, and f ꞌc = 4,000 psi for shotcrete, the following 

simplified equations can be used:

Equation 6.15: Nominal bending resistance for Grade 60 steel WWM/rebar and 4,000 psi 

shotcrete.

169 
Where: 

Equation 6.16: Definition of F.

Assuming that avn = avm = and ahn = ahm = as, and SH = SV, the following equation can be used 

for the final facing, where CF = 1.0: 

Equation 6.17: Nominal bending resistance. 

CF is selected from Table 6.5. 

Table 6.5: Factor CF

Facing Facing Thickness,

hi or hf (in.) CF

Initial 4 2.0 

Initial 6 1.5 

Initial 8 1.0 

Final All 1.0 

The facing flexural nominal resistance (RFF) for the initial facing is calculated using 

Equations 6.15 or 6.17. Alternatively, RFF can be estimated from Table 6.6 using results for 

initial calculations (Section 6.6.5a). 

170 
Table 6.6: Nominal Flexure Resistance, RFF (Initial Facing)

Facing 

thickness, hi

Nail 

Spacing 

Ratio(1)

ρtot = 0.5 % (2) ρtot = 1.0 % (2) ρtot = 2.0 % (2) 

(in.) (ft/ft) RFF (kip) (3) (5) RFF (kip) (4) (5) RFF (kip) (4) (5)

4 0.67 12 24 48

4 1 18 36 71

6 0.67 20 40 81

6 1 30 60 120

8 0.67 24 48 95

8 1 36 71 143

(1) Nail spacing ratio = smaller of SV/SH or SH/SV. 

(2) ρtot = ρn+ρm, ρn and ρm are the nail head and mid-span 

reinforcement ratios, respectively, in either direction.

(3) The above values are valid for Grade 60 steel. Multiply the values 

above by 1.24 for Grade 75 steel. 

(4) Divide RFF by 2 for final facing thickness hf = 4 in. Divide RFF by 

1.5. for hf = 6 in. For hf = 8 in., use same RFF. 

Final Facing

The same steps shown above for the initial facing must be completed for the final facing, 

considering the appropriate reinforcement, section thickness and material properties.

The facing resistance is verified in LRFD for each of the facings as follows:

Equation 6.18: Capacity-to-demand ratio for bending in facing. 

Where: 

φFF = resistance factor for bending/flexure in the facing 

RFF = nominal resistance for bending/flexure of facing

γ = load factor selected for verifications

To = maximum tensile force at soil nail head, as estimated with Eq. 5.1 (Section 5.2.1) 

If the resistance is insufficient, increase the thickness of facing, amount of steel, and/or 

strength of steel and/or of concrete.

171 
6.6.6 Step 7e Verify Facing Punching Shear Resistance

For programs that do not have the capability of verifying the punching shear resistance, the 

designer must verify the punching shear resistance at the facing using the procedure 

presented below. 

Connectors installed at the nail head may be subjected to a punching shear limit state, which 

may occur if the nominal shear resistance of the reinforced shotcrete/concrete section around 

the nails is exceeded. The nominal punching shear resistance must be evaluated for both 

initial and final facings (Figure 6.7) for:

• Initial facing: bearing plate connection 

• Final facing: headed stud connection 

At the limit state, a conical shear surface forms in the facing around the nail head. The size 

of the conical shear surface is affected by the thickness of the facing, and the dimension of 

the bearing plate (initial facing) and headed studs (final facing). 

The nominal facing punching shear resistance, RFP, for either situation must meet the 

following condition: 

Equation 6.19: Capacity-to-demand ratio for punching shear resistance. 

Where: 

φFP = resistance factor for punching shear in the facing

γ = load factor selected for verification

To = maximum tensile force at soil nail head, as defined previously 

RFP is estimated as:

Equation 6.20: Nominal punching shear resistance at facing.

Where: 

CP = dimensionless factor that accounts for the contribution of the soil support under 

the nail head to the shear resistance

VF = concrete punching shear basic resistance acting through the facing section 

172 
CP can be as high as 1.15 if the soil reaction is considered. The contribution from the soil 

support behind the wall is conservatively assumed to be negligible; therefore, CP = 1.0. The 

punching shear resistance, VF, can be calculated as:

Equation 6.21: Nominal punching shear resistance through facing. 

Where: 

f ꞌc = as defined before

Dꞌc = effective equivalent diameter of the conical slip surface

hc = effective depth of the conical surface

Dꞌc and hc must be selected separately for the initial and final facing, as follows: 

Initial facing (Figure 6.7a)

Equation 6.22: Effective, equivalent diameter of conical slip surface through initial facing.

Equation 6.23: Effective depth of the conical slip surface, initial facing.

Where:

LBP = bearing plate size

hi = thickness of initial facing

173 
Figure 6.7: Illustration. Limit states for punching shear in facing – horizontal cross 

sections: (a) bearing plate connection, (b) headed-stud connection. Modified 

after Byrne et al. (1998).

174 
Final facing (Figure 6.7b)

Equation 6.24: Effective, equivalent diameter of conical slip surface, final facing. 

Where:

Equation 6.25: Effective depth of conical slip surface, final facing.

And: 

SSH = headed stud spacing

LS = headed stud length

tSH = thickness of the stud head (Figure 6.8) 

tP = bearing plate thickness

Figure 6.8: Illustration. Geometry of headed studs. 

Note that LS and hf must be selected such that the cover of final shotcrete or concrete over the 

stud is at least 2 in. according to Section 7.6.7 “Nail-Head Corrosion Protection.” Available 

sizes of headed studs can be found in Appendix A and in references provided by 

manufacturers.

A simplified method is presented below for estimating the punching shear resistance (RFP). 

175 
(1) Adopt values for concrete strength (f ꞌc), facing thickness (h), and bearing plate length 

(LBP).

(2) Calculate the nominal facing punching shear resistance (RFP) for the initial and final 

facings using Tables 6.7a and b. 

Table 6.7a: Facing Resistance – Shear Punching, RFP

(Initial Facing)

Facing 

thickness, hi

f'c LBP = 8 in. LBP = 9 in. LBP = 10 in.

(in.) (psi) RFP (kip) RFP (kip) RFP (kip)

4 3,000 32 35 37

4 4,000 37 40 43

6 3,000 56 60 64

6 4,000 65 69 74

8 3,000 85 91 96

8 4,000 99 105 111

Notes:

(1) f 'c = concrete compressive strength.

(2) LBP = bearing plate length. 

Table 6.7b: Facing Resistance – Shear Punching, RFP

(Final Facing)

hc

(1) f'c SSH = 4 in. SSH = 5 in. SSH = 6 in. 

(in.) (psi) RFP (kip) RFP (kip) RFP (kip)

4 3,000 21 21 21

4 4,000 25 25 25

6 3,000 30 33 33

6 4,000 35 39 39

8 3,000 40 44 48

8 4,000 46 51 55

Note: (1) hc = Ls - tH + tP, where: 

Ls = effective length of headed stud (Table A.7).

tP = thickness of bearing plate (typically 0.75 in.).

tH = head thickness of headed stud (Table A.7).

6.6.7 Step 7f Verify Facing Headed Stud Resistance

For programs that cannot verify the headed stud resistance, the designer can verify this 

resistance at the facing using the following steps:

176 
(1) Compute RFH as follows:

Equation 6.26: Headed stud resistance at facing.

Where: 

NH = number of headed studs in the connection (usually 4) 

AS = cross-sectional area of the headed stud shaft 

fy-hs = tensile yield strength of headed stud 

(2) Verify that:

Equation 6.27: Capacity-to-demand ratio for a headed stud. 

Where:

φFH = resistance factor for headed stud tensile resistance

RFH = nominal tensile resistance of headed studs in final facings

γ = load factor selected for verification

To = as defined earlier

(3) Verify that the compression on the concrete behind headed studs is within tolerable 

limits by assuring that:

Equation 6.28: Verification for sufficient cross-sectional area of headed stud. 

And: 

Equation 6.29: Verification of sufficient thickness of headed stud. 

Where:

AH = Cross-sectional area of the stud head

DSH = Diameter of head

DSC = Diameter of shaft

177 
(4) Provide sufficient embedment to headed studs beyond the middle of the facing 

section and behind the WWM in the final facing.

(5) Provide a minimum of 2 in. of cover over connectors or as suggested by ACI 318. 

Select worst condition. 

(6) If threaded bolts are used instead, replace AS above with the effective cross-sectional 

area of the bolts, AE: 

Equation 6.30: Effective cross-sectional area of threaded bolts. 

Where: 

DE = effective diameter of the bolt core

nt = number of threads per unit length 

Alternatively, Table 6.8 could be used to estimate RFH. 

Table 6.8: Headed Stud Resistance in Tension, RFH 

(Final Facing)

Headed Stud Shaft 

Diameter, DSC (in.)

RFH

(1)

(kip)

3/8 28

1/2 48

5/8 75

3/4 108

7/8 146

(1) Based on four (4) headed studs and Grade 60 steel. For Grade 

75 steel, multiply values in this table by 1.24.

6.6.8 Step 7g Other Facing Design Considerations

Several other items should be considered during the facing design: 

(1) Select bearing plates of mild steel with minimum Grade 36. 

(2) Specify the nuts at the nail head to be heavy-duty, hexagonal, to include corrosion 

protection, and to be compatible with corrosion protection systems as specified by the 

manufacturers. 

178 
(3) Select beveled washers at the nail head to be of plain or galvanized steel. If the plate 

and other hardware elements are not within the ranges for strength and dimension 

provided earlier, a formal calculation of capacities should be performed. Note that 

some proprietary systems employ spherical seat nuts that do not require beveled 

washers.

There are examples of permanent walls where the initial shotcrete facing also serves as the 

final facing. In these cases, the soil nail head protrudes from the final facing and no headed 

studs are installed. The verifications for flexural and punching shear resistances would be 

required once. The parameter Cf selected for verifications of bending capacity should be that 

corresponding to an initial facing. The verification for headed stud resistance is unnecessary

in this case. The engineer would have to design for a minimum cover of 2 in. on the outside 

face and 3 in. on the soil side over the reinforcement in the facing and over the nail head 

elements. Because the soil nail head protrudes, effective, long-term corrosion protection for 

the soil nail head may also be provided with external caps, grease compounds, etc. 

6.7 Step 8 Service Limit States (Deformations) 

6.7.1 Step 8a Evaluate Wall Lateral and Vertical Displacements

A soil nail wall should be designed to limit movements of the wall within tolerable ranges. 

Estimate the maximum lateral and vertical displacements of the ground behind the wall using 

the approximate method presented in Chapter 5. These limits are listed in the SNAP-2 

output; however, the program does not evaluate deformations.

For complex geometries or when the wall will be constructed adjacent to a critical structure 

that lies within DDEF (Figure 5.16), the engineer could use numerical methods to evaluate the 

magnitude and distribution of these deflections. The most common numerical methods are 

2D finite element method (FEM) and the finite difference method (FDM).

Numerical methods may be especially useful when the soil nail wall resists relatively large

surcharge loads. Plasticity-based soil models should be preferred over elasticity-based 

models to predict vertical displacement of the ground behind the soil nail wall. In certain 

cases where the excavation induces drainage of pore pressures within the soil, long-term 

compression of the soil and the ensuing settlement and lateral movement must also be 

considered in the analysis. 

The maximum lateral movement should be limited to approximately less than 0.3% H (where 

H = wall height) for fine-grained soils, 0.2% H for granular soils, 0.1% H for weathered rock 

and stiff or dense soil of the wall height for most soil types. The zone of influence that is 

179 
affected by lateral movement extends a distance DDEF that can be up to 1.5 times H for a 

vertical soil nail wall constructed in fine-grained soils.

6.7.2 Step 8b Evaluate Lateral Squeeze (if applicable)

Verification for lateral squeeze may be necessary if a soil nail wall becomes part of a bridge 

abutment overlying soft soils, and unbalanced embankment loads develop behind the wall. 

In these cases, the lateral deflections must be evaluated. Guidance for evaluating lateral 

squeeze, as well as methods for stabilizing soils to prevent problems related to lateral 

squeeze, are presented in Samtani and Nowatzki (2006). 

6.8 Step 9 Seismic Design

6.8.1 Overview

The performance of soil nail walls during earthquakes has been historically observed to be 

much better than that of gravity retaining structures. Observations made after recent 

earthquakes indicate that soil nail walls did not show significant distress or permanent 

deflections, although some of the surveyed walls were subjected to ground accelerations as 

large as 0.7g (Felio et al. 1990; Tatsuoka et al. 1997; Tufenkjian 2002). Vucetic et al. (1993) 

and Tufenkjian and Vucetic (2000) observed similar trends in centrifuge tests performed on 

reduced-scale models of soil nail walls. These findings suggest that soil nail walls have an 

intrinsic satisfactory seismic performance, which is attributed to their flexibility and design 

redundancy. 

Soil nail walls still need to be fully designed for seismic loads when applicable. AASHTO

(2014), Article 11.5.4.2, gives guidance about when earth-retaining structures require 

analysis for loads at the Extreme-Event I limit state. The criteria for MSE walls, another 

earth-supporting system regarded as flexible, can be considered appropriate for soil nail 

walls. It is stated in that article that a seismic design is not mandatory for MSE walls in 

AASHTO-defined Seismic Zone 1 (i.e., for a design response acceleration for 1-sec period, 

S1D≤ 0.15), Seismic Zone 2 (0.15 < S1D≤ 0.30), and Seismic Zone 3 (0.30 < S1D≤ 0.50), or for 

walls at sites where the site-adjusted, design PGAD is ≤ 0.4 g, and as long as the soils behind 

the wall do not liquefy (mainly cohesionless soils), or sustain significant strength degradation 

(mainly fine-grained soils) during dynamic loading. 

Once it has been identified that seismic analyses are necessary, the steps listed in the next 

section, which are based on Kavazanjian et al. (2011), are recommended for the seismic 

evaluation of soil nail walls. 

180 
6.8.2 Step 9a Select Design Seismic Parameters

(1) Obtain seismic parameters (PGA and S1) from AASHTO (2014) for a 1,000-year 

return period for a reference Site Class B, as described in Section 4.9. Select 

alternative values for a different return period if required by Owner.

(2) Determine the average shear-wave velocity (v_bar), average N60 (N_bar), or average 

Su_bar (for cohesive soils) in the upper 100 ft from the site ground surface. Consider 

the 100 ft from the planned top of wall. 

(3) Assign a Site Class (from A through F) using Table 4.8. 

(4) If Site Class is between A and E, obtain site modification factors FPGA and Fv from 

Tables 4.9 and 4.10, respectively. If Site Class is F, perform site-specific site 

response analysis (beyond the scope of this manual, see Kavazanjian et al. 2011). 

(5) Calculate the design, site-corrected peak ground acceleration and 1-sec response 

acceleration as: PGAD = FPGA PGA and SD1 = Fv S1. 

(6) Determine the maximum seismic coefficient, kmax, which will be the basis for input in

the limit-equilibrium analysis, as follows:

For Site Classes C through E:

Equation 6.31: Design, site-corrected peak ground acceleration (Site Classes C

through E).

For Site Classes A and B (not typical conditions for soil nail walls): 

Equation 6.32: Design, site-corrected peak ground acceleration (Site Classes A and 

B).

6.8.3 Step 9b Adjustment of Design Seismic Coefficients

Wall height 

If the wall is 20 ft high or more, the maximum seismic coefficient can be reduced. This 

reduction is done to account for the decrease of seismic wave intensity as the waves 

propagate through the soil behind the wall from the base to the top of the wall. The longer 

181 
the path the waves traverse, the larger the wave scattering (or spatial incoherence) and the 

larger the intensity reduction. The adjustment is effectively an averaging of the seismic wave 

intensity over the height of the wall. The adjusted kmax value is the seismic coefficient, kh, 

which is defined as: 

Equation 6.33: Seismic coefficient corrected for wall height.

Where α is a height adjustment factor defined as: 

Equation 6.34: Wall height correction factor.

Where: 

H = wall height 

β = S1D/kmax

Seismic deformations

Because soil nail walls are more flexible than gravity walls and other similar systems, it is 

reasonable to expect that these walls will sustain some lateral displacement during 

earthquakes, and that these displacements can be tolerated. Experience suggests that 

permanent deformations of relatively flexible walls, including soil nail walls, tend to be small 

when 0.5 ≤ kh/PGA ≤ 0.67, and as long as the strength of soils behind the wall does not 

decrease significantly during strong ground motions. 

The first step is to assess whether the wall system can accept seismically-induced, lateral, 

permanent movements. Categories of tolerable movement to consider are (Kavazanjian et al. 

2011): 

• Rigid, retaining-earth systems that are unable to sustain permanent displacements

(e.g., these wall types have certain structural features that cannot sustain large 

deformations, or they support an adjacent structure that is sensitive to deformations). 

• Wall systems that are able to sustain between approximately 1 and 2 in. of lateral 

displacement. 

• Wall systems that are able to sustain more than 2 in. of lateral displacement.

The next step is to estimate the permanent wall deformations, which can be estimated by 

evaluating the displacement of a sliding mass of soil in a manner analogous to the Newmark 

182 
method (1965) or sliding of a rigid block subjected to cyclic loading. Details of this method 

can be found in Kavazanjian et al. (2011). As a simplification, the permanent wall 

displacement after an earthquake, de, can be estimated as follows: 

Equation 6.35: Estimated wall seismic displacement.

Where: 

ky = yield acceleration, as calculated from overall stability analysis

PGV = peak ground velocity, which is estimated as PGV = 38 SD1

The yield acceleration is the seismic coefficient that will result in FSOS = 1.0 in stability 

analysis. This value is obtained when the wall is being designed for static loads using a 

limit-equilibrium-based computer program. 

Finally, the modified seismic coefficient is calculated as follows: 

• Rigid retaining wall systems: 

Equation 6.36: Seismic coefficient for rigid wall.

• Walls able to sustain 1-2 in. of lateral displacement: 

Equation 6.37: Seismic coefficient assuming wall can tolerate a lateral movement up 

to 2 in. 

• Walls able to sustain more than 2 in. of lateral displacement: 

Equation 6.38: Seismic coefficient assuming wall can tolerate a lateral movement 

greater than 2 in. 

Where r is a ductility reduction factor defined as:

Equation 6.39: Reduction factor.

183 
It can be considered that for rigid walls, r = 1.0, and for walls able to sustain more than 2 in. 

of lateral displacement, r = 0.5. 

6.8.4 Step 9c Evaluate overall stability with seismic loads

Perform overall stability analysis as discussed in previous sections while adding the seismic 

coefficient, kh, as input. Use minimum factors of safety for seismic conditions as included in 

Table 5.1. Verify that the computed factors of safety for seismic conditions are met. If the 

minimum criterion is not met, modify nail length, and/or other design parameters as 

applicable and repeat analysis until the calculated factors of safety exceed minimum 

recommended values.

6.8.5 Alternative Evaluation of Seismic Effects on Overall Stability

The most commonly used pseudo-static procedure has been the Mononobe-Okabe method, 

which is an extension of the Coulomb theory (Mononobe 1929; Okabe 1926). This method 

may be used as an alternate method to evaluate the seismic stability of soil nail walls. 

However, this method has limitations (Kavazanjian et al. 2011). Despite these limitations, 

the method continues to be used due to its simplicity and acceptable results for certain

conditions. 

The Mononobe-Okabe method, which is described by Seed and Whitman (1970), Richards 

and Elms (1979), and Kavazanjian et al. (2011), was originally developed for gravity walls 

but may be used for soil nail walls. The following is assumed in this method: 

• The wall and the soil mass behind it act as a rigid block

• Active earth pressures develop behind the wall 

• Soils are cohesionless

• No pore pressures develop behind the wall 

In this method, the inertial forces acting on a retaining earth system in an earthquake can be 

considered as equivalent pseudo-static forces in overall stability evaluations using simplified 

procedures. These pseudo-static forces act at the centroid of the potentially unstable soil 

block being analyzed (Figure 6.9). The horizontal component (khW) and the vertical 

component (kvW) of the equivalent pseudo-static force are shown:

Where: 

W = weight of soil wedge 

kh = horizontal seismic coefficient

kv = vertical seismic coefficient

184 
Figure 6.9: Illustration. Forces acting behind a soil wedge (Mononobe-Okabe Method). 

The non-dimensional seismic coefficients are a function of the horizontal and vertical 

components of the ground acceleration, respectively. The horizontal and vertical 

components are represented by the seismic coefficients, kh and kv. As mentioned, the vertical 

component is disregarded. 

The total active thrust, PAE, behind the soil wedge behind a wall is (Ebeling and Morrison 

1992; Kavazanjian et al. 2011):

Equation 6.40: Total active thrust per Mononobe-Okabe method.

Where: 

γs = unit weight of soil behind wall 

H = wall height

KAE = active pressure coefficient

185 
If the ground behind the wall has a slope (Figure 6.9), the active pressure coefficient can be 

calculated as follows: 

Equation 6.41: Active earth pressure coefficient per Mononobe-Okabe method. 

Where: 

φf = angle of internal friction of soil behind wall

α' = batter angle (from vertical) of the wall internal face

β = backslope angle

δ = friction angle of the wall-soil interface

ω = angle relating seismic coefficients as defined by:

Equation 6.42: Relation between horizontal and vertical seismic coefficients.

D is defined as:

Equation 6.43: Term D as used in Mononobe-Okabe equations. 

The slip plane behind the wall is oriented at an angle ξ, which can be much flatter than for 

static conditions (Zarrabi-Kashani 1979; Kramer 1996; Kavazanjian et al. 2011). KAE, based 

on the Mononobe-Okabe method, can also be estimated from Figure 6.10. 

186 
Figure 6.10: Chart. Seismic active pressure coefficients: (a) horizontal backslope, and (b) 

correction for non-horizontal backslope. 

Figure 6.10a shows the active pressure coefficient as a function of the seismic coefficient, kh, 

and the friction angle, φs, ranging from 20o to 45o; a horizontal backslope, kv = 0; and 

δ = 0.75 φs. Figure 6.10b presents a correction factor for the active pressure coefficient when 

the backslope is not horizontal. 

Note that the Mononobe-Okabe formulation does not provide solutions for increasing values 

of the backslope angle or the seismic coefficient. Alternative methods to counter this 

limitation can be found in NCHRP (2008). 

The original Mononobe-Okabe method did not consider cohesive soil behind the wall. 

NCHRP (2008) and Kavazanjian et al. (2011) provide guidance to include cohesion in the 

estimation of seismic pressures. Small values of cohesion can significantly reduce the 

original values of the seismic active pressure coefficient provided by the Mononobe-Okabe 

method. The amount of cohesion to include in this formulation is limited to the values 

included in Table 6.9: 

187 
Table 6.9: Maximum Values of Apparent 

Cohesion to Use with Mononobe-Okabe Method 

(NCHRP 2008) 

Percent Passing #200 

Sieve by Weight (%) 

Maximum Apparent 

Cohesion 

5 - 15 50 psf 

15 - 25 100 psf 

25 - 50 200 psf 

Figure 6.11 shows corrected values of KAE as a function of cohesion (the latter is normalized 

as c/γs H) for φs = 35° and β = 0. NCHRP (2008) includes additional plots for φs = 30° to 

40°. 

Figure 6.11: Chart. Effect of cohesion on the seismic active earth pressure coefficient. 

Source: NCHRP (2008). 

6.9 Step 10 Drainage and Drainage Details

6.9.1 Introduction

The design engineer must provide adequate subsurface and surface drainage features in all 

walls unless it is determined that such features are not needed for a specific project. Soil nail 

wall facings are assumed to be relatively lightly loaded and therefore lightly reinforced, and 

188 
are not designed to resist hydrostatic forces. It is assumed that incidental water behind the 

wall face will be handled by the strip drains. 

Uncontrolled surface water runoff and/or groundwater can cause difficulties during 

construction, increase the cost and duration of construction, impair long-term integrity, 

negatively affect the performance of soil nail walls, and degrade aesthetics. To minimize 

these complications, surface water runoff and groundwater must be controlled both during 

and after construction of the soil nail wall. Additionally, it has been mentioned that soil nail 

walls perform significantly better when an effective drainage system is installed to control 

water levels behind the wall. Drainage systems are discussed in Chapter 3. This section 

focuses on relevant considerations for design and constructability of drainage components. 

6.9.2 Short-Term Surface Water and Groundwater Control

Dewatering measures during construction include, at a minimum, the control of surface water 

runoff and subsurface flow associated with either perched water or localized seepage areas. 

A surface water interceptor ditch, excavated along the crest of the excavation and lined with 

concrete, applied during the shotcreting of the first excavation lift, is often used to control 

surface runoff toward the excavation face and to limit infiltration into the retained soil. It is 

important to control infiltration of water behind the wall during construction. 

Diverted flow over the face may also cause erosion and may lead to localized instability 

before the initial face is constructed. Interceptor ditches must be properly constructed with 

suitable slopes to promote positive drainage while directing flow away from the excavation. 

Improperly designed ditches may create localized erosion, ponding, or infiltration. The 

decision to use an interceptor ditch must be made depending on the site conditions. An 

interceptor ditch is generally unnecessary if the area above the wall slopes away from the 

wall face or if the potential for significant runoff or infiltration behind the wall is small. 

In cases where significant seepage is expected due to perched water conditions, wells or well 

points may be installed for temporary dewatering during construction. The wells would 

typically be installed beyond the length of the nails to prevent damage of the wells during 

nail drilling. Wells would obviously impact the construction costs and in such cases soil 

nailing might not be a cost-effective and practical solution.

The temporary control of surface runoff, ponding, infiltration, and groundwater are the 

Contractor’s responsibility. The Contractor should provide drainage to convey collected 

water away from the wall by gravity or with the use of sump pumps and similar systems. If 

the Owner performs the geotechnical exploration, sufficient information should be collected 

during the design phase to identify and communicate the need for drainage, and to facilitate 

adequate selection and sizing of drainage and dewatering elements by the Contractor. 

189 
6.9.3 Long-Term Surface Water and Groundwater Control

6.9.3a Control for Low Groundwater or Low Volumes of Seepage 

Specific design calculations based on seepage analysis are often not needed for designing 

strip drains. The design engineer most commonly would specify a type of strip drain and its 

spacing based on judgment and experience. The spacing of strip drains is typically selected 

to be between 1.0 SH and 2.0 SH with a spacing equal to SH being more common. Spacing 

too close reduces the amount of soil facing in contact with the shotcrete. In these cases, 

problems with sloughing of shotcrete may arise during application. The design engineer also 

needs to consider available commercial widths of strip drains. 

Weepholes can also be used to collect and discharge groundwater from strip drains. The 

diameter and spacing of weepholes are selected by the designer based on experience and 

judgment, and no specific calculations are performed. Weepholes are typically 2- to 4-in. 

diameter PVC pipes and have a length between 12 and 16 in., depending on the thickness of 

the facing. They are spaced 8 to 10 ft along the base of the wall. The back of weepholes 

must be protected with geotextile to prevent the migration of soil from behind the wall. A 

filter plug consisting of at least 1 ft3

 of filter aggregate wrapped in geotextile should be 

placed against each weephole behind wall.

Weepholes should also be positioned where localized seepage is encountered or anticipated. 

Where weepholes are provided, the designer must consider control of surface water flow in 

front of the wall in its final condition. The effect of freezing may also need to be considered 

in some climates when dealing with control of surface water.

As an alternative to weepholes, soil nail walls may have an underdrain system, where strip 

drains are connected to a short pipe (similar to a weephole but lying below ground) installed 

through the wall and to a toe drain, running parallel to the toe of the wall. The underdrain 

system commonly includes Schedule 40 PVC solid and slotted drainage pipe. The toe pipe is 

surrounded by clean, coarse, gravel-sized aggregate that must be free of fine particles. The 

aggregate trench must be wrapped with geotextile filter fabric, as the use of a geotextile 

directly over the slotted pipe must be avoided. The geotextile around the aggregate has the 

function of preventing the removal of fines by piping from the natural soil surrounding the 

aggregate trench. To prevent clogging, the geotextile should meet filter criteria (Holtz et al. 

2008) and be selected from a range of available commercial products based on the particle 

size distribution of the soil being retained. The aggregate around the pipe has the function of 

allowing the collected groundwater to flow along the pipe and more readily enter into the 

slots in the collector pipe. This aggregate also provides a redundant pathway to groundwater 

discharge.

190 
Some schematic details are provided in Figures 6.12 and 6.13. Some of the details might not 

be practical in all situations. For example, in steep terrain, it may be difficult to place a 

concrete ditch above the wall as shown. 

Placing drain strips against the exposed face of highly irregular excavations may be difficult 

or impractical. If voids exist between the excavation face and the strip, the shotcrete 

application may damage the strip drain. In such cases, the strip drains may be installed 

between the initial facing and the final facing. Holes must then be drilled through the initial 

facing to allow flow to the strip drains.

6.9.3b Control for High Groundwater

When groundwater needs to be permanently lowered, the design engineer should perform 

seepage analyses and determine the expected flow rate immediately behind the wall. Strip 

drains and their spacing need to be selected as a function of the calculated flow rate, strip 

drain permittivity, and final piezometric heads considered acceptable. A redundant and/or 

over-sized drainage system should be used where the groundwater table exists behind a soil 

nail wall. If a seepage analysis and a formal design become necessary, the goal in designing 

the drainage system should be to maintain the groundwater levels at least 2 ft below the soil 

nails and base of the facing at all times. If this is not possible, the effects of elevated 

groundwater must be carefully evaluated for internal and global stability, added pressures on 

the facing, and increased corrosion potential. 

When strip drains are not sufficient to lower the groundwater levels to adequate levels, drain 

pipes must be considered (Figure 6.12). Drains are installed horizontally or with mild 

upslope (5 to 10 degrees from the horizontal) to reduce pore water pressures within the mass 

of reinforced soil and soils beyond. This solution may be appropriate where the groundwater 

behind a wall is elevated and the potential for internal or global instability can be mitigated 

through drainage of pore pressures in the retained soil mass. Drain pipes can also help to 

drain perched water. 

Drain pipes consist of 2-in. diameter PVC slotted or perforated tubes exiting through the face 

of the wall (Figure 6.13). Drain pipes of larger diameter or in multiple rows may be needed 

as indicated by seepage analysis. The lengths of the drain pipes depend on the application, 

and subsurface and groundwater conditions existing behind the wall; and will be determined 

by the lowered level of groundwater selected for design (Figure 6.12). 

Drain pipes with lengths varying from 1 to 3 ft can be installed to provide drainage of 

shallow or perched groundwater occurring erratically close to the facing. Longer pipes may 

be installed if the groundwater is high behind the wall. Drain pipes are commonly installed 

191 
with a density of one per approximately 100 square foot of face area. Drain pipes should be 

plugged or capped while shotcrete is being applied to prevent clogging (Figure 6.13). 

Figure 6.12: Illustration. Drainage of soil nail walls.

Drain pipes require long-term maintenance. Analysis of soil nail walls for long-term 

conditions may need to take into consideration the potential for clogging. Clogging of 

horizontal drains and a corresponding increase in water pressure will reduce the factor of 

safety against overall stability and/or sliding, and may adversely impact the internal stability 

by affecting soil/nail interaction.

6.9.3c Permanent Surface Water Control

Permanent surface water control measures include installing an interception ditch behind the 

wall to prevent surface water runoff from infiltrating behind the wall or flowing over the wall 

edge. 

192 
Figure 6.13: Illustration. Typical drain pipe details. Modified after Byrne et al. (1998).

0.6 m (2 ft)

NONPERFORATED

SLOTTED SECTION

END CAP

10° - 15°

PERMANENT SHOTCRETE

PVC CAP

(NOTE 1)

50 mm

DIA. SCH 40 PVC PIPE

~

NOTES

PROTECTIVE CAP NEEDS TO BE REMOVED AFTER FINAL 

SHOTCRETE IS APPLIED

SPACING OF DRAINS IS TYPICALLY 3.3 m (10 ft)

1.

2.

TYPICAL DRAIN DETAIL

WEEP HOLE

CONTINUOUS

GRAVEL DRAIN

FILTER

FABRIC

GEOTEXTILE

FINISHED

GRADE

GEOCOMPOSITE

DRAIN STRIP

TOE DRAIN FOOTING DRAIN

WEEP HOLE

FILTER

FABRIC

FINISHED

GRADE

DRAIN STRIP

GEOCOMPOSITE

DITCH

DRAIN PIPE

SOIL NAIL WALL

HARDBOARD

~

50 mm (2 in.) MIN

(2 in.)

MIN

PROTECTIVE 

SECTION

COLLECTOR 

193 
6.10 Specialty Items

6.10.1 Stepped Walls

There are a number of situations where it may be necessary or convenient to use stepped or 

benched soil nail walls. Stepped walls may consist of two or more soil nail walls with 

vertical or battered facing, with horizontal setbacks between individual wall sections (Figure 

6.14). This section discusses the most common: two-tier stepped walls with vertical facing; 

however, the discussion presented is applicable to stepped walls with any number of tiers. 

Figure 6.14: Illustration. Example of stepped soil nail wall. Source: Byrne et al. (1988).

In general, stepped soil nail walls require shorter nail lengths than non-stepped walls of the 

same total height, but are less frequently constructed on transportation projects. Therefore, 

they may serve as a cost-saving measure where the cost of additional excavation is 

comparatively low, and where soil nail installation is relatively expensive.

FOOTING DRAIN

FACING

EXISTING GROUND SURFACE

CONCRETE DITCH

LOWER WALL

H1

H2

GEOCOMPOSITE

DRAIN STRIP

LIFT 1

LIFT 2

LIFT 3

CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE,

SHOTCRETE, OR VEGETATION

ORIGINAL

GROUND SURFACE

15° (TYP)

(PROVIDE ADEQUATE

SURFACE DRAINAGE)

UPPER WALL

FINAL GRADE

SOIL NAIL (TYP)

LIFT 4

SVo

SV

194 
In cases where overall stability controls the design, full-height, non-stepped vertical face 

walls may require the use of relatively long soil nails with significant resistance

requirements, and with significant impact to construction costs. In other cases, the potential 

for global instability or bottom heave may make it impossible to use a full-height soil nail 

wall. Stepped soil nail walls may be used in these circumstances. They would typically 

include a relatively wide horizontal setback between the upper and lower wall faces. 

Stepped soil nail walls may offer aesthetic advantages by permitting the installation of 

planters between the walls, especially if used in combination with sculpted shotcrete or other 

architectural facing. Ultimately, either stepped walls or battered walls can be used to solve 

similar problems or project constraints, although stepped walls may offer certain construction 

advantages. 

A stepped wall acts as an equivalent battered face wall when the horizontal setback is small 

in relation to the height of the individual benches. Using guidance from MSE walls, this 

situation arises when the setback is less than about 1/20 of the combined height of the 

stepped wall, which results in an equivalent batter of 3 degrees. When the horizontal setback 

is larger than the height of the lower wall (H2), the internal stability of each wall is 

independent of the other and they can be analyzed separately. 

If the horizontal setback is smaller than the height of the lower wall, the lower wall must be 

analyzed considering the upper wall. For the purposes of designing the soil nails, the upper 

wall may be modeled using a soil nail wall design program as a combination of vertical 

surcharge and shear forces arising from the lateral earth pressures acting on the MSE wall. 

The vertical surcharge and the shear forces will be applied to the soil nail reinforced soil. 

This approach is a simplification, and is likely conservative, as it disregards the internal 

strength of the MSE wall. However, with this approach, the slip surfaces estimated from 

analyses of the soil nail wall may be incompatible with the slip surfaces obtained from 

conventional MSE wall design. A more accurate approach is to include both types of walls 

and reinforcements in an analysis conducted with a general slope stability program that can 

model both reinforcement types, hence considering the contribution of soil nails, MSE wall 

reinforcement, and the soil within and behind the reinforced zone of the MSE wall. 

Surface drainage of the bench between the walls must be carefully addressed to avoid 

ponding and infiltration into the lower wall. Therefore, the bench should be designed with a 

suitable slope and lined as needed. If vegetation is planted on the bench, the potential water 

infiltration from sprinkler systems must be considered. 

195 
6.10.2 Composite Walls

The most typical composite wall type is a combination of a soil nail wall with ground 

anchors (Figure 6.15). In this case, nails and ground anchors are installed as excavation 

proceeds from top to bottom. 

Figure 6.15: Illustration. Composite wall structures: (a) cross section, and (b) soil nail 

walls with concrete piles. Source: Byrne et al. (1988).

196 
Figure 6.15a depicts a soil nail wall with ground anchors installed near the top of the wall. 

This configuration could be used to control movements of the ground surface above a soil 

nail wall. However, using ground anchors to control movement of soil nail walls is relatively 

rare because most structures or utilities can tolerate ground movements occurring behind soil 

nail walls. Also, in most cases where an especially sensitive structure exists near the 

excavation, movements can be reduced to tolerable levels by using soil nails with an 

increased cross section (i.e., the soil nail is stiffer and deforms less), or by underpinning the 

structure itself. One case where ground anchors may be specified at or near the top of a soil 

nail wall is that of a very deep excavation adjacent to a settlement-sensitive structure, and 

where underpinning may be impractical, or where the structure applies horizontal forces that 

cannot be countered by soil nails. 

Ground anchors cannot typically be tensioned directly against initial shotcrete facing due to 

the potential for punching shear and bending failure of the facing under elevated ground 

anchor loads. In these situations, appropriate bearing pads must be devised or the thickness 

and reinforcing of the initial facing must be increased to support and transfer the anchor load 

to the ground. Space limitations may restrict the available options to support the ground 

anchor load and their dimensions; therefore, they must be considered by the Owner during 

preparation of the project documents, and should not be left entirely to the Contractor. 

Ground anchors are typically installed at an angle from horizontal. Therefore, the stability of 

the wall under the vertical component of the ground anchor load during excavation of 

successive lifts must be considered. This is especially important if the ground anchors have 

inclinations greater than 20 degrees from horizontal, but it may still be an important issue for 

shallower inclinations. To mitigate potential movement of the wall under the vertical 

component of the anchor load, excavation may proceed following a checkerboard pattern, or 

vertical micropiles may be installed along the wall alignment extending below the proposed 

bottom of excavation. 

Ground anchors are more commonly introduced in soil nail walls when there is a potential 

for global instability that would be impractical to address using the soil nails themselves. If 

the ground anchors are not necessary for temporary stability during excavation, they would 

preferably be installed near the bottom of the soil nail wall, and tensioned after the final 

facing is constructed. In cases where a significant number of ground anchors is necessary, 

they can be installed along the full height of the wall. In this case, transfer of the anchor load 

to the ground can be achieved by means of cast-in-situ or precast concrete posts 

(Figure 6.15b). This is the case where the soil-nailed sections of the wall effectively served 

as lagging between the soldier piles. The designer must consider if a solution entirely based 

on ground anchors without use of soil nails is more practical in such cases. 

197 
Because the soil nails and the ground anchors in combined systems are intended to address 

different limit states, the recommended design approach is to analyze the wall with soil nails 

only, but limiting the slip surfaces considered in the analysis to shallow surfaces (i.e., at a 

distance behind the top of the wall no greater than 1.5 times the proposed nail length). The 

soil nailed zone is then considered a rigid block. The ground anchors must provide stability 

against deeper slip surfaces. Therefore, the length of the ground anchors will be controlled 

by the stability requirements of the soil nailed block. The reader is referred to GEC No. 4 

(Sabatini et al. 1999) for complete details of ground anchor design. Note that only a few soil 

nail wall design programs allow including ground anchors in the model.

Chapter 2 presented other types of composite walls including hybrid soil nail/MSE (Figure 

2.6) where a soil nail wall supports an MSE wall. The soil nails can be designed using soil 

nail design programs. 

6.10.3 Strut-Nails 

6.10.3a Overview

Strut-nails or toe-nails are drilled and grouted bars installed at steep angles (up to about 15 or 

20 degrees to 45 degrees from the vertical) near the bottom of the excavation to provide 

vertical support to the wall facing (Figure 6.16). Strut-nails can be used when the weight of 

the facing or uncommon, heavy loads applied at the top of the facing are large, and the 

required bearing resistance cannot be provided by the soils below the wall. Strut-nails are 

relatively short (a fraction of the wall height) and act in compression. The strut-nails are 

connected to the wall with a bearing plate and washers. Strut-nails are similar to Case I 

micropiles in terms of their construction and performance objectives. 

Design procedures developed specifically for micropiles (Sabatini et al. 2005) can be used 

for the design of strut-nails. The design of these elements is straightforward as it is based on 

force equilibrium. The design can be accomplished by hand calculations after the design of 

the regular soil nails is completed. The forces to consider in this problem are (Figure 6.16): 

the facing weight (W), the compressive force in the strut-nail (CST) and the tensional force in 

the nail immediately above the strut-nail (TT). The vertical component of CST must be equal 

in magnitude to the sum of W and the vertical component of TT to achieve equilibrium. Note 

that TT must be added to the axial load T of the soil nail head as calculated in the 

conventional soil nail wall design. The total axial force at the lower nail may require that its 

size be increased. The vertical component of the forces in the soil nails above are not 

considered in the design of the strut-nail because these forces are assumed to be supported by 

friction resistance between the facing and the soil. However, this assumption would be 

invalid if the soil nails above had significant inclination.

198 
Figure 6.16: Illustration. Strut-nail concept. Source: Byrne et al. (1998).

199 
The development of mutually opposing forces (i.e., the horizontal components of TT and CST) 

generates a bending moment in the facing segment between the strut-nail and the nail row 

immediately above (Figure 6.16). It is important to check if the facing bending capacity is 

greater than this moment. The maximum moment due to these forces occurs at the nail 

above the strut-nail, and is additive to the moments obtained in conventional soil nail wall 

design. The magnitude of the added moment will decrease as the strut-nail is installed closer 

to the nail above. To reduce the added bending moment, strut-nails should be installed close 

to, or staggered within, the bottom row of nails. 

Buckling of strut-nails may occur if the strut-nails are too close to the excavation face, or if 

the ground between the excavation face and strut-nails does not provide sufficient 

confinement. Buckling of strut-nails can be evaluated with procedures developed for 

micropiles (Sabatini et al. 2005). If buckling is found to be an issue, a stub casing may need 

to be inserted in the upper few feet of the strut-nail to increase its buckling resistance.

6.10.3b Applications

One application of strut-nails is to temporarily support the weight of the facing of the initial 

excavation lift that becomes unsupported when the next excavation lift is performed. This 

application of strut-nails is not common. For typical construction facings consisting of 4-in. 

thick shotcrete, experience has shown that soil nails can adequately support the weight of the 

facing. For thicker applied shotcrete facings, the support of the shotcrete facing by shear 

resistance of the nails and the bearing resistance of soils beneath the nails should be formally 

evaluated. In competent ground, the weight of a shotcrete facing with thickness of up to 8 to 

10 in. has been successfully supported by soil nails without additional support measures.

Both hollow bars and solid bars have been used to allow the construction of soil nail walls in 

soils that are not conducive to this technique. The strut-nails may be installed vertically 

along the proposed wall alignment and extended below the proposed final excavation grade. 

As excavation progresses, these elements provide some lateral support to the excavated face 

in each lift before the soil nails and facing are installed, and also provide vertical support to 

the overlying shotcrete facing already installed. The spacing between these elements is 

typically about 2 to 3 ft.

A more typical application of strut-nails is the support of the final facing in difficult subgrade 

conditions. One common problem is the construction of a soil nail wall for supporting a cut 

extending through soil and bedrock. If the portion of the cut in rock does not need support, 

the soil nail wall may terminate at or slightly below top of bedrock. In such cases, strut-nails 

should be installed at the toe of the soil nail wall, extending into the bedrock to provide 

vertical support to the facing.

200 
6.10.4 Considerations for Frost Protection

Unlike foundations, which are designed to be supported on subgrades lying below the frost 

penetration depth, soil nail walls are always susceptible to frost effects because of the 

exposed facing. Therefore, construction of soil nail walls in frost-susceptible soils would 

require frost protection measures. 

The design of soil nail loads arising from frost action must be conservative due to the limited 

data available to assess the impact of frost on soil nail forces. The design engineer would 

need to consider: (i) preventing moisture build up behind the wall by providing porous 

backfill (e.g., gravel); (ii) thickening the facing to be slightly greater than the frost depth; (iii) 

adopting larger sizes of tendons; and (iv) applying insulation on the wall face.

Thermal insulation, as shown on Figure 6.17, can consist of extruded polystyrene (EPS) foam 

panels. This material is lightweight and cost effective. Significant thermal protection can be 

obtained with a relatively thin layer of this material: a 1-in. thick EPS panel is considered 

thermally equivalent to a 1-ft thick layer of gravel. 

The selection of the thickness of EPS panels and other insulating materials should be based 

on the thermal resistance of the material (commonly referred to as the R-value). R-values 

express the ratio of the temperature drop across an insulating material to the amount of heat

that is transferred per unit of area and per unit of time, for a given thickness of the material. 

The R-value depends on the intrinsic thermal resistance of the material to transfer conductive 

heat and is proportional to the material thickness. The higher the R-value of a material, the 

higher its ability to insulate. The selection of R-values or a detailed thermal design is beyond 

the scope of this manual. 

Other factors can also be considered in design. For example, the direction in which the wall 

is installed can also affect the frost penetration. North-facing walls may have 1.4 to 2 times 

the depth of frost penetration than south-facing walls exposed to sunlight. Drainage of the 

ground above the wall should be provided to decrease infiltration and frost potential behind 

the wall.

201 
Figure 6.17: Illustration. Examples of frost protection: (a) first example, and (b) second 

example. Modified after Byrne et al. (1998). 

202 
6.11 Step 11 Other Design Considerations

Final evaluations of constructability may need to be carried out in this step if the design has 

requirements for special construction needs, such as temporary support of exposed lifts, or 

use of strut-nails.

The Owner’s design engineer will always have to develop a load testing program to verify 

the assumed design values. Recommendations for load testing programs are presented in 

Chapter 9. 

The Owner’s design engineer may also need to prepare a geotechnical monitoring plan to 

specify how deformations of the wall will need to be evaluated during and after construction. 

In general, a geotechnical monitoring plan would only be needed if the wall deformations 

were found to be non-significant during design, or if the presence of a deformation-sensitive 

structure near the wall was considered a risk to the wall project. 

6.12 Step 12 Pre-Construction, Construction, and Post-Construction

6.12.1 Pre-Construction

In Design/Bid/Build contracts, the oversight of the preparation of construction drawings and 

specifications by the same personnel performing the design is highly desirable to ensure that 

the design intent is unambiguously conveyed in construction documents. Drawing and 

specification preparation should be an integral part of the Design phase. The PreConstruction phase includes activities such as:

• Preparation of Owner’s engineering cost estimates 

• Evaluation of bidders’ experience 

• Selection of contractor 

Chapter 8 “Contracting Approaches and Specifications” provides guidelines for the activities 

listed above during the Pre-Construction phase. 

6.12.2 Construction and Post-Construction

The Construction and Post-Construction phases include the following activities: 

• Evaluation of Contractor’s submittals

• Observation and evaluation of load testing (as part of construction quality assurance, 

QA)

• Observation and evaluation of construction methods 

• Observation and evaluation of the installation of production nails 

203 
• Observation of drainage and facing construction 

• Geotechnical monitoring during construction and/or in the long-term

• Preparation of post-construction engineering reports 

Chapter 9 “Construction Inspection and Performance Monitoring” presents guidelines for the 

main technical activities during and after construction.

204 
Chapter 7: Corrosion Protection

7.1 Introduction

This chapter discusses the main factors that promote or inhibit corrosion in soil nails, 

presents criteria for assessing soil corrosion potential, and introduces guidelines for selecting 

levels of corrosion protection. The design and construction of permanent soil nail walls 

require a thorough consideration of the corrosion potential of tendons and other metallic 

components of these systems. The tendons discussed in this manual are grouted; therefore, 

some level of corrosion protection always exists in these systems. However, as it will be 

discussed, grout alone cannot provide adequate corrosion protection for aggressive ground 

conditions. 

This chapter focuses on corrosion protection for solid bar soil nails. HBSNs are discussed in 

Chapter 10. The options for corrosion protection of HBSNs are limited as compared to solid 

bar soil nails due to the methods used to install HBSNs. 

7.2 Historical Background

There are no available publications in the literature reporting soil nail wall failures or 

serviceability issues due to corrosion of the tendons. Therefore, the recommendations 

presented in this manual do not follow from specific experience in soil nails, but rather 

experience from other earth retention systems. Publications focusing on corrosion of ground 

anchors and metallic reinforcement of MSE walls provide relevant information for soil nail

protection. 

Recommendations and details about corrosion protection for ground anchors are presented in 

“Tiebacks” (Weatherby 1982), Post-Tensioning Institute “Recommendations for Prestressed 

Rock and Soil Anchors” (PTI 2004), “Ground Anchors” (Sabatini et al. 1999), “LRFD 

Bridge Design Specifications” (AASHTO 2014), and “Standard Specifications for Highway 

Bridges” (AASHTO 2002). 

Weatherby (1982) presents a detailed discussion of the effects of corrosion on pre-stressed 

steel anchors and includes a summary of the state-of-practice for corrosion protection mainly 

derived from Europe at the time. PTI (2004) includes a decision tree to help users select 

levels of corrosion protection for ground anchors based on various factors, including soil 

“aggressiveness” (equivalent to corrosion potential) and potential risk assessment including 

cost considerations. Sabatini et al. (1999) expands on these concepts and includes a decision 

tree for selecting corrosion protection levels similar to that of PTI (1996, 2004). AASHTO 

205 
(2014) and AASHTO (2002), Section 6, "Ground Anchors" also provide details and 

recommendations for corrosion protection of ground anchors. 

While these publications are specific to prestressed ground anchors, certain aspects of their 

corrosion protection can be extended to soil nails. For example, the concept of corrosion 

protection classes can be applied to soil nails. This includes criteria for differentiating 

between strong and mild soil corrosion potential, and guidelines for selecting increasing 

levels of corrosion protection based on a decision tree similar to those in PTI (2004) and 

Sabatini et al. (1999). 

7.3 Terminology

Over the years, different terms have been used in relation to corrosion protection of 

reinforced soil structures. For clarification, the following terms will be considered in this 

document: 

• Aggressiveness: The tendency of the soil to promote corrosion of steel at relatively 

fast rates.

• Aggressive Soil: A soil with values of resistivity, pH, sulfate, and chloride contents 

that exceed established thresholds (Elias et al. 2009) and that promote corrosion of 

steel at relatively fast rates. 

• Non-Aggressive Soil: A soil with values of resistivity, pH, sulfate, and chloride 

contents that do not exceed established thresholds (Elias et al. 2009).

• Corrosion Potential: Similar to aggressiveness.

• Class A Protection: A level of corrosion protection that involves encapsulation of 

the soil nail in plastic sheathing. 

• Class B Protection: A level of corrosion protection that includes epoxy coating or 

galvanizing the tendon and connection components. 

• Class C Protection: A level of corrosion protection that consists of a bare tendon 

with no protective coatings other than the surrounding grout. 

• Passivation: Refers to the process by which a metal corrodes and forms an outer 

layer of corrosion, causing it to become less reactive and more “passive.” 

The process for selection of corrosion protection type, and the characteristics of Classes A, 

B, and C in this version of the manual are different than those in previous versions. 

206 
7.4 Corrosion Mechanisms

7.4.1 Overview

Corrosion is the process that deteriorates a refined metal by changing its physical and 

chemical properties. This process may ultimately dissolve the metal due to electrochemical 

reactions with the surrounding environment. The electrochemical reactions involved in 

corrosion consist of the movement of ions from a metal surface (anode) to another metal 

surface (cathode), through a nonmetallic conductor existing in solution (electrolyte) such as 

dissolved oxygen, chlorine, and hydrogen ions. Electrochemical reactions may arise due to a 

difference in voltage, oxygen concentration, pH, or electric resistivity between the cathode 

and the anode. Over time, the anode may be depleted as a result of the metal loss into the 

electrolyte. 

For grouted soil nails, ions can flow between two points along the tendon, as shown 

schematically in Figure 7.1, or between a nearby metallic object and a nail (such as the plate 

to the tip of the tendon). 

Figure 7.1: Illustration. General corrosion of a tendon. After Hamilton et al. (1995) 

and Samtani and Nowatzki (2010).

7.4.2 Types of Corrosion

The following types of corrosion can take place in reinforced soil systems (Withiam et al. 

1992; Sabatini et al. 1999): 

207 
• General corrosion 

• Localized corrosion 

• Stray-current corrosion 

• Stress crack corrosion/hydrogen embrittlement 

• Fatigue corrosion 

• Bacterial attack

• Galvanic corrosion

The first three types, which are the most significant for soil nails, will be discussed in the 

following sections. Stress crack corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement corrosion tend to 

occur typically in prestressing steel bars and strands used as ground anchors, where tensile 

stresses are much higher than in soil nails (Withiam et al. 1992). Fatigue corrosion is 

uncommon in soil nails because this mechanism arises in combination with pronounced 

cyclic loading: a very unlikely event on soil nail projects. Corrosion due to bacterial attack 

takes place when bacteria existing in the ground reduce sulfate under anaerobic conditions 

promoting conditions for corrosion. Bacteria living in organic soils or sulfate-bearing clays 

below the groundwater may promote this attack. Galvanic corrosion is a process when two 

metals having different electrode potentials are in contact and immersed in an electrolyte, and 

one of the metals tends to corrode onto the other. This process is not seen in soil nails

installed with appropriate materials, but could theoretically occur if, for example, the steel 

tendon is in contact with another metal with higher anodic index. The next sections discuss 

general and localized corrosion, as well as stray currents. 

7.4.2a General Corrosion

General corrosion takes place on the surface of steel tendons in the shape of a uniformlydistributed, thin layer of rust. This corrosion type may develop when steel is left unprotected 

on site, is handled improperly during shipping, or is stored inadequately. General corrosion 

causes an approximately uniform loss of metal of the tendon. Once this very small passive 

film is formed, the oxidation rate decreases to a small value, effectively stopping further 

corrosion. This rust layer is thus often favorable because it becomes a protective film. If the 

conditions that inhibit corrosion are absent, general corrosion may be significant over the 

typical design of at least 75 years for permanent highway structures. 

Bare, non-coated tendons should be inspected for excessive surface corrosion. Wax, oil, or 

other temporary coatings should not be used in an attempt to protect tendons during 

stockpiling because these materials can deteriorate the grout-to-nail bond and lead to other 

problems. 

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7.4.2b Localized Corrosion

Localized corrosion, also called pitting, develops in small pits or crevices, which promote 

non-homogeneous concentrations of ions, an increase in electrochemical potential, and 

further localized corrosion. When the grout covering a tendon is uncracked, it furnishes 

corrosion protection by: (i) providing a physical barrier to a potentially corrosive substance;

and (ii) chemical passivation. As a result of the hydration of the Portland cement and mix

water, the sodium, potassium, and calcium hydroxides that are formed provide an 

environment favoring passivation. This environment has an elevated pH (>13) and contains 

oxygen, causing the formation of a protective oxide layer over the surface of the tendon. 

This protection can be lost when deep cracks form in the grout. Where cracks propagate 

entirely through the grout and extend into the steel tendon, pitting tends to occur. The extent 

and depth of pitting will depend on the availability of oxygen to continue the reaction; thus, 

in a fully submerged environment, the mere existence of cracks may not produce continued 

pitting. Cracks form in the grout because of tensile stresses caused by loading, or when

shrinkage of the grout exceeds the tensile capacity of the grout. Cracks then become 

pathways that can convey corrosive substances to the tendons, if chlorides and/or sulfates 

exist abundantly in the ground, and if the crack width is sufficiently large to permit their 

passage. There is disagreement in the literature about the minimum crack width below which 

the grout can be considered relatively impermeable; however, a crack width of less than 

0.004 in. is generally the lower bound value cited in the literature (Samtani and Nowatzki 

2010). Once a pit is created, if sufficient oxygen is available, localized corrosion tends to 

propagate deeper, the cross-section of the tendon is reduced at that location, and 

overstressing or eventual failure may occur. Significant surface rust requires further 

inspection for evidence of pitting, which would be cause for tendon rejection. 

If grouting is poorly done, portions of the tendons may be left uncovered, thus promoting 

localized corrosion.

7.4.2c Stray Current

As mentioned in Chapter 4, stray currents can contribute to the corrosion potential of soils. 

When there is prolonged exposure to stray currents, they tend to exacerbate the flow of ions 

between metallic parts and hence accelerate corrosion. Stray currents tend to cause corrosion 

where the ion flow is strongest, at locations where current leaves the structure and enters the 

ground or water electrolyte (Withiam et al. 1992).

Soil nail walls using high strength steel (95 to 150 ksi) may be affected by stray currents

unless other suitable protective measures are present. Examination of projects where stray 

209 
currents existed indicates that the potential for stray current corrosion is very small when the 

sources are located more than about 100 to 200 ft from the tendons (Elias 2000). 

Besides the distance to the stray current source, numerous other factors may affect the rate of 

corrosion of metals subject to stray currents, including the source voltage, characteristics of 

the metallic surface (e.g., steel, zinc), the type of electrolyte (e.g., water, water contaminated 

with other fluids), the presence and concentration of substances in the electrolyte (e.g., salts 

such as carbonates, chlorides), the nature of the anode/electrolyte interface, and other 

environmental factors. Presently, there is no published information that provides guidance as 

to the susceptibility of soil nails to stray currents, and the effect of parameters such as line 

voltage and soil resistivity on the potential for corrosion of soil nails. Therefore, a corrosion 

expert must evaluate specific projects where stray currents are suspected to exist.

7.5 Evaluation of Soil Corrosion Potential

In order to select an adequate level of corrosion protection, the soil corrosion potential of the 

ground around a soil nail system needs to be evaluated. This evaluation must focus on the 

conditions promoting corrosion, as described below. 

7.5.1 Conditions Promoting Corrosion

The conditions promoting corrosion of soil nails include:

• Too low or too high pH of the ground 

• Low electric resistivity of the ground

• High concentration of chlorides or sulfides in ground or groundwater 

• Saturated or near-saturated soil 

• Soil with organic content

• Presence of stray currents

• Availability of oxygen 

These factors collectively define ground corrosion potential (or aggressiveness). 

The relative level of corrosion potential as affected by soil resistivity has been described 

(NCHRP 1978) as summarized in Table 7.1. 

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Table 7.1: Relative Effect of Resistivity on Corrosion 

Potential/Aggressiveness (from NCHRP 1978)

Corrosion 

Potential/Aggressiveness Resistivity (ohm-cm)

Very corrosive < 700 

Corrosive 700 - 2,000 

Moderately corrosive 2,000 - 5,000 

Mildly corrosive 5,000 - 10,000 

Non-corrosive > 10,000 

7.5.2 Criteria for Assessing Ground Corrosion Potential

The criteria for assessing ground corrosion potential, which is based on Elias et al. (2009), is 

presented in Table 7.2. The ground is classified as aggressive if any one of the conditions in 

Table 7.2 exceeds the listed limits in the third column of the table. According to Elias et al. 

(2009), the chloride and sulfate requirements may be waved when the resistivity is greater 

than or equal to 5,000 ohm-cm.

Soils meeting the thresholds shown in the table are considered non-aggressive. Note that the 

current practice simplifies the use of ranges of resistivity and focuses on a single threshold

separating “aggressive” and “non-aggressive” soils. 

Table 7.2: Criteria for Assessing Ground Corrosion Potential 

Test Units Threshold for NonAggressive Test Method

pH – 5.0 < pH < 10 AASHTO T-289 

Resistivity ohm-cm Greater than 3,000 AASHTO T-288 (2)

Sulfates ppm(1) Less than 200 ASTM D4327

Chlorides ppm Less than 100 ASTM D4327

Organics percentage by weight Less than 1% AASHTO T-267 

Note: (1) ppm = parts per million.

(2) This method may have limitations for coarse soils that have very little, or no, material finer 

than the No. 10 sieve. See suggested alternatives in Elias et al. (2009).

Note that the term “non-aggressive” should not be implied as to never cause corrosion. 

Rather, it implies that the level of corrosion can be tolerated with reasonable confidence 

211 
within the design life of the structure (typically between 50 to 75 years), provided that the 

electro-chemical characteristics of the soils do not change over time. 

Table 7.2 includes the recommended test for each property that may affect the corrosion 

potential. For some of the properties listed in Table 7.2, more than one type of test can be 

used, occasionally deviating from ASTM or AASHTO. The difference in results might be 

small in most cases, with some methods being more accurate and reproducible than others. 

A more detailed discussion about different test methods can be found in Elias et al. (2009). 

In all cases, the testing method used should be clearly stated. 

Tests from a nearby site can be used to evaluate the corrosion potential of the site if the 

designer can establish that the ground conditions are similar. Otherwise, if tests are not 

performed, then the ground should be assumed to be aggressive. Observations of buried 

structures lying immediately adjacent to the project may be good indicators of the corrosion 

potential of the ground. 

Classification of the ground as aggressive or non-aggressive should consider future changes 

during the service life of the soil nail wall that can be reasonably anticipated and which will 

increase the aggressiveness of the ground (e.g., near road salt sources, mining operations, 

chemical plants, or chemical storage areas).

For permanent structures supporting roadways exposed to deicing salts, limited data from 

MSE wall experience indicate that higher corrosion rates may develop in the upper 8 ft of the 

retained soil as measured from the roadway surface, or to greater depths depending on the 

gradation of the soil. These higher corrosion rates are not presently well characterized and 

have not been directly measured for soil nail walls; nevertheless, under these conditions, a 

30-mil (minimum) thick geomembrane should be placed below the road base and be tied into 

the roadway drainage system to avoid the penetration of deicing salts into the ground. The 

geomembrane should not be tied into the wall drainage system to avoid conveying salts to the 

wall. 

7.6 Corrosion Protection Systems

7.6.1 Introduction

Corrosion protection can be provided by physical or chemical means, or a combination 

thereof. Electrical means, such as cathodic protection, are not typically used in soil nail 

projects. Physical protection involves placing a continuous barrier between the tendon, other 

metallic parts, and the corrosion sources. 

212 
Chemical protection consists of the use of a sacrificial material (e.g., galvanized material) or 

a dielectric material (e.g., epoxy coated bars or electrical isolation pads), which will impede

the flow of electric current. Some corrosion protection systems utilize a combination of 

these mechanisms as discussed below. 

7.6.2 Grout Cover

This method of corrosion protection involves fully covering the tendon with neat cement 

grout. Because grout is always present in soil nails as defined in this manual, this corrosion 

protection is always provided regardless of whether the ground is aggressive or nonaggressive. 

Centralizers are used to ensure that the thickness of the grout cover is uniform along the 

length of the tendon. For solid tendons, the centralizers should be dimensioned and spaced to 

achieve a minimum grout cover of 1 in. between the tendon (regardless if this is bare, epoxycoated, or galvanized) and the soil considering the sag of the bar between centralizers. 

Grout cover provides both physical and chemical corrosion protection. When an effective

grout cover is in place, the passivation provided by the chemical protection of the grout 

prevents or delays carbonates and chlorides in the soil, and oxygen and humidity in the air, 

from reaching the tendon. Grout meeting QC requirements will act as a barrier due to its low 

permeability and the alkaline environment created around the tendon, and will reduce the 

corrosion potential. 

The protection provided by the grout cover cannot be relied upon in aggressive conditions 

because some cracking of the grout must be expected to occur. As discussed previously, the 

grout will crack when the tendon is subject to tensile loads, and cracking will tend to be more 

intensive at the location of the largest tension forces in the tendons, approximately where the 

critical slip surface intersects the soil nail. The crack width determines whether corrosion 

may actually occur or if the grout will remain relatively impermeable; however, there is lack 

of specific information in the literature about corrosion of soil nails. Therefore, it is a 

reasonably conservative practice not to rely on the grout cover when the soil nails are 

installed in aggressive ground, and to include additional methods of corrosion protection for 

design. 

7.6.3 Epoxy Coating

Corrosion protection with epoxy consists of coating the tendon with a fusion-bonded epoxy 

in accordance with ASTM A775 or A934. This coating is applied by the manufacturer prior 

to shipment to the construction site. Epoxy coating is dielectric and thus provides physical 

213 
and chemical protection. A minimum grout cover of 1 in. between the tendon and the soil is 

placed around all epoxy-coated tendons. 

The coatings used on steel rebar are color-coded in green, gray or purple. The green coating 

is the most commonly used and meets ASTM A775/A775M. The gray or purple coatings 

usually meet ASTM A934/A934M. The green epoxy coating is flexible and is suitable for 

rebar that will be bent in different shapes. The gray and purple epoxy coatings are less 

flexible than the green epoxy coating, but they have greater chemical resistance. The purple 

epoxy coating is better suited for marine or harsh environments. The long-term resilience of 

the various colors of epoxy coating has not yet been studied for comparison for soil nail 

walls; therefore, with respect to longevity, no type of epoxy coating is favored over another 

in this manual. 

Epoxy coatings can be provided for aggressive or non-aggressive conditions. Without 

development of site-specific data demonstrating effectiveness in aggressive conditions, 

protection must not rely solely on epoxy coatings. While undamaged epoxy coatings can 

provide protection for significantly long periods because of their dielectric nature, epoxy 

coatings may be damaged during transporting and handling. Although ASTM standards 

allow for some discontinuities in epoxy coatings (referred to as holidays in corrosion 

protection), damage to the epoxy coating should be repaired when practically possible. 

Occasionally, field-repairs are made to cover small chips or nicks in the epoxy coating 

applied over solid bars using kits provided by bar manufacturers. However, some of the 

damage may not be detected. 

The required thickness of the epoxy coating must be 7 to 12 mils as specified in ASTM A775

or A934 for the tendon sizes typically used as soil nails. However, a reasonable range of 

epoxy coating thickness should be specified, as opposed to one single value. Establishing a 

range of thickness for epoxy coating of tendons in a project specification, different from that 

specified by ASTM, must be done with care and with understanding of the consequences of 

having excess coating. The process of epoxy application has an inherent thickness tolerance 

that may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Epoxy coaters attempt to apply a larger 

thickness than specified so that the minimum thickness specification is met everywhere along 

the tendon. This will necessarily result in the existence of zones where the tendon will have 

excess thickness of epoxy. If the minimum thickness specification is too large, it may create 

a significant problem during installation as couplers and nuts may not fit on tendons with 

excess epoxy thickness. This may result in field personnel resorting to filing the excess 

epoxy, thus compromising the integrity of the coating, especially at the nail head. The 

threads of the couplers and nuts cannot be excessively oversized to accommodate the excess 

epoxy thickness without losing performance. 

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As mentioned, regardless of the type of epoxy encapsulation that is used, the minimum grout 

cover over the tendon must be 1 in. 

7.6.4 Zinc Coating (Galvanization)

A method of providing corrosion protection is galvanization, which consists of applying a 

zinc coating on the steel surface. The process is performed by hot-dipping tendons and other 

metallic pieces in a zinc bath. The protection provided by galvanized coating is both 

physical and chemical, as this process forms a protective layer of sacrificial zinc oxide. 

Cement grout is placed around all galvanized tendons. 

Bars should be coated according to AASHTO (2014) or ASTM A123. ASTM A767/A767M 

can also be used as a reference. A minimum galvanization coating of 2.0 oz/ft2

 or 3.4-mil 

thickness is required per Article 11.10.6.4.2a (AASHTO 2014). ASTM A123 also requires a 

3.4-mil minimum average for all tendons on a project, and a 3.1-mil minimum for an 

individual tendon. Galvanization must be applied in accordance with ASTM A153 for nuts, 

plates, and other hardware. The zinc coating provides a sacrificial anode that corrodes while 

protecting the base metal. Galvanization also assists in preventing the formation of pits in 

the base metal during the first years of corrosion that would occur in non-galvanized or bare 

tendons. After the zinc is consumed by oxidation, corrosion of the base metal starts.

Galvanization can also be damaged during handling and construction by abrasion, scratching, 

notching, and cracking. Care must be taken during handling and construction to avoid 

damage. Construction equipment should not travel directly on reinforcing elements and 

elements should not be dragged, excessively bent, or field cut. Galvanized reinforcement 

should be well supported during lifting and handling to prevent excessive bending. Any 

damaged section should be field repaired by coating the damaged area with a field grade, 

zinc-rich paint. 

Again, regardless if galvanization is used over the tendons, the minimum grout cover over 

the tendons must remain 1 in. 

7.6.5 Encapsulation

Encapsulation is common practice in permanent soil nail walls constructed in an aggressive 

or unknown environment. It consists of fitting the tendon with a corrugated sheathing of 

PVC with a nominal 0.04-in. thickness, or of HDPE with a nominal 0.06-in. thickness. The 

annular space between the tendon and the sheathing is grouted in the shop and the whole 

assembly transported to the project site. Cement grout is placed around all encapsulated 

tendons. 

215 
The sheathing is corrugated to promote transfer of the nail load to the surrounding grout. It 

must be sufficiently strong to resist transportation, handling, and installation; and must be 

non-reactive with concrete, chemically stable, ultra-violet-light resistant, and impermeable. 

Certain sheathing techniques may be proprietary. 

The grout inside the sheathing must completely fill the annular space around the tendon and 

provide a minimum internal cover of 0.2 in. over the tendon. This distance allows the 

injected grout to flow without difficulty and provides sufficient physical protection. Outside 

the sheathing, the minimum grout cover between the sheathing and the drill hole wall must 

be 1 in. Coupling of encapsulated tendons, if required, should consist of heat shrink over 

wax tape and should be done in accordance with PTI recommendations (2007) to avoid 

development of a discontinuity in the permanent soil nail. 

The portion of a soil nail tendon immediately behind the facing tends to be more susceptible 

to corrosion at similar ground conditions. Sheathings only 3-ft long extending behind the 

facing have been employed in some projects (see Figure 3.9). 

7.6.6 Sacrificial Steel

Sacrificial steel is used in metallic reinforcement, such as that used in MSE walls. Fishman 

and Withiam (2011) identified that non-prestressed elements are often designed by including 

sacrificial steel to account for metal loss due to corrosion, and that prestressed elements, such 

as ground anchors, do not include sacrificial steel. Their approach is specifically applicable 

to MSE wall reinforcements, where the quality of the fill can be controlled when compared to 

soil nails.

Sacrificial steel may be used as a means to provide corrosion protection for solid bar soil 

nails depending on the stipulations of the Owner and any jurisdictional agency. Because 

coatings and encapsulation are inexpensive, more effective, and appear to offer less 

uncertainty, they are preferred over the use of sacrificial steel in solid bar soil nails. 

Sacrificial steel is computed using the following equation for plain steel elements (Fishman 

and Withiam 2011): 

Equation 7.1: Thickness of sacrificial steel.

Where X is loss of steel in μm, and tf is the service life in years. Steel loss must be 

considered as taken twice from the diameter of the bar: 

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Equation 7.2: Remaining bar diameter.

Where dloss is the bar diameter after sacrificial steel is considered and dbar is the nominal bar 

diameter.

Models incorporating galvanization over sacrificial steel can be used.

7.6.7 Nail-Head Corrosion Protection

The bearing plates, headed studs, washers, and nuts constitute the nail head. While the nail 

head is not in direct contact with the ground, it is connected to the soil nail and, as a result, it

requires corrosion protection. The minimum concrete or shotcrete cover is 2 in. on the 

outside face and 3 in. on the soil side. All components of the nail head should be epoxy 

coated or galvanized when the tendon is encapsulated, epoxy coated, or galvanized. 

However, if the total cover (initial and final facing) over the head components is 9 in. or 

more, the nail head components may not need to be encapsulated, epoxy coated, or 

galvanized if the wall is constructed in a non-marine environment. Epoxy coating of the nail 

head can be applied when a galvanized tendon is used and vice-versa. 

The thickness of the final facing should be increased from what is structurally necessary so 

as to meet the minimum requirements for concrete or shotcrete cover over the headed studs 

and other nail head elements. Alternatively, the thickness of the final facing can be kept as 

structurally needed, and the layout and/or features of the headed studs can be modified so 

that the headed studs are shortened but the original facing resistance is maintained.

7.6.8 Protection against Stray Currents

When stray currents are present, protection is provided by electrical isolation. The method 

consists of interrupting the current passage between the electric source and the tendon. The 

isolation can occur along the path or at the nail. Encapsulation can be used for corrosion 

protection to provide isolation. Effectiveness of electrical isolation must be field-tested and 

verified by personnel qualified for this task after nail installation and before grouting. 

7.7 Methodology for Selecting Corrosion Protection Levels

7.7.1 Introduction

This section presents a method for selecting the corrosion protection level suited for the 

project, soil, and soil nail tendon types. There are many factors to consider in the selection of 

a corrosion protection system. Some of the more significant factors include the perceived 

217 
consequences of failure, the relative cost of different levels of protection, varying 

performance of protection methods based on tendon type, and the effect of tendon installation 

on some protection systems. A decision tree is presented to appropriately account for the

above listed factors and others, along with a step-by-step procedure. 

7.7.2 Selection Procedure

7.7.2a Overview

The corrosion protection selection methodology presented herein for solid soil nail bars

(Figure 7.2) is an adaptation of the decision tree presented in PTI (2004). The methodology 

deviates from previous FHWA guidance for soil nail walls to better emphasize the different 

levels of protection between encapsulated and epoxy coated or galvanized bars.

Figure 7.2: Illustration. Procedure for selecting soil nail corrosion protection level. 

218 
The corrosion classes shown in the figure represent the minimum level to be provided in 

permanent soil nails. Owners may elect to adopt a higher corrosion class level for 

conservatism, depending on their tolerance for risk (see next section). 

One change with respect to PTI (2004) consists of omitting the consideration of the service

life because this document only addresses permanent elements. The first item in the tree is to 

denote the soil as aggressive or non-aggressive according to the criteria presented in Table 

7.2. Aggressive soils or those with unknown corrosive conditions should receive Class A 

protection as defined in Table 7.3. Projects planned in non-aggressive soils should then be 

evaluated further to consider the risk tolerance. Risk tolerance is a term meant to convey the 

assessment of the remaining factors including the perceived risks and failure consequences, 

and added costs to provide a higher level of protection. In general, the subdivisions of low, 

intermediate, or high risk tolerance are based on a balanced selection to compensate risks and 

costs, but also on the principle that in case of uncertainty, a conservative level of corrosion 

protection is provided.

Table 7.3: Corrosion Protection Levels for Soil Nails

Class

Protection

Protection 

Methods Used(1) Conditions/Remarks

A Encapsulation 

• Aggressive soil, or unknown corrosion potential 

• Non-aggressive soil conditions with low risk 

tolerance

• This is the highest level used in practice; 

however, in extreme situations, encapsulation 

can be combined with epoxy coating or 

galvanization

B Epoxy Coating or 

Galvanization

• Non-aggressive soil conditions with 

intermediate or high risk tolerance

C Bare Steel Tendon 

(Sacrificial Steel)

• Non-aggressive soil conditions with high risk 

tolerance

(1) All soil nail bars are assumed to be grouted and include the grout protection in each class 

protection level listed herein. 

7.7.2b Risk Tolerance

Risk tolerance must be assessed by the Owner for each individual project considering a 

multitude of factors. These factors are too many to list and to provide specific guidelines for 

219 
their evaluation. Therefore, two simple, hypothetical examples are described to illustrate the 

evaluation of risk tolerance by the Owner. 

In a hypothetical case where the soil is determined to be non-aggressive based on 

comprehensive testing, failure of the soil nail wall due to the unlikely corrosion of the soil 

nails would happen only after a significant time after construction. If such failure would 

produce only limited material losses, that the Owner could tolerate and afford to repair, then 

the Owner may opt to assess the risk tolerance as “high.” The Owner may still opt to request 

a Class B or Class A protection if the Owner deems that the additional cost is not significant.

Conversely, if testing indicates that the soils are non-aggressive but, in the judgment of the 

Owner, a failure would produce costly material losses that the Owner may or may not be 

prepared to sustain, the Owner may opt to assess the risk tolerance as “intermediate” or 

“low.” 

In a case where there is only limited testing that indicates that the soils are non-aggressive, 

no evidence of corrosion of nearby structures, but where failure may produce injury or loss of 

life, the Owner should assess the risk tolerance as “low.” 

Ultimately, the Owner must decide the level of risk tolerance in the specific project based on 

the particular circumstances that surround the project, the level of confidence in the 

investigation, the aptitude of the Owner to inspect and maintain existing structures, and the 

level of funding available, among others. 

7.7.2c Corrosion Protection Levels

Three levels of corrosion protection are presented in this document: 

• Class A Corrosion Protection: consists of encapsulation (Figure 7.3) 

• Class B Corrosion Protection: consists of epoxy coating or galvanizing (Figure 7.4) 

• Class C Corrosion Protection: consists of a bare steel tendon with no protective 

coatings other than grout cover (Figure 7.5) 

220 
Figure 7.3: Illustration. Class A corrosion protection: encapsulation. Modified from 

Byrne et al. (1998). 

Figure 7.4: Illustration. Class B corrosion protection: galvanizing or epoxy-coating. 

Modified from Byrne et al. (1998).

221 
Figure 7.5: Illustration. Class C corrosion protection: bare steel tendon. Modified from 

Byrne et al. (1998).

7.8 Design of Corrosion Protection 

7.8.1 Design Steps for Corrosion Protection of Soil Nails

The selection of soil nail corrosion protection is performed by the Owner considering the 

following steps. 

(1) Use Table 7.2 to classify soil as non-aggressive or aggressive, based on results of 

corrosion testing as described in Chapter 4 and in this chapter. 

(2) Use Figure 7.2 to determine the appropriate corrosion protection level with regard to 

aggressiveness, risk tolerance, and other miscellaneous considerations detailed in this 

chapter. 

(3) In conjunction with determining the corrosion protection level, select the appropriate 

tendon type to meet the project needs. 

(4) If Class C is selected: 

a. Obtain the nominal tendon diameter

b. Select the design life of the soil nail wall (typically 50 to 75 years)

c. Calculate sacrificial steel using Eq. 7-1 

222 
d. Calculate the new diameter with steel loss

e. Use the new diameter to calculate the area of the tendon with steel loss

f. The area with steel loss should then be used as the cross-sectional area of the 

tendon, At, in Eq. 6-5 to calculate the nominal resistance of the tendon

g. Proceed with the design according to Chapter 6 

(5) If Class A or B is selected, complete the design according to Chapter 6. 

7.9 Unusual Conditions

Structures exposed to a marine or other chloride-rich environment represent unusual 

conditions that require further consideration. For marine structures exposed to saltwater, 

carbon steel losses on the order of 3.2 mils per side or radius should be anticipated in the first 

few years, reducing to a range from 0.67 to 0.7 mils thereafter. Zinc losses are likely to be 

quite rapid as compared to losses in retained soils meeting the minimum electrochemical 

criteria. Total loss of zinc of approximately 3.4 mils should be anticipated in the first year of 

exposure. 

As mentioned earlier, the potential of higher corrosion rates occurring under road and bridge 

abutments exposed to de-icing can be addressed by installing a 30-mil (minimum) thick 

geomembrane below the road base and tied into the roadway drainage system to avoid the 

penetration of de-icing salts into the ground.

Structures exposed to acidic water emanating from mine waste, abandoned coal mines, or 

pyrite-rich soil and rock strata are also special conditions that may require the input of a 

corrosion specialist.

Conditions such as these may not be suitable for soil nailing applications. In these unusual 

conditions, the corrosion potential of the soil will likely be the strongest factor for 

consideration during the feasibility study.

223 

Chapter 8: Contracting Approaches and Specifications

8.1 Introduction

Two types of contracting methods can be used to develop contract drawings and 

specifications for permanent soil nail wall systems. Some Owners prefer one approach over 

the other, or a combination of the two approaches. The contracting method is selected based 

on: the criticality and complexity of the project, the experience of the Owner and their 

engineering consultants, and the availability of specialty contractors. Both contracting 

approaches are valid if properly implemented, and each has advantages and potential 

disadvantages. These contracting methods include: 

• Procedural or Method Approach. All details of design, construction materials, and 

methods are specified in the contract documents. An example specification is 

presented in Appendix E. 

• Performance or End-Result Approach. The contract documents specify the criteria 

for the successful outcome or result of the soil nail wall. A full design and detailing 

of the soil nail wall, and construction methods, are not prescribed. With this 

approach, a detailed design submittal occurs in conjunction with the submittal of 

construction drawings. An example specification is presented in Appendix F. 

Because specialty contractors often introduce innovative, cost-competitive solutions, contract 

documents for soil nail wall projects should be structured to allow specialty contractors to 

make use of the latest available construction techniques. Therefore, whether using the 

procedural or performance approach, specifying the drilling and grouting methods or other 

Contractor’s means and methods is not recommended. However, restrictions can be placed 

to avoid undesirable drilling and grouting methods in various subsurface conditions. In this 

section, contracting procedures and guideline information are summarized. The example

specifications presented in Appendices E and F can be readily modified for a specific project 

and can be referenced, where applicable, to the Owner’s standard specifications. To facilitate 

tailoring the guideline specifications to specific projects, comments have been added 

throughout Appendices E and F, and are shown in italics. 

8.2 Geotechnical Analyses Required by Specifications

Whether the procedural or performance approach is followed, there are three essential 

analyses that must be conducted as part of the feasibility assessment of a soil nail wall: global 

stability, deformation, and soil corrosivity/corrosion protection class determination. These 

analyses may be performed as part of the geotechnical report and included in the contract 

documents for use by the Contractor, performed by the Owner, or be required submittals 

225 
from the Contractor. If required of the Contractor, ample time must be supplied by bid 

documents to permit the Contractor to conduct their own subsurface investigation and 

analyses besides those performed by the Owner for feasibility. The three analyses are 

discussed further below. 

The Owner may perform their own global stability analyses and soil nail wall design before 

the preparation of bid documents. This approach is recommended for Owners who have 

sufficient geotechnical engineering expertise and local soil nail design experience, and where 

significant design modifications by the Contractor are not anticipated. 

If the Owner performs their own global stability analyses but leaves the soil nail wall design 

to the Contractor, results from global stability analyses should be provided by the Owner as 

reference documents in bid packages. All potential issues identified during the global 

stability analysis performed by the Owner should be disclosed in bid documents. However, 

contract documents should require that the Contractor verify stability concerns during the 

final design of the soil nail wall.

Alternatively, the Owner may decide to charge the Contractor to perform global stability 

analyses in addition to conducting the soil nail wall design. In this case, the requirement by 

the Contractor to perform the stability analyses must be clearly indicated in specifications

included in bid documents. In addition, the Owner should provide specific information for 

the global stability analysis or verification by the Contractor in the bid documents. This 

information should include soil shear strength parameters, pore pressure magnitude, etc. The 

objective of providing this information is to reduce the level of effort by the Contractor and 

reduce or eliminate the needs for the Contractor to perform their own exploration. The 

Owner will also need to plan in the procurement schedule sufficient time during the bid for 

the Contractor to complete an evaluation of the Owner-provided information and to conduct 

their global stability analyses. 

For projects where the soil nail wall deformation is not a critical factor as affecting adjacent 

structures, the Owner may elect to perform preliminary deformation analyses during the 

planning stages of the project. These evaluations may be simple calculations or more 

complex numerical analyses. For projects where the wall deformation is a critical factor, the 

Owner should always conduct deformation evaluations, and should indicate in the 

performance specifications a minimum set of considerations that the Contractor’s designer 

must include in their own deformation analysis. If the Owner requires specific numerical

methods, the performance specifications should also include these methods. 

The Owner should indicate in the specifications the minimum acceptable methods of 

monitoring to assess movements of the soil nail wall and the surrounding structures. 

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Before the preparation of bid documents, the Owner must perform corrosivity testing on 

representative soil samples, as described in Chapter 4, to determine the class of corrosion 

protection required for the soil nails. The corrosion class and design life are generally 

specified by the Owner. The Owner will then include the corrosion class required on design 

plans. 

The Owner should always provide the results of corrosivity testing to the Contractor. The 

Contractor may also elect to provide a higher corrosion class than specified as a substitution. 

If the selection of a high corrosion class requires special handling and preparation of the 

various soil nail elements, the Owner should plan accordingly to allow the Contractor to 

secure these special elements. 

8.3 Experience Requirements for Contractors

The practices used by the Contractor for soil nail wall construction need to provide a high 

quality product and avoid undesirable construction conditions that could jeopardize the 

structural integrity of the wall and represent a hazard to workers. Barring the potential for 

differing conditions, the likelihood of obtaining a satisfactory soil nail installation increases 

when an experienced and qualified soil nail Contractor with experienced personnel and good 

QC procedures is selected to construct the wall, regardless of the construction method being 

considered. The prospect of success further increases when comprehensive construction 

quality assurance procedures are developed and enforced by the Owner or the inspection 

personnel. Owners with no previous soil nailing experience should seek a competent thirdparty quality assurance provider.

Contract documents for soil nailing projects should clearly define: (i) the Contractor 

experience requirements, (ii) submittal procedures for this information, and (iii) the means by 

which the Owner will enforce these requirements. Such experience requirements are used by 

many transportation Owners for other specialty construction techniques, such as permanent 

ground anchor walls, micropiles, drilled shaft foundations, and shotcreting. However, for 

some public Owners, it is prohibited by law to “pre-qualify” contractors, and any 

“pre-qualifications” of experienced contractors must be disregarded. However, this does not 

preclude specification requirements for bidders to demonstrate that they meet specific soil 

nail experience criteria as discussed above. 

Contractor experience requirements must extend to their specialized personnel (e.g., driller, 

nozzlemen, etc.). The requirements must include: (i) a minimum duration of experience with 

similar type of work, and/or (ii) a minimum number of projects where the Contractor has 

successfully constructed similar soil nail walls. Typical requirements for soil nail contractor 

experience are included in the guideline specifications presented in Appendices E and F. 

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8.4 Procedural Specifications

The procedural contracting approach includes the development of a detailed set of plans and 

specifications to be provided in the bidding documents. In this approach, complete design 

details and specifications are developed so that each contractor submitting a bid has a defined 

product to price, making it more straightforward for the Owner to compare pricing. This 

approach empowers the Owner’s engineers to examine options that may be available during 

design, but requires engineering staff trained in soil nail wall design and construction 

methods. The Owner’s design staff then also becomes a valuable asset during construction, 

when questions and/or design modifications are required. 

Under this contracting procedure, the Owner is fully responsible for the design and 

performance of the soil nail system, as long as the Contractor has installed each component 

(e.g., nails, facing, and drainage) in strict accordance with the contract documents. The 

Owner assumes all design risks and is responsible for design modifications and costs that 

may be required based upon actual field conditions. The Owner should provide existing 

geotechnical reports as reference documents.

The use of a procedural or method specification is recommended only for Owners who have 

developed sufficient in-house expertise and consider soil nail wall design and construction 

control as a conventional or standard method for earth retention. 

8.5 Performance-Based Specifications

This approach is often called “line and grade,” “conceptual plans,” or “Design/Build.” Under 

this approach, the Owner: (i) prepares drawings defining the geometric and aesthetic 

requirements for the structure, and material specifications for the components, (ii) defines 

performance requirements including LRFD resistance factors, corrosion protection levels, 

and deformation limits, and (iii) indicates the range of acceptable design and construction 

methods. 

This approach offers several benefits, when coupled with sound specifications and 

experience requirements of contractors. Design of the structure should be performed by an 

experienced designer: in-house or retained by the Contractor. This design is then more 

suited to the Contractor’s equipment and methods along with material components 

successfully and routinely used in the past. Also, the performance specification approach 

lessens preconstruction engineering costs and manpower requirements for the Owner, 

transferring some of the project design costs to construction. The disadvantage is that the 

Owner’s engineers must have adequate expertise in soil nail technology to perform a design 

review and approve construction modifications, or must engage a consultant with 

demonstrated proficiency in this technology. 

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Bid quantities are obtained from specified pay limits denoted on the “line and grade” 

drawings and can be bid on a lump sum or unit-price basis per square foot of wall face.

Special provisions may be included in performance-based specifications. These need to 

include the basis for special designs, a list of related submittals, as well as the schedules for 

these submittals and for review and approval of these submittals. Submittal items to be 

contained in special provisions may include: (i) calculations and design drawings to be 

conducted by Contractor, (ii) shop drawings and construction processes, and (iii) material

information. In addition, special provisions may also include the basis for construction 

control and monitoring requirements. 

Information furnished by the Owner as part of the contract documents should include the 

geometric, geotechnical, and design-specific information listed below:

• Plan and evaluate the areas to be retained, including beginning and end stations, top 

of wall, bottom of wall, and original ground line. 

• Typical cross-section(s) indicating, as a minimum, original and final grade, face 

batter, pay limits, surface and subsurface drainage requirements, and excavation 

limits.

• Elevation view of each structure showing original ground line, minimum foundation 

level, finished grade at wall base, and top of wall or slope line.

• Location of utilities, signs, and any other structures, and the loads imposed by each 

such appurtenance, if any.

• Construction constraints such as staged construction, ROW, and construction 

easements.

• Magnitude, location, and direction of external loads due to structures, bridges, 

overhead signs and lights, screening walls, and traffic surcharges.

• Limits and requirements of drainage features beneath, behind, above, or through the 

structure.

• Tolerable deformations of wall during earthquakes, if applicable.

• Return period of design ground motions, if different than those published in 

AASHTO (2014), if applicable. 

• Reference to specific governing sections of an Owner design manual (materials, 

structural, hydraulic, and geotechnical), construction specifications, special 

provisions, and performance criteria for the soil nail wall. The Owner may specify, 

as part of the special provisions, acceptable design methods by referencing one or 

more of the methods outlined in this manual.

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• Results of all geotechnical investigations and laboratory testing on site. As an 

alternative, a baseline geotechnical report may be developed by the Owner and 

included as part of the contract documents. 

• Maximum resistance factors and limitations on material properties for design. 

• Level of corrosion protection required. 

• Finished face aesthetic requirements.

• Wall alignment tolerances and allowable horizontal movements. 

• Percentage of nails to be tested, testing procedures, and acceptance criteria.

• Wall construction monitoring requirements.

If the Owner elects to provide the geotechnical information as not-to-be-relied upon, then the 

Owner shall give Contractor ample time to perform their own investigation to be used for 

design. 

Performance specifications are recommended for Owners with limited experience with soil 

nail technology or for complicated projects where a specialty Contractor’s specific or local 

knowledge can be maximized. 

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Chapter 9: Construction Inspection and Performance Monitoring

9.1 Introduction

Inspection activities, when appropriately conducted, play an integral role in the production of 

a high-quality soil nail wall. This chapter focuses on the most common aspects of soil nail 

wall inspection and monitoring. The discussion presented herein is applicable regardless of 

the contracting approach followed in a given project and what party is assigned inspection 

duties. Additional inspection measures may be necessary depending on specific project 

requirements and constraints. 

Proper construction inspection procedures are a vital component of constructing the soil nail 

wall in accordance with the intent of the project plans and specifications. Inspection involves 

evaluation of the following: (i) conformance of system components to material 

specifications; (ii) conformance of construction methods to execution specifications, if any; 

(iii) identification of site or soil conditions that require adjustment to the installation 

procedures or to the original design; (iv) conformance to short-term performance 

specifications (i.e., load testing); and (v) long-term monitoring, if required by contract. A 

valuable source of information on proper soil nail construction inspection practices is 

provided in the “Soil Nailing Field Inspector’s Manual” (Porterfield et al. 1994). 

Monitoring activities are conducted to assess the performance of the soil nail wall and its 

components, and may include short-term and long-term measurements. Short-term 

monitoring is usually limited to measurements during and possibly shortly after construction. 

Depending on the project, it may include measurements of vertical and lateral wall 

deflection, measurement of ground movement in the vicinity of the wall, and load testing of 

soil nails. Long-term monitoring of the soil nail wall is less typical and usually includes a 

continuation of measurements from short-term monitoring. Short-term monitoring of wall 

performance can be performed by the Owner or the Contractor depending on the contracting 

approach used. Long-term performance monitoring is usually conducted by the Owner. 

The inspection personnel is responsible for ensuring that all required construction activities 

and testing have been completed in accordance with the contract specifications and plans. 

The inspector must understand all relevant aspects of the construction of soil nail walls, and 

must be intimately familiar with the design drawings and specifications of the project. The 

inspector must be equipped with the necessary safety gear, measurement instruments and 

tools to perform the inspection activities, with exception of gear and instruments that are to 

be provided by the Contractor. The inspector must verify that the gear provided is in 

working order and suitable for inspection work. The inspector is responsible for carrying and 

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maintaining soil nail installation logs, a daily log and field book, and for recording all 

relevant aspects of soil nail wall construction and related activities. 

9.2 Inspection of Construction Materials

9.2.1 Materials Inspection

The quality of all materials used is controlled by one or a combination of the following 

procedures: 

• Visual examination for defects due to poor workmanship, contamination, or damage 

from handling 

• Certification by the manufacturer or supplier that the materials comply with the 

design and specification requirements

• Laboratory testing of representative samples from materials delivered to the site or 

approved storage area 

Steel components such as tendons, bearing plates, nuts, washers, welded wire mesh (WWM), 

and reinforcing bars are normally accepted based on mill certifications. Cement is accepted 

based on certification by the cement producer pending the results of unconfined compressive 

testing on grout and observation of soil nail installation. Other materials such as centralizers, 

coatings, grout additives, sheathing, geocomposite drainage material, and piping are normally 

accepted based on certificates provided by the manufacturer. In addition to the 

manufacturer’s certifications, visual inspection of the materials is necessary to establish

whether they have suffered damage during transport or storage. 

Water used in the preparation of grout or shotcrete must be free from chemical or organic 

material that may negatively affect its performance. Potable water is generally suitable for 

preparation of grout or shotcrete without the need for testing. 

9.2.2 Storage

Inspection must include verification of proper storage of the materials that will form part of 

the soil nail wall. All materials must be kept in a suitable location and protected as needed to 

prevent deterioration by the elements and construction activities. Cement is typically 

supplied either in bagged or bulk form, and must be kept dry and elevated from the ground 

during storage. The Contractor should avoid stacking the bags too high to prevent over 

compaction of the cement.

Tendons must be placed on supports to prevent direct contact with the ground and moisture

in the ground. Support must be provided with appropriate spacing to prevent excessive 

bending of the bars. If excessive, the bending may compromise the tolerances or the 

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minimum cover. Similar care must be taken with other steel components and drainage 

materials, which should be stored in suitable containers and protected from damage. 

9.2.3 Inspection of Corrosion Protection

The corrosion protection systems of all tendons must be inspected at the project site, prior to 

acceptance and use. Tendons with damaged corrosion protection must be repaired, if 

possible, or replaced. Inspection measures should also be performed for all other steel 

elements that are corrosion protected.

Encapsulated tendons are usually delivered to the site assembled. The annular space between 

the corrugated sheath and the tendon is grouted at the production facility. Inspection must 

include visual examination of the encapsulation to detect surface damage such as cracks or 

scores. Surface damage to the encapsulation may be repaired; however, any repairs should 

follow procedures approved by the manufacturer and are subject to approval of the Owner. 

A representative number of encapsulated tendons should be checked for voids by lightly 

tapping the encapsulation with a steel rod and listening for hollow sounds indicating the 

presence of voids. Generally, tendons with voids within the encapsulation should be 

replaced instead of attempting their repair.

Epoxy-coated tendons are susceptible to damage due to impact and scarring. Construction 

equipment should not travel directly on reinforcing elements, and elements should not be 

dragged, excessively bent, or field cut. Occasionally, tendons may be incompletely coated at 

the factory with visible areas of bare steel or areas with significant color variations. The 

epoxy coating should be visually examined for damage and inconsistencies. Nicks and dents 

may be repaired using a repair kit provided by the manufacturer. However, tendons showing 

areas with bare steel or coating thickness outside the range described in Chapter 7 should be 

replaced.

Galvanized tendons are also susceptible to damage during transport and storage, and must be 

inspected following similar procedures as epoxy coated tendons. Galvanized reinforcement 

should be well supported during lifting and handling to prevent excessive bending. Repairs 

to areas of limited damage of the protective layer must strictly follow manufacturer’s

recommendations. 

9.3 Inspection of Construction Activities

9.3.1 Introduction 

Inspection during construction of a soil nail wall should be carried out by qualified 

individuals. Depending on the particulars of the project, inspection may be entirely carried 

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out by the Geotechnical Engineer, by the wall Designer or Specialty Contractor, by a third 

party, or by a combination thereof. In this chapter, “inspector” refers to the person or entity 

performing the inspection of a given item. It must be noted that, in some cases, a third-party 

inspection firm may not be qualified to perform certain specialized inspection tasks identified 

in this chapter. In those cases, the geotechnical engineer or the wall designer must be 

engaged to complete those tasks as appropriate. This chapter does not differentiate between 

inspection entities and only focuses on the necessary inspection tasks. This differentiation 

must be established by the Owner or the wall designer as needed. 

A discussion of inspection issues for each of the major construction steps is provided below. 

Note that Porterfield et al. (1994) provide considerably greater detail on inspection methods, 

nail testing, inspection forms, and handling of difficult ground conditions during 

construction. 

9.3.2 Excavation 

The two types of excavation that generally occur during construction of a soil nail wall are:

(1) Mass excavation, which is conducted to provide equipment access and general site 

grading 

(2) Bench excavations required for construction of the soil nail wall (i.e., excavation to 

the finished wall line shown on the plans, or “neat line”)

During mass excavation, the inspection personnel must verify that the excavation does not 

encroach upon the partially completed soil nail wall because uncontrolled excavation near the 

wall location could affect the stability of the wall. The Contractor is responsible for 

completing the excavation to neat line and grade, and the inspector should verify compliance 

with the plans within the specified tolerance. The following items should be reported on or 

noted by the inspector: [Additional notes to the inspector are included in italics.] 

• The type, nature, and moisture condition of excavated materials and those present at 

the excavation face [Particular attention should be placed on the presence of 

moisture and seepage, soft soil zones, sloughing and overbreaks, boulders, manmade 

features or obstructions, and, in general, any other observations relevant to the 

construction and performance of the soil nail wall. The inspector should prepare 

sketches of the encountered features with indication of dimensions, plan location to 

known references, and elevation.] 

• Unexpected soft zones, seepage areas, or fill [These features should be specifically 

reported to the Owner’s or the Contractor’s designer for further action as needed 

because they have the potential to degrade the performance of the soil nail wall 

unless properly addressed during design and construction. Unexpected seepage may 

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be addressed by installation of additional drainage features as needed. Zones of soft 

soil or fill that were not considered during design may represent a serious issue. In 

this case, a revision of the design may be warranted.] 

• Recurrent raveling or sloughing of the excavation face [This should be reported to the 

Owner as it may result in excessive ground surface movements above the wall, as 

well as be detrimental to wall performance. The Contractor must address conditions 

such as overbreaks, or sloughing of the cut face, as well as protrusion of cobbles or 

boulders beyond the line of the cut face.] 

• The condition of the excavation face at the start and end of each work day, and which 

portions of the face have been left unprotected, if any [Generally, but not always, the 

excavation face should not be left unprotected overnight.] 

• The stability of the retained soils, the area behind or upslope of the wall, and the 

bottom of the excavation, at least twice a day [The inspector should examine, if safe 

to do so, the ground surface above and in the vicinity of the wall for cracks, openings, 

and any evidence of movement and/or seepage. The inspector must pay close 

attention to utilities, manholes, pavements, and any elements that may crack. The 

condition of the ground surface and any structures or utilities near the wall must be 

noted during the first day of construction, so that future observations can be 

evaluated. Ground movements may occur at a distance behind the wall equal to the 

wall height. Inspection beyond this width is usually unnecessary. The requirements 

for visual inspection may be adjusted depending on whether the project includes 

instrumentation and monitoring, and its intensity, frequency, and reliability.]

9.3.3 Drilling

The drill holes should be located and oriented as shown on the plans and within the 

tolerances in the specifications. Any deviation in location or orientation beyond the specified 

tolerances must be noted and communicated to the Owner. Generally, the angle of the drill 

mast is measured using an angle tool placed directly on the drill mast. Care must be taken 

that the drill mast angle is representative of the tendon inclination as it enters the excavation 

face. The following items should be reported on or noted by the inspector: [Additional notes 

to the inspector are included in italics.] 

• The equipment and installation method used by the Contractor [The inspector must 

become familiar with the Contractor’s drilling systems, as generally described in 

Chapter 3, and understand the potential effects on the borehole and retained ground.] 

• The pressure, flow rate, and volume of drill fluid (or grout for HBSNs) injected into

the drill hole [It is very important that the driller controls the pressure and volume to 

maintain adequate borehole progress, clearing of cuttings at the bit face, and to 

minimize infiltration into the formation. However, it is just as critical that the 

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inspector note whether return flush becomes clogged, there is connection with other 

drill holes or the ground surface, or if heaving is resulting from pressurization from 

the drilling fluid.] 

• Subsidence of ground above the drilling location or large quantities of soil removal with 

little or no advancement of the drill head [In such cases, the Contractor will have to 

modify drilling procedures.] 

• The type of drilling method and tools used, including type of drill bit, casing 

diameter, final length of casing, length of drill string, and type of drilling fluid [The 

inspector must also observe the cuttings, if possible, and note the type of material 

being drilled throughout the length of the hole. In addition, loss of drilling fluid must 

also be noted. The inspector must note zones of difficult and easy drilling. All of this 

requires continual communication between the driller and the inspector. An efficient 

tool to quantify drilling difficulty in a project, is noting the effective drilling time, 

discounting stoppages and time lags for coupling each section of drill string or per 

given drilling lengths, throughout advancement of the hole. Although this 

information cannot be directly correlated to ground properties or extrapolated to 

other project sites, it aids the inspector in learning to discern significant material 

changes during drilling within the site.]

• The length of the drill bit, drill string sections and casing sections before the start of 

drilling, and the final length of the drill hole after the hole is flushed and before 

tendon insertion [This observation will help to assess the drill length and inserted 

casing length at any time during installation. The inspector must also measure the 

diameter of the drill bit as the bit diameter should be equivalent to the nominal 

diameter of the drill hole.]

• The length of time the drill hole is left open before the tendon is inserted [Drill holes 

in soil should only be kept open for short periods of time to limit the potential for 

seepage, caving, and/or degradation of the walls of the hole. In general, a tendon 

should be inserted and grouted immediately after drilling of the hole. Exceptions to 

this practice must be established on a project-by-project basis according to the 

characteristics of the materials being drilled and job-site conditions, and provided

that the Contractor takes adequate precautions to flush the hole as needed before 

tendon installation.] 

Special considerations are required for hollow bar installation. The inspector should record 

the following parameters: 

• The drilling rate and grout pressure [Generally, if using grout as the drilling fluid, it 

is extremely difficult to see the type of cuttings exiting the hole. Recording the drilling 

rate thus becomes particularly important during inspection of HBSN installation. 

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This must be accompanied by noting the grout pressure measured at the surface and 

consistent return of grout to the face during drilling.] 

• The type of drill bit and the number and size of grout exit ports [Usually, this 

observation needs to be made only once in a project; however, in some cases, the 

Contractor may opt to switch drill bit type or size, or to modify the number or size of 

grout ports in the drill bit.] 

• The type of soil cuttings returning to the surface [The inspector may, from time to 

time, attempt to sieve-wash the outflow grout to see the type of soil cuttings flushed to 

the surface. This may be especially useful if drilling through formations with widely 

different grain sizes or when drilling through organic soils.] 

9.3.4 Tendon Installation 

The inspection personnel must verify that each tendon meets the length, diameter, steel 

grade, centralizer, and corrosion protection requirements in the plans and specifications. The 

tendon must be inserted into the hole to the minimum specified length. An inability to do so 

indicates an unacceptable condition caused by caving or sloughing of the hole. Insufficient 

drilled length can quickly be eliminated as potential cause of difficulty during installation of 

the tendon by consulting the drilling log maintained by the inspector for each soil nail.

Tendons must be handled carefully to avoid damage, with adequate support provided to those 

lifted by drill rigs or cranes. Centralizers should be stiff and large enough to provide space 

for the minimum specified grout cover. Centralizers should be spaced as shown in the 

construction drawings or as required by the specifications, but should not impede the free 

flow of tremied grout into the hole, or in the case of HBSNs, impede the drilling grout and 

flushed cuttings. The Contractor must use suitable devices during handling and lifting of the 

tendons to prevent damage to their corrosion protection. 

9.3.5 Grouting

The entire length of the nail should be grouted without voids, intrusion of soil, or gaps in the 

grouted column. Generally this aspect of grouting cannot be directly verified by the 

inspector. However, the inspector can indirectly verify the integrity of the grout by 

inspecting the drill hole before grout placement, and by recording the volume of grout 

injected in the hole. Inspection of the drill hole was discussed previously and includes 

measurement of the drilled length.

The inspector must verify that grout is injected by tremie pipe inserted to the bottom of the 

drill hole in a continuous process. If the tremie pipe is withdrawn as grouting proceeds, the 

withdrawal rate should be controlled to ensure that the end of the tremie pipe is always below 

the grout surface. Grouting may be performed before or after insertion of the tendon. If 

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performed after insertion, the volume of the tendon must be considered in the theoretical 

volume calculation. Also, the inspector must verify that the tremie hose is properly attached 

to the tendon so as not to coil during tendon insertion, and so that it can be pulled from the 

hole after grouting without detriment to the tendon and its corrosion protection. Grouting 

can also be performed within a temporary casing followed by nail insertion and casing 

extraction.

When hollow-stem auger drilling methods are used, the Contractor should not be allowed to 

reverse the auger rotation during extraction. This action forces soil to mix with the grout, 

thus reducing grout/ground bond strength. 

The inspector must maintain a record of the volume of grout placed in the hole. Measurement 

of the volume of injected grout requires volume calibration of the holding tank or the use of a 

flowmeter, starts when final grout is injected in the hole, and ends when final grout exits the 

hole free of impurities. The volume of injected grout must be at least equal to the theoretical 

volume of the hole, although it is often 10 to 30 percent larger than the theoretical volume. If 

the volume of grout injected is less than 100 percent or greater than 130 percent of 

theoretical, the Contractor and the Owner must be notified, and remedial measures must be 

undertaken, if needed.

Another important aspect of grouting inspection is to measure the grout properties: namely 

specific gravity and strength. For production soil nails, specific gravity of the newly 

prepared, fluid grout should be the primary quality control mechanism and should be 

preferred to compression testing of grout specimens. In a neat cement grout, there is a direct 

relationship between the specific gravity of the newly prepared grout and its water-cement 

ratio. Because there is also a direct relationship between the water-cement ratio and the grout 

strength for a given type of cement, mixing method and mixing energy, and water source, the 

specific gravity becomes an indirect indicator of grout strength that can be obtained during 

nail installation rather than relying on testing days or weeks later. 

Because the properties of cement and water will vary from location to location and may vary 

over time, grout cubes should be prepared using grout of known specific gravity and the 

project mixing equipment. These can then be tested in compression at the start of the project 

for each mix design to be used as a confirmation of the material properties. If the specimens 

meet the required specification strength, then the corresponding specific gravity can be used 

as a QC tool. For projects of extended duration or with a relatively large number of nails, or 

where there is a change in the cement source, water source, admixtures, grout batching, or 

grout mixing equipment, additional comparison cube strength tests should be performed. 

Typically, the specific gravity is measured using an API specific gravity balance (i.e., Baroid 

mud balance), where grout is placed in a cup of known volume, capped, and then weighed in 

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accordance with ASTM D4380 or API RP 13B (API, 2009). The target specific gravity is 

typically in the range of 1.8 to 1.9 to produce fluid, pumpable grout with compressive 

strengths over the commonly used 4,000 psi. Grout cubes are prepared in the field and tested 

in a laboratory according to ASTM C109. Project specifications must clearly establish the 

type and minimum frequency of grout testing. Regular specific gravity testing conducted as 

the grout is mixed is commonly required. Molding of compressive test samples is often 

limited to daily or periodic samples depending on the Owner’s preference.

For HBSNs, drilling grout may have a specific gravity of 1.4 to 1.6. After the bar is installed 

to the desired depth, a heavier final grout mixture (1.8 to 1.9) is pumped through the hollow 

bar. The nail is considered complete when the heavier mixture returns to the excavation face, 

signaling that the lighter drilling grout was flushed from the hole and that all drilling spoils 

have also been removed. 

9.3.6 Geocomposite Strip Drains

Once the final wall line excavation and nail installation have been completed for each lift, the 

geocomposite strip drains are placed vertically, at specified intervals. Strip drains must be 

continuous from the top to the bottom of the wall. The inspector should verify that strip 

drains are installed in accordance with the construction drawings and specifications. Often, 

strip drains are fitted with an impermeable, protective liner on one side. The inspector must 

verify that this liner is not placed in contact with the soil, but rather positioned to receive 

shotcrete.

At the base of the soil nail wall, strip drains are connected either to a footing drain below the 

finished grade, or to weep holes that penetrate the finished wall. Weep holes should be 

located and spaced as shown on the plans, coinciding with the strip drain locations. A filter 

fabric is placed against weep holes behind the wall to prevent clogging. Alternatively, if 

drainage aggregate is used, it must be wrapped in filter fabric.

Footing drains are comprised of perforated pipe embedded in drainage gravel. Pipes should 

be sloped along the wall alignment as shown on the plans. The perforated pipe should not be 

wrapped in filter fabric; rather, the aggregate surrounding the pipe may be wrapped in filter 

fabric as indicated in the project plans.

9.3.7 Wall Facing

After the geocomposite strip drains are installed, the reinforcing steel is placed and shotcrete 

is applied to the lines and grades specified. The WWM and reinforcing steel must be 

installed with the proper dimensions, at the specified locations, and with the prescribed 

overlap length. When required by site conditions (e.g., poor cut face standup time), or as the 

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Contractor’s preferred construction sequence, shotcrete facing may be placed before nails are 

drilled and installed.

Conventional shotcrete procedures as described in the specifications (see Appendices E and 

F) are applicable. Construction equipment that causes excessive ground vibrations should 

not be operating in the vicinity of the shotcreting operations to reduce shotcrete rebound (i.e., 

shotcrete slump). The overlying cold joint must be cleaned prior to placement of the 

underlying lift of shotcrete. Acceptable methods for cleaning the shotcrete joint include 

washing with a combination of injected water and compressed air, or blowing with 

compressed air. Care should be taken to avoid eroding the soil cut face below the cold joint. 

The most critical factor in ensuring a good quality shotcrete facing is a nozzleman who is 

experienced in applying shotcrete. The specifications may require the nozzleman to provide 

proof of certification by the ACI or the American Shotcrete Association (ASA), and to 

complete a pre-qualification test panel prior to beginning production work. 

The inspector should be aware of the following basic recommended practices for applying 

shotcrete:

• The nozzle should be held perpendicular to the exposed excavated surface, except 

when shooting around reinforcing bars

• Optimum nozzle distance from the surface for shotcrete application is: 2 to 5 ft for 

wet-mix, 3 to 6 ft for dry-mix

• Placement of shotcrete should start at the bottom 

• Voids must not be allowed to form behind bars, plates, or steel mesh

• Where sharp edges and accurate lines are required, these should be set out by screen 

boards, guide wires, and/or depth spacers

The inspector must check that the shotcrete lines have been properly established and provide 

the minimum thickness within the tolerance established in the specifications. The inspector 

must also verify that the surface of the shotcrete is being properly finished according to the 

specifications and to the inclination established in the project plans. Also, the inspector must 

observe the installation of bearing plates with appropriate headed studs as required, and 

verify that they are positioned while the shotcrete is wet and without voids underneath. In 

the case of initial facing before placement of the final facing, the inspector must verify that 

the bearing plates are fitted with the proper number and diameter of headed studs as per the 

project plans. 

Construction of a final cast-in-place facing must follow typical inspection procedures for 

cast-in-place concrete. As part of these procedures, the inspector must verify that the 

reinforcing steel is firmly placed at the locations and to the dimensions specified in plans, the 

240 
reinforced concrete and shotcrete thicknesses are as shown on plans, and that no deleterious 

material is present over the reinforcing steel before concrete pumping.

9.4 Load Testing 

9.4.1 Introduction 

Soil nails are load tested in the field to verify that the nail design loads can be carried without 

excessive movements and with an adequate factor of safety. Testing is also used to verify the 

adequacy of the Contractor’s drilling, installation, and grouting operations prior to and during 

construction of the soil nail wall. If ground and/or installation procedures change, additional 

testing may be required to evaluate the influence on soil nail performance. It is standard 

practice to complete testing in each row of nails prior to progressing to the next lower level. 

This requirement of completing all testing in the row above, before proceeding, may be 

relaxed, at the direction of the Engineer. This most often occurs for walls of significant 

lateral extent to facilitate the construction sequence. 

If test results indicate faulty construction practices or if the resistance of soil nails is less than 

that required, the Contractor should be required to alter nail installation and/or construction 

methods. Testing procedures and nail acceptance criteria must be included in the 

specifications.

The inspector must observe and log the results of the load tests performed and must ensure 

that the load testing schedule follows the specifications and approved testing submittals 

provided by the Contractor. The inspector may also provide input during selection of proof 

test nails based on observations during construction. 

Load testing consists of verification tests and proof tests. A bonded length must be created 

for verification and proof test soil nails in the specific layer where bond is to be measured

and an unbonded length must be proved above. In proof tests, the unbonded length is 

established as the minimum stressing length necessary for the test. The Contractor may 

achieve the formation of the unbonded length (referred to as “debonding”) by any method as 

long as it can be shown that the debonding is effective. Grout should not be allowed to be 

pumped above the assumed bond length because the load would be transferred upward 

through the grout in the unbonded zone (i.e., the “donut” effect described in Cadden et al. 

2010) and would result in artificially high calculated bond stresses. 

Typical methods for establishing the unbonded length include placing a painted centralizer, 

or a piece of survey ribbon, on the nail at the desired point of grout termination (top of 

bonded zone), prior to insertion of the nail into the drill hole. Once the nail test is completed, 

the actual bonded length can be determined by the marker reference. Subsequent to testing 

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and acceptance of the results, the unbonded length of all test nails must be filled with grout. 

Both grout stages are subject to the same inspection procedures described previously. 

For HBSNs, creating the unbonded length presents some challenges. Several methods have 

been employed to effectively create a length of nail that is free to move with respect to the 

soil. Since hollow bars are drilled with grout, the end product of installation is a bar fully 

grouted along its length with a complete column of grout. Following installation, the grout 

can then be removed by flushing using a tremie pipe and water. The unbonded zone may 

also be created through isolation by using a pre-installed smooth-casing bond breaker. 

However, Cadden et al. (2010) state that the estimated bond strengths using this method were 

artificially high. No universally established and accepted installation procedures exist to 

allow consistent creation of bonded and unbonded zones within a test HBSN for selective 

bond strength verification (Cadden et al. 2010). Consequently, reported values of bond 

strength from different contractors can vary greatly.

9.4.1a Verification Load Tests 

Verification load tests are conducted to verify the compliance of the pullout capacity 

resulting from the Contractor’s installation methods with those values of pullout capacity and 

bond strengths used in design. Verification tests should be conducted to a maximum load 

that induces bond stresses at least equal (or greater if desired) than the nominal bond 

resistance used in design for specific strata. When verification tests are intended to be taken 

to complete pullout, it may be necessary to use an oversized tendon to ensure that the 

ground-grout bond is achieved before the tendon is overstressed. 

The number of verification load tests must be defined by the Engineer based on the ground 

conditions and wall geometry. The number of verification tests must consider the number of 

relevant soil strata to which production nails are to be bonded. A number of tests per strata

or per area of wall can be specified. Verification test locations should be shown on the 

project documents. Test locations are commonly selected such that two verification tests are 

conducted in each anticipated major soil strata. Alternatively, the designer may specify the 

number and location of verification tests using the design nail length. In this way, the tests 

will verify the bond strength in any combination of strata that the production nails will 

engage. If the Contractor makes substantive changes in the drilling or soil nail installation 

operation, or if significant variability of the ground conditions are observed, additional 

verification tests may be required. Verification tests are performed on “sacrificial” test nails, 

which are not incorporated into the permanent work. Additional details of verification 

testing are provided below. 

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9.4.1b Proof Tests 

Proof tests are conducted during construction on a minimum of 5 percent of the total 

production nails that are installed. Proof tests are intended to verify that there are no 

significant variations in soil nail performance throughout the wall. When selecting nails for 

proof testing, the installation records of the nails prepared by the inspector should be 

considered. Proof testing should be conducted where issues were observed during 

installation of adjacent production nails, such as irregular drilling progress, lower than typical 

grout take, or those that had to be redrilled. Verification tests should not be counted towards 

the minimum of 5 percent of the total production nails. 

9.4.1c Creep Tests

Creep tests are performed as part of verification and proof testing. A creep test consists of 

measuring the movement of the soil nail at a constant load over a specified period of time, 

requiring a sustained load hold period of 10 to 60 minutes. This test is performed to ensure 

that the nail can safely carry the intended load throughout the structure service life with low 

or predictable creep displacements under constant loads. 

9.4.2 Equipment for Testing

A center-hole hydraulic jack and hydraulic pump are used to apply a test load to a nail 

tendon. The axis of the jack and the axis of the nail must be aligned to ensure uniform 

loading. Typically, a jacking frame or reaction block is installed between the shotcrete or 

excavation face and the jack. The reaction block must be sized appropriately to avoid 

overstressing the shotcrete or bearing surface. The jacking frame should not react directly 

against the nail grout column during testing. Once the jack is centered and aligned, an 

alignment load (AL) should be applied to the jack to secure the equipment and minimize the 

slack in the setup. AL should not exceed 2.5 percent of the maximum test load, as defined 

subsequently. The hydraulic jack must be appropriately sized so that the anticipated test load

is not greater than 80% of the rated jack capacity. Figures 9.1 and 9.2 show typical soil nail 

testing operations. 

Movement of the nail head is measured with at least one, and preferably two, dial gauges 

mounted on a tripod or fixed to a rigid support that is independent of the jacking setup and 

wall. The use of two dial gauges provides: (i) an average reading in case the loading is 

slightly eccentric due to imperfect alignment of the jack and the nail tendon, and (ii) a 

backup if one gauge malfunctions. The dial gauges should be aligned within 5 degrees of the 

axis of the nail, and should be zeroed after the alignment load has been applied. The dial 

gauges should be capable of measuring to the nearest 0.001 in. The dial gauges should be 

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able to accommodate a minimum travel equivalent to the estimated elastic elongation of the 

test nail at the maximum test load plus 1 in., or at least 2 in.

Figure 9.1: Photo. Soil nail load testing setup. Source: Cadden et al. (2010). 

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Figure 9.2: Photo. Soil nail load testing setup against shotcrete facing. Photograph 

courtesy of Schnabel Engineering.

A hydraulic jack is used to apply load to the nail tendon while a pressure gauge is used to 

correlate to the applied load. At the Owner’s discretion, a center-hole load cell may be added 

in series with the jack for use during creep tests. For extended load-hold periods, load cells 

should be used as a means to monitor a constant applied load while the hydraulic jack pump 

is incrementally adjusted. Over extended periods of time, small load loss in the jack will not 

be reflected with sufficient accuracy using a pressure gauge due to its low resolution. Recent 

calibration data for the jack, pressure gauge, and load cell must be obtained from the 

Contractor prior to testing. Figure 9.3 is a schematic of a typical hydraulic jack used in soil 

nail applications. The figure depicts a jack support that is adjustable for inclination which, in 

typical practice, is not necessary (see Figure 9.2).

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Figure 9.3: Illustration. Hydraulic jack used for soil nail load testing. Source: Porterfield 

et al. (1994). 

9.4.3 Details of Verification Testing

Verification tests are completed on non-production, “sacrificial” nails prior to construction. 

In addition, verification testing may be required during production to verify capacities for 

different in situ conditions encountered during construction and/or different installation 

methods. The verification tests must be conducted on nails as considered in design and 

constructed with the same construction methods to be used on production nails. It would be 

optimal for verification tests to reach pullout, which is defined as the test load at which 

attempts to further increase the test load increments result in continued movement of the 

tested nail, when the maximum test load is applied. However, this may not be possible in 

some cases. Pullout, may take place before test load is achieved, or pullout may not be 

achieved for the selected maximum test load.

Verification tests provide the following information: 

• Determination of the actual bond resistance if carried to pullout 

• Verification that the actual bond resistance is larger than the nominal bond resistance 

used in design 

• Potential for creep of the soil nail 

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At a minimum, verification test loading must be carried out to a load defined by the nominal 

bond strength. Test loads in excess of this minimum, and preferably to pullout, are desirable, 

as they provide considerably more information and may lead to more economical soil nails. 

Verification test nails must have a bonded (grouted) length and an unbonded length. Fully 

grouted soil nails must not be used. The unbonded length must extend from the back of the 

bearing plate to the top of the bonded length. The unbonded length must be at least 3 ft

within the drill hole to avoid transferring added stresses originating under the bearing plate 

during the load test to the upper bond zone: an effect that might artificially increase the bond 

strengths. Besides the minimum 3 ft of unbonded length within the drill hole, extra bar 

length must be considered outside the drill hole to allow connecting the bar with the load test 

assembly. These extra bar lengths include the jack length and the “tail” length.

The bonded length of test soil nails during verification tests, LB VT, must be selected such that 

a bond limit state is achieved before a tensile limit state is achieved, as indicated below: 

(1) Select LB VT max

For Grades 60 and 75 and other mild steel in accordance with ASTM A615, the 

maximum length, LB VT max, is defined as: 

Equation 9.1: Maximum bond length in verification tests (Grades 60 and 75). 

For Grade 150 and other high-strength steel in accordance with ASTM A722, the 

maximum length is defined as:

Equation 9.2: Maximum bond length in verification tests (Grade 150). 

Where: 

CRTY = reduction coefficient for mild-grade steel = 0.9 

CRTU = reduction coefficient for high-strength steel = 0.8 

At = cross-sectional area of the test tendon 

fy = yield strength of test tendon (mild steel)

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fu = ultimate tensile strength of test tendon (high-strength steel)

rPO = nominal pullout resistance (per unit length) of soil nail = π × qu × DDH

qu = bond strength

DDH = drill hole diameter

(2) If LB VT max > 10 ft 

Select LB VT to be 10 ft ≤ LB VT ≤ LB VT max. 

(3) If LB VT max < 10 

To avoid tensile breakage, select LB VT = 10 ft and increase the test tendon size as 

needed, and recalculate LB VT max until LB VT max > 10 ft. 

The maximum load during the verification test is defined as the Verification Test Load 

(VTL) and is calculated as follows:

Equation 9.3: Maximum load in verification tests.

VTL is defined in terms of a maximum, “ultimate” load, not a “design” load, as was done in 

the previous version of this manual. To accommodate the definition of VTL without 

changing the load testing practice, the factors multiplying VTL in the load schedule of Table 

9.1 are different from those presented in the previous edition of this manual. Also note that 

VTL is not affected by a safety factor for pullout as was the case with the previous version of 

this manual, where the maximum testing load was 2.0 times the “design” load in the 

verification test. The definition of VTL does not depend on a pullout resistance factor either.

If pullout is not achieved up to VTL, it is optional to apply test loads larger than VTL to 

attempt to reach pullout. Unload/reload cycles at intermediate loads are possible, but these 

are rarely conducted.

Verification tests are performed according to the schedule in Table 9.1. 

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Table 9.1: Load Schedule in Verification Tests

Load Hold Time (minutes)(2)

AL(1) 1 

0.13 VTL 10 (recorded at 1, 2, 4, 5, 10) 

0.25 VTL 10 (recorded at 1, 2, 4, 5, 10) 

0.38 VTL 10 (recorded at 1, 2, 4, 5, 10) 

0.50 VTL 10 (recorded at 1, 2, 4, 5, 10) 

0.63 VTL 10 (recorded at 1, 2, 4, 5, 10) 

0.75 VTL (Creep Test) 60 (recorded at 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 20, 30, 50, 60) 

0.88 VTL 10 

1.00 VTL 10 

AL 1(3)

Notes: (1) AL = alignment load, which is commonly less than or equal to 0.025 VTL. 

(2) Soil movement must be measured after each load increment has been achieved and at 

each time step.

 (3) Permanent soil nail movement must also be recorded.

The Contractor must record soil nail movements at each load increment. As noted above, 

each load increment is held for at least 10 minutes. Creep tests are performed at 0.75 VTL. 

Test loads in excess of this minimum, and preferably to pullout failure, are recommended. 

Intermediate load steps during unloading, which should be optional, may be added to create a 

stepped sequence. Stepped unloading can be used to obtain the shape of the unloading curve 

with better definition. This can be helpful when only one strain gauge (see below) is used 

and the jack movement cannot be monitored accurately. Stepped unloading can help provide 

an improved estimate of the permanent soil movement into elastic and non-recoverable 

components. Stepped unloading can include one to seven additional intermediate load steps. 

Each additional load step in stepped unloading should be held until the readings in the gauges 

are stable.

Test acceptance criteria require that:

• Pullout does not occur at loads less than 1.00 VTL. 

• The total movement (ΔVTL) measured at VTL must exceed 80 percent of the 

theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length (LUB), as defined below. 

• The creep movement does not exceed the criteria presented in Section 9.4.5. 

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Equation 9.4: Theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length in verification tests.

Where: 

E = Young’s modulus of steel (29,000 ksi) 

This last item ensures that load transfer from the soil nail to the soil occurs only in the 

bonded length and not in the unbonded length. Loading sequences and acceptance criteria 

are also contained in the specifications (Appendices E and F).

Figure 9.4 shows a data log sheet that can be used as a model for load testing of soil nails. 

Figure 9.5 presents an example of data reduction of soil nail load testing to calculate the 

elastic movement.

250 
Figure 9.4: Chart. Typical data sheet for soil nail load testing.

251 
Figure 9.5: Chart. Example of data reduction from soil nail load testing. 

252 
9.4.4 Details of Proof Tests 

Proof tests are single-cycle tests in which the load is applied in increments to a maximum 

proof test load (PTL). 

Proof test nails must also have a bonded length and a temporary unbonded length. Similarly 

to the verification test, the temporary unbonded length must extend from the back of the 

bearing plate to the top of the grouted length. The temporary unbonded length must be at 

least 3 ft within the drill hole. In addition, extra bar length (including the jack length and the 

“tail” length) must be considered outside the drill hole to connect the bar with the load test 

assembly.

Similarly to the verification test, the bonded length of test soil nails during proof tests, LB PT, 

must be selected such that a bond limit is achieved before a tensile limit state is achieved, as 

indicated below. 

(1) Select LB PT max

For Grade 75 and other mild steel in accordance with ASTM A615, the maximum 

length, LB PT max, is defined as: 

Equation 9.5: Maximum bond length in proof tests (Grades 60 and 75). 

For Grade 150 and other high-strength steel in accordance with ASTM A722, the 

maximum length, LB PT max, is defined as:

Equation 9.6: Maximum bond length in proof tests (Grade 150). 

(2) Select LB PT max to be 10 ft or LB PT max, whichever is smaller, to avoid tensile 

breakage.

Production proof test nails that are shorter than 12 ft may be tested with less than the 

minimum 10-ft bond length. Fully grouted test nails must not be proof tested. 

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The maximum load in the proof test (PTL) is as follows:

Equation 9.7: Maximum load in proof tests. 

Proof tests are conducted according to the loading schedule of Table 9.2. Each load 

increment is held for at least 10 minutes. The Contractor must record soil nail movements at 

each load increment and the time intervals shown in the table for each load step. Creep tests 

are performed at 1.00 PTL. 

The acceptance criterion requires that: 

• No pullout occurs at loads less than 1.0 PTL. 

• The total soil nail movement (ΔPTL) measured at PTL is greater than 80 percent of the 

theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length, as defined below. 

• The creep movement does not exceed the criteria presented in Section 9.4.5. 

Equation 9.8: Theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length in proof tests. 

Proof tests are also subject to the creep test criteria described in Section 9.4.5. 

For similar considerations made for VTL, the load schedule in proof tests of Table 9.2 is 

different than that presented in the previous edition of this manual because of the definition 

of PTL in terms of a maximum load, not as a multiple of a “design” load.

254 
Table 9.2: Load Schedule in Proof Tests 

Load Hold Time (minutes)(3)

AL(1) 1 

0.17 PTL Until Movement Stabilizes (4)

0.33 PTL Until Movement Stabilizes

0.50 PTL Until Movement Stabilizes

0.67 PTL Until Movement Stabilizes

0.83 PTL Until Movement Stabilizes

1.0 PTL (Creep Test)(2) 10 recorded at 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10 

AL 1 

Notes: (1) AL = alignment load, which should be AL≤ 0.025 PTL.

(2) If the nail movement measured between 1 and 10 minutes exceeds 0.04 in., PTL 

must be maintained for 50 additional minutes and movements must be recorded at 

20, 30, 50, and 60 minutes. The permanent soil movement must also be recorded.

(3) Times are measured after the target load has been achieved in each increment. 

(4) If the soils reinforced with nails are relatively susceptible to deformation of creep, it 

is recommended to hold each load increment for 10 minutes and to record the soil 

nail movement at 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes.

9.4.5 Details of Creep Tests

Creep tests, which are part of verification and proof tests, are conducted at a specified, 

constant test load, with displacements recorded at specified time intervals. The deflectionversus-log-time results are plotted on a semi-log graph, and are compared with the 

acceptance criteria presented in the construction specification.

Acceptance criteria for the creep movement require that: 

Verification Tests

• The creep movement between the 1- and 10-minute readings at 0.75 VTL is less than 

0.04 in. 

• The creep movement between the 6- and 60-minute readings at 0.75 VTL is less than 

0.08 in. 

• The creep rate is linear or decreasing throughout the creep test load-hold period. 

255 
Proof Tests

• The creep movement is less than 0.04 in. between the 1- and 10-minute readings. 

• If this movement is exceeded, PTL must be maintained for an additional 50 minutes 

with readings recorded at 20, 30, 50, and 60 minutes. 

• If the creep test is extended, the creep movement between the 6- and 60-minute 

readings is less than 0.08 in. 

The creep criteria described above are based on experience and current practice with ground 

anchors and have been established to ensure that nail design loads can be safely carried 

throughout the service life of the structure. Figure 9.6 presents an example of data reduction 

of soil nail load testing to calculate the creep movement between the 1- and 10-minute 

readings.

256 
Figure 9.6: Chart. Example of data reduction from a soil nail creep test. 

9.4.6 Strain Gauges

Strain gauges can be used to measure the axial strain of the tendon during testing. Given 

Young’s modulus of elasticity of steel (typically 29,000 ksi), the axial load in the tendon may 

be calculated at the strain gauge location. The placement of several spot-weldable strain

gauges along the tendon permits the determination of the variation of axial loads along the 

length of the nail. Therefore, the change in axial load and the average mobilized bond 

resistance between two consecutive strain gauges under any applied load may be estimated. 

In addition, the load increase in a soil nail over time may also be assessed. It is often 

257 
possible to ascertain when the bond resistance is fully mobilized along a portion of the 

tendon before geotechnical pullout occurs. 

The grout is typically assumed to crack during tension loading of the tendon, and its strength 

and stiffness are disregarded. However, this practice may result in significant errors in the 

interpreted axial load magnitude at low loads and, thus, may result in the overestimation of 

mobilized bond. The grout modulus should generally be accounted for if the measured strain 

is less than the limit tensile strain of the grout.

A significant advantage of using strain gauges is that they allow determining the actual bond 

resistance in tests where pullout does not occur, and allow the determination of variations in 

mobilized bond resistance in a test nail that may be bonded into two or more strata. In 

situations when obtaining correct strain gauge readings is critical, redundant strain gauges 

must be installed.

9.5 Instrumentation and Monitoring

9.5.1 Introduction 

Performance monitoring should be included in any critical or unusual soil nail wall 

installation. Examples of critical or unusual installation are walls constructed for road 

widening projects under existing bridges, and walls with high surcharge loading. In addition, 

performance monitoring should be considered when a permanent soil nail wall is constructed 

by an Owner for the first time.

Performance monitoring instrumentation for such walls should include inclinometers, top-ofwall survey points, load cells, and strain gauges. Inclinometers and survey points are used to 

measure wall movements during and after construction. By installing strain gauges in 

individual nails, the development and distribution of the nail forces may be measured to 

provide information to improve future designs. Monitoring for a period of at least 1 year 

after construction is recommended to examine service deformation and stress development in 

the nails and wall facing as a function of load, time, and environmental changes such as 

winter freeze-thaw cycles.

9.5.2 Monitored Parameters

The most significant indicator of overall performance of the soil nail wall system is the 

amount of deformation of the wall or slope during and after construction. Inclinometers 

along the face and at various distances away from the face provide the most comprehensive 

data on ground deformations for the sections where they are installed. Monitoring of optical 

258 
survey points at the top of the wall and, where practical, on the wall face provide information 

on actual face deformations that can be correlated with inclinometer data at specific sections.

9.5.3 Monitoring and Action Plan

Monitoring during wall construction should be performed to obtain data on the overall wall 

performance. At a minimum, a performance-monitoring plan should typically include 

measurement of the following quantities:

• Horizontal movements of the wall face using surface markers on the facing with 

optical surveying methods, as well as inclinometer casings installed 3 to 8 ft behind 

the facing, but generally not farther than 30 percent of the wall height if only one row 

of inclinometers is used. 

• Vertical and horizontal movements of the top of wall facing and the ground surface 

behind the shotcrete facing, using optical surveying methods. 

• Ground cracks and other signs of disturbance in the ground surface behind the top of 

wall, through daily visual inspection during construction and, if necessary, 

installation of crack gauges across the cracks. 

• Local movements and/or deterioration of the facing using visual inspections and 

instruments such as crack gauges. 

• Drainage behavior of the structure, especially if groundwater is observed during 

construction, by visual observation of outflow points or through standpipe 

piezometers installed behind the facing. 

A more comprehensive monitoring plan soil nail wall performance- may be established for a 

number of reasons. In the case of walls constructed through and over fine-grained soils, it 

may also be important to monitor the ground surface at the toe and in front of the wall for 

signs of cracking and bulging that would suggest basal heave or global instability. Where 

soil nail walls are used as part of a stabilization system in soils undergoing movement, 

additional instrumentation may be necessary as determined by geotechnical data needs. 

Additional monitoring or instrumentation may be required for monitoring specific safety 

aspects during construction: to validate design changes or value engineering; to control 

excavation rates or other aspects of construction that may impact stability in certain cases; 

and to enhance knowledge of the behavior of soil nail structures to provide a base reference 

for future designs, and possibly improving design procedures and/or reducing costs. 

A more comprehensive monitoring plan might include the following: 

• Strain gauge monitoring along the length of the nail to determine the magnitude and 

location of the maximum nail load and possible redistribution of load in creepsusceptible soils. Ideally, strain gauges are attached to the nail tendon in pairs, are 

259 
mounted top to bottom at 5-ft spacing, and diametrically opposed to address bending 

effects. The end of the tendon should be inscribed so that the final orientation of the 

strain gauge can be verified.

• Inclinometer arrays to measure horizontal movements of the structure at various 

distances behind the wall. 

A typical instrumentation layout for a comprehensive monitoring plan is shown in Figure 9.7. 

Figure 9.7: Illustration. Typical comprehensive monitoring instrumentation. Source: 

Byrne et al. (1998).

A monitoring program desired by the Owner must be well defined in the design documents 

regardless of its purpose, characteristics, and duration. The monitoring plan must indicate 

type and location of the instruments, frequency of measurements and visual observations, and 

frequency of reporting. The plan must also clearly define minimum requirements for 

reporting the data, and must identify the reporting lines and parties involved. 

260 
Establishment of movement threshold criteria and an action plan are essential elements of a 

monitoring plan. The action plan is typically developed by the Contractor, although 

minimum action requirements may be established in the project specifications. The action 

plan addresses the response steps to be taken for certain occurrences that can be reasonably 

anticipated. The action plan must identify steps that can be reasonably carried out within the 

context of the project and within a reasonable time frame.

9.5.4 Monitoring Instruments

Instruments for monitoring of soil nail wall performance should be selected based on the 

parameters to be measured, the instrument’s reliability and simplicity, and the instrument’s 

compatibility with the readout devices specified for the project. A brief discussion of the 

various types of monitoring instruments typically employed for assessing soil nail wall 

performance is provided below. 

9.5.4a Inclinometers

Inclinometers provide the most comprehensive data on wall deformations. Inclinometers are 

a well-established technology and are commercially available from several manufacturers. In 

recent years, in-place inclinometers have been used extensively. They allow rapid 

measurements at points throughout the full depth of the inclinometer without the need to 

physically introduce and remove a probe into the inclinometer casing to take readings at 

every depth. However, in-place inclinometer readings should be verified with manual 

readings using a standard probe with certain frequency. 

9.5.4b Survey Points

Typically, reflector prisms are attached to the wall face or installed on stable bases on the 

ground surface and read directly by optical surveying methods or indirectly with electronic 

distance measuring (EDM) equipment. Optical or laser survey systems are typically capable 

of measuring horizontal and vertical displacements to an accuracy of 0.1 in. or better within a 

300-ft range.

In recent years, automated total stations have been used more frequently for optical surveying

of retaining structures during construction. One advantage of an automated total station 

system is a reduction in reading errors by using an instrument that is semi-permanently 

installed. Also, the higher reading frequency that can be accomplished with such systems 

permits discerning periodic, environment-associated movements from gravity-induced wall 

and ground movements. In projects of long duration, automated systems may result in 

savings compared with traditional surveys. 

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9.5.4c Strain Gauges

Soil nails instrumented with strain gauges allow assessment of the soil nail load distribution 

as the excavation progresses and after the completion of the soil nail wall installation.

Vibrating wire strain gauges are the most commonly used in soil nail testing applications in 

the U.S. A strain gauge is used with “sister bars” where pieces of rebar are attached on each 

end of the strain gauge (Figure 9.8). The installation consists of attaching both sister bars to 

the nail tendon before installation and grouting. As the nail tendon elongates during testing, 

the sister bars also deform and act on the strain gauge, which provides a frequency reading 

that is read by the datalogger box and is transformed into a microstrain reading (strain = 

microstrain reading x 10-6).

Another common type of strain gauge is the spot-weldable vibrating wire strain gauge, which 

may be used in lieu of the strain gauges with sister bars. Other types of strain gauges, such 

as optical grating/optical fiber strain gauges, and resistance strain gauges, may also be used 

in soil nail applications.

Figure 9.8: Photo. Strain gauge attached to a sister bar. Photograph courtesy of Schnabel 

Engineering.

262 
9.5.4d Load Cells at the Nail Head

Load cells installed at the soil nail head can be used to provide information on the actual 

loads that are developed at the facing and how these vary over time. However, care must be 

taken when interpreting results because it is known that load cells occasionally provide 

inaccurate readings.

Load cells typically consist of Wheatstone-resistance bridges attached to the wall of an 

element with a known modulus. Measurement of the resistance of the load cell is correlated 

to the strain in the element and hence the load. Other load cells are available and may 

present some advantages over traditional systems. These include load cells using vibrating 

wire and other measurement systems.

263 

Chapter 10: Considerations for Hollow Bar Soil Nails

10.1 Introduction

HBSNs have been increasing in popularity and usage since the technology was introduced 

about 20 years ago (Cadden et al. 2010). HBSNs are advanced through their full design 

length with a sacrificial bit using grout as the drilling fluid; thus drilling, grouting, and 

tendon installation are all accomplished as part of one single process. Two publications by 

the Central Federal Lands Highway Division provide guidance on critical aspects of HBSN: 

“Hollow Bar Soil Nails Pullout Test Program,” Cadden et al. (2010); and “Hollow Bar Soil 

Nails – Review of Corrosion Factors and Mitigation Practice,” Samtani and Nowatzki

(2010). 

HBSNs are particularly advantageous in collapsible soils where the simultaneous injection of 

grout through the tendon during drilling keeps the drill hole from collapsing. Due to their 

installation method, the procedures for HBSN installation, design, and corrosion protection 

require special considerations which are addressed in this chapter. Information included here 

is meant to supplement the preceding chapters and will not repeat introductory information 

on topics that are not specific to HBSNs. 

10.2 Installation

Each HBSN is fitted with an oversized, sacrificial drill bit containing exit port holes for the 

grout. The grout is pumped from the surface through the hollow core of the tendon and exits 

through the drill bit as the tendon, acting as the rotary drill string, is advanced. The grout is 

continuously pumped during advancement, provides temporary support against drill hole 

instability, and prevents overheating of the drill bit. The grout return must be maintained at 

the face during drilling because this contributes to an adequate bond between soil and grout. 

The grout inside the tendon is subject to significant pressure, and exits the drill bit at 

relatively high velocity and low pressure, which helps to undercut the soils around the bit, 

and transports the soil cuttings to the ground surface. Water should not be used as drilling 

fluid in a first stage, not even after switching to grout in a second stage and after the drill 

depth is reached. Experience has shown that the use of water as drilling fluid can cause 

erratic and poor bond strengths. 

Grout for HBSNs must have a specific gravity ranging between 1.8 and 1.9. The minimum 

compressive strength for grout should be 1,500 psi at 3 days, and 3,000 to 4,000 psi at 28 

days, and should meet the requirements of AASHTO T106/ASTM C109. The sample for 

testing must be taken from the grout returning from the drill hole. When working with 

longer nails, a lighter drilling grout with specific gravity of 1.4 to 1.6 is often used for 

265 
economy to advance the bar and carry spoils to the surface. After the tendon is installed to 

the desired depth, a heavier final grout mixture is pumped through the hollow bar and the nail 

is considered complete when the heavier mixture returns to the excavation face, signaling 

that the lighter drilling grout was flushed from the drill hole and that all drilling spoils have 

also been removed. 

10.3 Bond Strength

Thirty seven HBSNs were installed in four different sites across the U.S. and tested as part of 

an investigation co-sponsored by FHWA and the International Association of Foundation 

Drilling (ADSC) (Cadden et al. 2010). The goals of this investigation were to establish 

appropriate de-bonding procedures for proof-testing HBSNs and to create a database of bond 

strengths in different ground conditions. Gravity-grouted, solid bar soil nails were also 

installed and tested for comparison at each of the sites. The results of the tests are 

summarized in Table 10.1. The bond strength values provided in the table were calculated 

using the nominal drill bit diameter, not the actual grout body diameter of the HBSNs. Some 

of the tests did not reach failure; therefore, the range of resistance values for the HBSNs may 

be somewhat conservative. Note that presumptive values of bond strength, for pressuregrouted micropiles (Sabatini et al. 2005), are provided for similar soil types as a comparison. 

Table 10.1: Nominal Bond Strength of Soil Nails in Granular Soils 

(after Cadden et al. 2010) 

Soil Type 

GravityGrouted Solid 

Bar Soil Nail 

(psi)

Hollow Bar 

Soil Nail

(psi)

Pressure-grouted Micropiles

(Sabatini et al. 2005) 

(psi)

Silty Sand (SM) 12.8-17.1 18.7-24.4 Sand (some silt)

10-27.5 

Poorly Graded 

Sand (SP) 13.2 71.2-79.6 Sand (some Gravel)

17.5-52 

SP with Gravel 50.5-82.2 - Sand (some Gravel)

17.5-52 

Poorly Graded 

Gravel (GP) 

with Sand

53.2-64.5 62.4-156.3 Gravel (some Sand)

17.5-52 

Note: Bond strength values from tests are calculated using the nominal drill bit diameter.

The tests showed that HBSNs tend to develop larger bond strength values in granular soils 

than traditional, gravity-grouted solid bar nails. This is due to the larger drill hole diameter, 

266 
and thereby grout body that is created by undercutting and permeation of the soils by the 

grout, and to more pronounced roughness features in the grout-soil interface. Consequently, 

the presumptive resistance values given for gravity grouted nails in Table 10.1 are likely very 

conservative for HBSNs in most cases. The bond strength is more sensitive to craftsmanship 

and details of the installation techniques used by each Contractor for HBSNs than for solid 

bar soil nails.

The use of presumptive bond strength values for pressure-grouted micropiles given by 

Sabatini et al. (2005) may be appropriate for hollow bar soil nails installed in SP and GP soils 

as evidenced in Table 10.1. In granular soils with a significant fines content (SM), the 

calculated average bond strength values for HBSNs were similar to those for gravity-grouted 

nails. This suggests that undercutting and permeation of these soils by the grout are not as 

significant as in more predominantly granular soils. In these soils, as well as in 

predominantly fine-grained soils, the use of the presumptive values in Table 10.1 may be 

appropriate for preliminary design. 

10.4 Corrosion Protection of HBSNs

10.4.1 Introduction 

One of the most controversial topics related to HBSNs is the effectiveness of corrosion 

protection measures. This is due to the abrasion and friction that the tendon is subject to 

during installation. Samtani and Nowatzki (2010) evaluated various parameters related to 

corrosion of HBSNs, summarized the practice of protecting HBSNs against corrosion at the 

time, and presented corrosion guidance. Under the same subsurface conditions, HBSNs have 

higher corrosion risks than solid bars because the methods used to install HBSNs tend to 

deteriorate the protection furnished to these bars. Damage to epoxy and zinc coatings is 

caused by contact with the soil mass into which the HBSN is being installed, by erosion from 

the outgoing soil cuttings, and by impact with centralizers during installation. Therefore, the 

effective service life of coatings may be severely shortened.

Fishman and Withiam (2011) evaluated existing computational models for predicting metal 

loss in soil reinforcement used in retaining structures (mainly MSE walls), developed a 

methodology based on improved models to predict the performance of metal-reinforced 

systems over their service life, and suggested changes to the current AASHTO LRFD 

specifications to incorporate these models and methodology. In addition, they introduced 

modified LRFD resistance factors to account for corrosion exposure. Although this 

document focused on corrosion of MSE walls, the numerical models of Fishman and 

Withiam (2011) can be used to estimate the time-rate of metal loss, and assess future 

performance of HBSNs.

267 
Because of the damage that is inflicted on the bar coatings during installation, it cannot be 

routinely demonstrated that any of the bar coatings described in Chapter 7 can reliably

protect the tendons. Therefore, the only corrosion protection method currently available for 

HBSNs is the use of a bare bar with sacrificial steel. These issues will be discussed further in 

this chapter.

10.4.2 Sacrificial Steel

In the absence of thorough studies specific to corrosion of soil nails, this manual uses the 

metal loss models developed by Fishman and Withiam (2011) as the basis for evaluation of 

sacrificial steel thickness of HBSNs. The focus of the work by Fishman and Withiam (2011) 

was MSE walls, where the aggressiveness of the fill can be controlled by setting acceptance 

criteria for fill quality. They developed a metal loss model based on extensive studies on the 

rate of corrosion of uncoated mild steel wire or steel strips buried in different types of soils in 

reinforced zones of MSE walls. Fishman and Withiam (2011) indicated that their study was

intended to be inclusive of passive reinforcement elements embedded in the ground. Posttensioned elements were also evaluated separately in their study. The study included a 

review of the variability of the steel mechanical properties, and of the applicability and 

accuracy of the metal loss models. They expressed their findings in terms of reduction 

resistance factors for tension to account for the variability of material properties and the 

accuracy of the metal loss models.

As presented in Chapter 7, sacrificial steel is computed using the following equation for plain 

steel elements (Fishman and Withiam 2011):

Equation 7.1: Thickness of sacrificial steel.

Where X is loss of steel in μm, and tf is service life in years. Steel loss must be considered as 

taken twice from the diameter of the bar: 

Equation 7.2: Remaining bar diameter.

Where dloss is the bar diameter after sacrificial steel is considered and dbar is the nominal bar 

diameter.

These equations can be used to estimate the diameter reduction for the design life of the 

structure, in the absence of product-specific data. The diameter reduction is used to calculate 

268 
the steel area for bar design in Chapter 6. The resistance factors for steel in tension in 

Chapters 5 and 6 should be used for calculation of the tendon tensile resistance.

10.4.3 Design Steps for Corrosion Protection of HBSNs

The selection of soil nail corrosion protection for HBSNs is performed by using the 

following steps. 

(1) Select an HBSN trial size. 

(2) Use Table 7.2 to classify soil as non-aggressive or aggressive, based on results of 

corrosion testing as described in Chapters 4 and 7. If the soil is classified as 

aggressive, the use of HBSNs is not recommended. 

(3) If the soil is classified as non-aggressive, Class C protection (sacrificial steel) may be 

used. 

(4) Select Class C:

a. Obtain the nominal tendon diameter 

b. Select the design life of the soil nail wall (typically 50 to 75 years)

c. Calculate sacrificial steel using Eq. 7-1 

d. Calculate the new diameter with steel loss

e. Use the new diameter to calculate the area of the tendon with steel loss 

f. The area with steel loss should then be used as the cross-sectional area of the 

tendon, At, in Eq. 6-5 to calculate the nominal resistance of the tendon

g. Proceed with the design according to Chapter 6 

(5) Calculate the factored resistance of the trial HBSN by applying the resistance factor 

to the nominal tensile resistance (see Chapters 5 and 6) calculated using the reduced 

steel area. 

(6) Compare the nominal resistance to the tensile forces calculated from a computerbased design software (see Chapter 6) and repeat process as needed. 

10.5 Corrosion Protection Monitoring

Considering that HBSNs often provide significant cost savings over solid bars, Owners 

should consider implementing corrosion monitoring programs to evaluate the long-term 

performance of HBSNs, obtain specific data that could support future developments in 

corrosion protection, and hence eliminate any excessive conservatism that may exist in the 

formulation presented in this manual. 

269 
The main goals of corrosion monitoring programs are to: (i) assess corrosion rates over 

relatively extended periods of time (years to decades); (ii) confirm or rectify assumptions 

made during design in relation to metal loss rates; (iii) investigate the performance of 

metallic reinforcement under environmental conditions that possibly change over time (e.g., 

higher corrosion potential due to migration of corrosive substances); and (iv) furnish data to 

assess the integrity of permanent structures built with steel reinforcements.

Monitoring can also help detect undesired performance and prevent impending or near-term 

failures in cases where the estimates of service life were too optimistic. On the other hand, 

corrosion monitoring can help establish some evidence that a structure can extend its service 

life. This information can be very valuable to Owners in managing the infrastructure assets 

and prioritizing maintenance, rehabilitation, retrofit, or replacement (Elias et al. 2009). 

Monitoring programs are uncommon in solid bar soil nail projects but are becoming more 

prevalent with other systems using metallic reinforcement, such as MSE walls, and can be 

possibly extended to both hollow and solid bar soil nail walls. Elias et al. (2009) present a 

complete description of corrosion monitoring of metallic reinforcement as applied to MSE 

walls, and discuss monitoring programs developed by several state Departments of 

Transportation (DOTs) across the U.S. 

The two main testing techniques involve: (i) assessment of the state of coupons that had 

been buried strategically behind the nail-supported wall during construction for monitoring 

purposes; and (ii) remote electrochemical testing methods. The retrieval of coupons is 

destructive and requires accessing and extracting samples through the wall facing each time. 

Accessing coupons placed behind the concrete/shotcrete facing of a soil nail wall might be 

challenging. Special construction detailing must be developed during the planning phase of 

the monitoring to allow easy access with lockable openings. The retrieval of samples has 

limitations in that the number of measurements is restricted to the number of buried coupons. 

Testing might not be totally representative because the corrosion at the coupon is localized 

and might not reflect the variability of corrosion along the entire tendon. 

Remote electrochemical methods include measurements of potential and polarization 

resistance (PR) to indirectly determine instantaneous, average, in situ corrosion rates of 

reinforcement elements in service. This method is nondestructive and permits measurements 

to be taken at any time. Closer monitoring is possible with PR testing. The use of remote 

electrochemical methods is recommended on at least some coupons buried for retrieval to 

confirm results and help calibrate the measurements.

Buried coupons should: (i) be placed in locations where corrosion rates are expected to be 

faster; (ii) also be placed under “normal” conditions to establish a benchmark for future 

270 
reference; and (iii) ideally include different types of tendons (carbon steel, zinc, and 

galvanized steel) to allow for better comparison.

The number of monitoring locations and the frequency of monitoring must be carefully 

planned. Each project might present unique conditions that help dictate the monitoring 

locations and frequency. The number of monitoring locations must be a function of the total 

wall length so that the anticipated spatial variability of site conditions can be evaluated. For 

MSE walls, Elias et al. (2009) recommend test locations spaced 200 ft maximum. Since soil 

nail walls are built in natural soils having a wider variability of conditions, a smaller spacing 

should be specified for soil nail walls. An increased density of coupons is also recommended 

in areas where higher corrosion potential is expected. Testing should be performed at 

different depths (a minimum of two is recommended for MSE walls) and at an increasing 

distance from the wall face (a minimum of two locations is also recommended for MSE 

walls).

Monitoring should take place at the time of installation to establish initial values, then 

monthly for the first 3 months, bi-monthly for the next 9 months, and annually thereafter. 

Ideally, monitoring should extend over a reasonably long period of time that would allow the 

observation of: (i) an initial, slow corrosion rate resulting from the protection of coatings; 

(ii) the start of a transition period when the coating is being depleted; and (iii) finally the 

initiation of faster, long-term corrosion of the basal carbon steel. 

Ultimately, results of monitoring efforts in soil nail walls will help refine the values of 

resistance factors and the metal loss models for HBSNs. They will also help in assessing the 

effectiveness of protective coatings in preventing or delaying corrosion of soil nails.

271 

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Shen, C.K., Bang, S., Romstad, J.M., Kulchin, L., and Denatale, J.S. (1981b). “Field 

measurements of an earth support system,” Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering 

Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA, Vol. 107, No. GT-12. 

Shen, C.K., Herrmann, L.R., Romstand, K.M., Bang, S., Kim, Y.S., and Denatale, J.S. 

(1981a). “In situ Earth Reinforcement Lateral Support System,” Report No. 81-03, 

Department of Civil Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA. 

SHRP (2013). “GeoTechTools” accessed 2013.

Siel, B.D. (2014). “SNAP-2 (Soil Nail Analysis Program) User’s Manual,” Report No. 

FHWA-OTS-XXX, FHWA Resource Center, Federal Highway Administration, 

Lakewood, CO. 

278 
Smith, T.D. (2007). “Application of Ground Anchors and Soil Nails in Roadway 

Construction,” Report No. FHWA-WFL/TD-07-002, Federal Highway 

Administration, Western Federal Lands Highway Division, Vancouver, WA. 

Softpile, Inc. (2013). “XSTABL, Softpile Software,” Interactive Software Designs, Inc.

Stocker, M.F., Korber, G.W., Gässler, G., and Gudehus, G. (1979). “Soil Nailing,” in 

International Conference on Soil Reinforcement I, Paris, France, Vol. 2, 469-474. 

Terzaghi, K., Peck, R., and Mesri, G. (1996). “Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice,” 3rd

Ed., J. Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ. 

USDA (1994a). “Application guide for launched soil nails.” Volume 1. U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Pub. EM 7170-12A and FHWA-FPL-93-003. 

Washington, DC, 63 p. 

USDA (1994b). “Project report for launched soil nails -1992. Demonstration Project.” 

Volume 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pub. EM 7170-12B, and 

FHWA-FPL-93-004. Washington, DC, 70 p. 

U.S. Department of the Navy (1982). “Foundations and Earth Structures,” NAVFAC DM7.2, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Alexandria, VA. 

Weatherby, D.E. (1982). “Tiebacks,” Report No. FHWA-RD-82-047, Federal Highway 

Administration, Washington, DC.Wightman, W. Ed., Jalinoos, F., Sirles, P., and 

Hanna, K. (2003). “Application of Geophysical Methods to Highway Related 

Problems,” Report No. FHWA-IF-04-021, Federal Highway Administration, 

Washington, DC.

Withiam, J.L., Voytko, E.P., and Lewis, C.J. (1991). “Development of a Comprehensive 

Bridge Specification and Commentary - Soil-Structure Interaction Systems,” NCHRP 

12-33C, Final Report, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, 

Washington, DC.

Wood, T., Jayawickrama, P., and Lawson, W. (2009). “Instrumentation and Monitoring of an 

MSE/Soil Nail Hybrid Retaining Wall,” Contemporary Topics in Ground 

Modification, Problem Soils and Geo-Support, GSP No. 187, Reston, VA, 177-184. 

WRI (2006). “Manual of Standard Practice - Structural Welded Wire Reinforcement,” Wire 

Reinforcement Institute, Hartford, CT.

279 

Glossary 

Bond stress

Shear stresses mobilized along the grout-ground interface. 

Corrosion potential 

The tendency of a soil to produce corrosion to metallic elements that are in contact 

with it. Corrosion potential is assessed by field testing and/or by laboratory testing of 

soil samples obtained in field explorations. Corrosion potential is evaluated based on: 

(a) pH (potential of hydrogen); (b) electrical resistivity; (c) chloride content; (d) 

sulfate content; and (e) organic content. 

Corrosion protection 

The means provided for protecting soil nail bars from corrosion. These can include 

physical or chemical protection, or a combination thereof. Physical protection 

involves the use of a continuous barrier between the nail bar, other metallic parts, and 

the corrosion sources. Chemical protection consists of the use of a sacrificial material 

(e.g., galvanized material) or a dielectric material (e.g., epoxy coated bars), which 

will impede the flow of electric current. Some of the corrosion protection systems 

currently in use utilize a combination of these mechanisms. 

Drainage 

In the context of soil nail walls, drainage mainly involves vertical geocomposite strip 

drains, which are installed behind the initial facing and adjacent to the excavation 

face. The objective of the strip drains is to limit the development of water pressures 

behind the wall facing. 

Facing strength limit states

A condition achieved by the initial or final facing of a soil nail wall due to bending, 

punching shear, or tension of the headed studs. 

Final facing

The final facing is constructed over the temporary facing and provides structural 

continuity throughout the design life. It may include a visually pleasing finish. Final 

facing may consist of cast-in-place reinforced concrete, reinforced shotcrete, and 

precast concrete panels.

281 
Grout

Cementitious material is used to cover the bars in the drill holes, where soil nails are 

installed. Grout usually consists of a Portland cement and water. The grout transfers 

stresses between the ground and the tendons and provides some level of corrosion 

protection to the bars. 

Hollow bar soil nail (HBSN) 

Hollow core and self-drilling bars that are advanced with grout being injected through 

the bar. The grout also serves as the drilling medium. The grout, which is applied 

under pressure, exits at ports at the drill bit and at significant velocity to help remove 

the soil undercutting. 

Initial facing

Initial facing is applied to each excavation lift on the exposed face soon after 

excavation to provide temporary stability and protection. The initial facing receives 

the bearing plate and consists of reinforced shotcrete. 

Launched soil nail

Bare bars installed into the soil using a firing mechanism involving compressed air, 

which can launch the bar at high speeds approaching 200 miles per hour. No 

corrosion protection is provided. Used for temporary slope stabilization. 

Limit state

A condition in which a structure as a whole, or one of its components, has achieved a 

level of stress, deformation, or displacement that may affect its performance.

Load proof tests 

Load tests conducted during construction on a minimum of 5 percent of the total 

production nails to verify that no significant variations exist in soil nail performance 

throughout the wall.

Load verification tests 

Load tests conducted before or during construction to verify the compliance of the 

pullout capacity resulting from the Contractor’s installation methods with those 

values of bond strengths used in design. 

282 
Overall stability

Limit state involving potential slip surfaces extending through the soil and/or soil 

nails. If the contribution to stability comes from both soil nails and soil, the case 

refers to internal stability. If the contribution to stability comes from the soil only 

(slip surfaces not intersecting soil nails), the case refers to general global stability. 

Particular cases of global stability may arise, including basal heave and sliding 

stability, for special subsurface conditions. 

Pullout resistance

The axial resistance developed at a soil nail by the mobilization of bond (shear) 

stresses along its grout-soil interface.

Screw-in nail

A helical soil nail that can stabilize retained soils. These soil nails are installed using 

drilling equipment with sufficient torque output, and without removal of the native 

soils. These nails typically consist of 1.5-inch square solid steel shafts on which steel 

helices are welded at regular intervals.

Service limit state

A condition achieved by a structural element in which no limit stress is achieved but 

other performance aspects are affected. Service limit states for soil nail walls involve 

lateral displacement and settlement of the wall.

Shotcrete

Pneumatically fresh concrete/mortar that is projected fresh through a hose at high 

velocity onto the excavated face or the initial facing of a soil nail.

Soil nail 

Reinforcing, passive element drilled and grouted sub-horizontally in the ground to 

support excavations in soil and intermediate geomaterials. Soil nails are considered 

reinforcing elements that: (a) contribute to the stability of earth-resisting systems 

mainly through tension as a result of the deformation of the retained soil or weathered 

rock mass; (b) transfer tensile loads to the surrounding ground through shear stresses 

(i.e., bond stresses) along the grout-ground interface; (c) develop resistances that can 

be estimated with established design procedures; (d) have long-term, demonstrable 

corrosion protection to ensure adequate, long-term performance of the system; (e) 

interact structurally with the facing of the excavation; (f) are load-tested according to 

283 
prescribed methods; and (g) are routinely subject to construction QC/QA according to 

established procedures.

Solid bar soil nail (SBSN)

Commonly used bars in soil nails walls. Solid bars are placed in drill holes in a first 

operation and grouted under gravity in a second stage. 

Strength limit state

Limit states related to strength or nominal resistances of the structure or any of its 

components. Strength limit states in soil nail walls include geotechnical limit states 

(nail pullout and, for some subsurface conditions, lateral sliding stability), structural 

limit states (soil nail in tension, facing in bending, facing in punching shear, and final 

facing headed stud in tension). 

Tendon or bar

The reinforcing component of a soil nail. 

Tensile limit state

A condition achieved by the tendon of a soil nail, the reinforcement in the facing, or 

the headed studs in the soil nail head. 

284 
Appendix A: Reinforcement Characteristics

Note: Products are occasionally discontinued or modified by manufacturers. Some 

properties/sizes originally considered in a design might not be available for 

construction. Check availability with manufacturer. In cases where the sizes originally 

planned were discontinued, adopt the next available larger size.

The following tables are included in this appendix:

Table A.1a: Properties of Solid-Threaded Bars Grade 60

Table A.1b: Properties of Solid-Threaded Bars Grade 75 

Table A.1c: Properties of Solid-Threaded Bars Grade 150

Table A.2: Properties of Hollow Bars CTS/Titan Bar Type

Table A.3: Properties of Hollow Bars MAI Bar Type

Table A.4: Properties of Hollow Bars GEO-Drill Bar Type

Table A.5: Welded-Wire Mesh

Table A.6: Reinforcing Bar

Table A.7: Headed-Stud

285 
Table A.1a: Properties of Solid-Threaded Bars - Grade 60 

Bar 

Designation 

Maximum

Diameter

(w/ threads)

Minimum

CrossSectional 

Area

Unit

Weight 

ASTM

Grade

Yield 

Stress

Yield 

Load 

Conventional inch inch2 lb/ft Conventional ksi kip

#6 0.86 0.44 1.50 60 60 26 

#7 0.99 0.60 2.04 60 60 36 

#8 1.12 0.79 2.67 60 60 47 

#9 1.26 1.00 3.40 60 60 60 

#10 1.43 1.27 4.30 60 60 76 

#11 1.61 1.56 5.31 60 60 93 

#14 1.86 2.25 7.65 60 60 135 

Table A.1b: Properties of Solid-Threaded Bars - Grade 75 

Bar 

Designation 

Maximum

Diameter

(w/ 

threads)

Minimum

CrossSectional 

Area

Unit

Weight 

ASTM

Grade

Yield 

Stress

Yield 

Load 

Conventional inch inch2 lb/ft Conventional ksi kip

#6 0.86 0.44 1.50 75 75 33 

#7 0.99 0.60 2.04 75 75 45 

#8 1.12 0.79 2.67 75 75 59 

#9 1.26 1.00 3.40 75 75 75 

#10 1.43 1.27 4.30 75 75 95 

#11 1.61 1.56 5.31 75 75 117 

#14 1.86 2.25 7.65 75 75 168 

Sources: Dywidag, Williams and Contech

286 
Table A.1c: Properties of Solid-Threaded Bars - Grade 150 

Bar Designation 

(inch)

Maximum

Diameter (w/ 

threads)

Minimum

CrossSectional 

Area

Unit

Weight ASTM Grade UltimateLoad (1)

Conventional inch inch2 lb/ft Conventional kip

3⁄4 0.75 0.37 1.32 150 57 

1 1.00 0.85 3.01 150 128 

11⁄4 1.25 1.25 4.39 150 188 

13⁄8 1.375 1.58 5.56 150 237 

13⁄4 1.75 2.58 9.22 150 400 

Sources: Dywidag, Williams and Stressteel

Note: (1) Based on ultimate strength.

287 
Table A.2: Properties of Hollow Bars

CTS/Titan Bar Type

Bar 

Designation 

Effective 

Outer 

Diameter

CrossSectional

Area

Unit 

Weight 

Yield

Load (1)

Ultimate 

Load 

Conventional inch inch2 lb/ft kip kip

30/16 1.02 0.53 1.8 42.7 55.1 

30/14 1.03 0.58 1.9 49.5 61.8 

30/11 1.03 0.64 2.2 58.5 72.0 

40/20 1.42 1.13 3.8 95.6 121.4 

40/16 1.42 1.40 4.8 118.1 148.4 

52/26 1.92 1.94 6.7 164.2 208.0 

73/56 2.76 2.11 7.3 186.6 232.7 

73/53 2.76 2.50 8.9 218.1 260.9 

73/45 2.76 3.50 12.0 285.6 356.4 

73/35 2.76 4.20 14.2 321.6 419.4 

Source: Contech

Note: (1) These bars are alloy steel and have nominal yield strength of 87 ksi.

288 
Table A.3: Properties of Hollow Bars

MAI Bar Type

Bar 

Designation 

Outer 

Diameter

CrossSectional 

Area

Weight 

Average 

Yield 

Stress (1)

Average 

Ultimate 

Tensile 

Stress (1)

Yield 

Load 

Ultimate

Load 

Conventional inch inch2 lb/ft ksi ksi kip kip

R25N 1.00 0.41 1.41 83 111 34 45 

R32N 1.26 0.56 1.88 92 112 52 63 

R32S 1.26 0.72 2.49 87 112 63 81 

R38N 1.50 1.00 3.43 89 112 90 112 

R51L 1.50 1.17 3.97 86 106 101 124 

T40N 1.57 1.32 4.50 89 112 118 148 

R51N 2.00 1.61 5.44 88 112 142 180 

T76N 3.00 3.32 11.29 81 108 270 360 

T76S 3.00 3.88 13.24 87 110 337 427 

Source: Dywidag

Note: (1) The yield strength and ultimate tensile stresses of these bars vary as indicated above, per

manufacturer’s information. 

289 
Table A.4: Properties of Hollow Bars

GEO-Drill Bar Type

Bar 

Designation 

Nominal 

Outer 

Diameter

CrossSectional 

Area

Weight Yield

Load (1)

Ultimate 

Load (1)

Conventional inch inch2 lb/ft kip kip

B7X1-32 1.25 0.556 2.10 47.2 58.4 

B7X1-32X 1.25 0.776 2.70 66.0 81.5 

B7X1-38 1.50 1.067 3.76 90.7 112.0 

B7X1-51 2.00 1.795 6.26 152.0 188.0 

B7X1-76 3.00 3.880 13.79 329.0 407.0 

Source: Williams

Note: (1) These bars have a yield strength of 85 ksi and an ultimate strength of 105 ksi.

290 
Table A.5: Welded-Wire Mesh (1)

Mesh Designation(2) (3) (4) Cross-Sectional Area

per Unit Width (5)

Weight

per Unit Area

in. × in. – in.2/100 × in.2/100 in.2

/ft lb/cft2 (6)

4x4 - W 1.4 x W 1.4 0.042 31 

4x4 – W 2.0 x W 2.0 0.060 44 

4x4 – W 2.9 x W 2.9 0.087 62 

4x4 – W 4.0 x W 4.0 0.120 88 

6x6 – W 1.4 x W 1.4 0.028 21 

6x6 – W 2.0 x W 2.0 0.040 30 

6x6 – W 2.9 x W 2.9 0.058 42 

6x6 – W 4.0 x W 4.0 0.080 58 

Source: WRI (2006) 

Notes: (1) These properties are applicable for WWM in Grades 60 or 65. Consult WRI (2006) for 

WWM properties for Grades 70, 75, and 80.

 (2) The first pair of numbers (e.g., 4x4) indicate the mesh opening size (or wire spacing) in 

the longitudinal and transverse direction, respectively.

 (3) Prefix “W” indicates plain wire. A prefix “D” would indicate pre-deformed wire.

 (4) The second pair of numbers (e.g., 1.4x1.4) indicates the cross-sectional area of wires (in 

square inches x 100) in the longitudinal and transverse direction, respectively.

 (5) The area per unit width is obtained by dividing the wire cross-sectional area by 100 and by 

the mesh opening size (or wire spacing, in feet). If the longitudinal and transverse 

spacings and wire sizes are different, the cross-sectional area per unit width will be 

different in each direction. Consult WRI (2006) for additional information. 

(6) CSF = 100 square feet.

291 
Table A.6: Reinforcing Bars 

Bar

Designation

Nominal 

Diameter Nominal Area

# inch inch2

3 0.375 0.11 

4 0.500 0.20 

5 0.625 0.31 

6 0.750 0.44 

7 0.875 0.60 

8 1.000 0.79 

9 1.128 1.00 

10 1.270 1.27 

11 1.410 1.56 

14 1.693 2.25 

18 2.257 4.00 

Source: ACI 318-11

292 
Table A.7: Headed-Studs 

Headed 

Stud Size

Nominal 

Length (1) (2)

Head 

Diameter

Shaft 

Diameter

Head 

Thickness

Head Area / 

Shaft Area

Head 

Thickness / 

(Head 

DiameterShaft 

Diameter)

- LS DSH DSC tSH ASH / ASC

tSH / (DSH -

DSC)

- inch inch inch inch - - 

1⁄4 x 41⁄8 41⁄8 0.50 0.25 0.19 4.0 0.75 

3⁄8 x 41⁄8 41⁄8 0.75 0.38 0.28 4.0 0.75 

3⁄8 x 61⁄8 61⁄8 0.75 0.38 0.28 4.0 0.75 

1⁄2 x 41⁄8 41⁄8 1.00 0.50 0.28 4.0 0.56 

1⁄2 x 55/16 55/16 1.00 0.50 0.28 4.0 0.56 

1⁄2 x 61⁄8 61⁄8 1.00 0.50 0.28 4.0 0.56 

5⁄8 x 69/16 69/16 1.25 0.63 0.31 4.0 0.50 

3⁄4 x 311/16 311/16 1.25 0.75 0.38 2.8 0.75 

3⁄4 x 43/16 43/16 1.25 0.75 0.38 2.8 0.75 

3⁄4 x 53/16 53/16 1.25 0.75 0.38 2.8 0.75 

3⁄4 x 63/16 63/16 1.25 0.75 0.38 2.8 0.75 

7⁄8 x 43/16 43/16 1.40 0.86 0.38 2.5 0.73 

7⁄8 x 53/16 53/16 1.40 0.86 0.38 2.5 0.73 

7⁄8 x 63/16 63/16 1.40 0.86 0.38 2.5 0.73 

Source: Stud Welding Associates, Inc.

Notes: (1) Nominal length indicated is before welding. 

(2) After-welding lengths to be considered as follows: For DS ≤ 1⁄2", LS is approximately 1⁄8" 

shorter after welding. For DS > 5⁄8"LS is approximately 3/16" shorter after welding.

Figure A.1: Illustration. Geometry of headed studs.

293 

Appendix B: Charts for Preliminary Design

Design charts were developed using the computer program SNAIL to help estimate lengths 

and maximum tensile forces of soil nails for typical conditions in design. The charts were 

developed for ranges of the angle of backslope (β) and the effective friction angle (φs) of the 

retained soils. The bond strength and other parameters need to be selected before using the 

charts. The charts are expected to provide reasonable estimates for the conditions and 

assumptions indicated. However, the charts should not replace the use of soil nail design 

computer programs for more complex conditions and for other drastically different 

conditions. 

The following assumptions were made: 

• face batter, α = 0

• nail inclination, i = 15 

• normalized cohesion, c* = c′/γs H = 0.02 

• factor of safety for overall stability, FSOS = 1.35 

• drill hole diameter, DDH = 4 in. 

1. Select the following parameters (Figure B.1) using consistent units before using the 

charts:

• wall height (H)

• angle of backslope (β) 

• vertical and horizontal spacing of soil nails (SV and SH) 

Figure B.1: Illustration. Conditions for 

calculations with charts. 

2. Select the following properties and parameters for the retained soil using consistent 

units: 

295 
• unit weight (γs) 

• effective friction angle (φs) 

• cohesion, (c) 

• bond strength (qU) 

• Factor of safety for pullout (FSPO, usually 2.0).

3. Select the appropriate chart corresponding to β = 0, 10, or 30 degrees (Figures B.2 

through B.4).

4. Calculate the normalized bond resistance (μ) as defined below and enter μ in the 

horizontal axis of the chart for both parts (a) and (b). 

Equation B.1: Normalized bond resistance. 

5. Select the appropriate curve for φs. Interpolate between φs = 27, 31, 35 or 39 degrees 

as needed. 

6. Obtain the normalized soil nail length (L/H) required to achieve FSOS = 1.35 from 

part (a), and the normalized maximum tensile force (tmax) from part (b). Interpolate 

between Figures B.2 through B.4 if needed. Note that only sufficiently high values of 

φs will achieve the selected FSOS for relatively large values of β. 

7. Calculate the soil nail length (L) by multiplying the normalized soil nail length (L/H) 

read from the chart by H (in feet). 

8. Calculate the soil nail maximum force (Tmax) by multiplying tmax read from the chart 

by γs, H, SV and SH. 

9. If necessary, correct L/H for values of FSOS, c*, and DDH (in inches) other than those 

assumed.

 

Equation B.2: Corrected normalized length. 

Where:

Equation B.3: Length correction factor for drill hole diameter. 

296 
Equation B.4: Length correction correction factor for cohesion. 

Equation B.5: Length correction factor for factor of safety. 

10. If necessary, correct tmax for values of FSOS, c*, and DDH (in inches) other than those 

assumed.

Equation B.6: Corrected normalized maximum force.

Equation B.7: Load correction for drill hole diameter

Equation B.8: Load correction for cohesion. 

297 
Figure B.2: Chart. Batter = 0 deg. - Backslope 0 deg. 

298 
Figure B.3: Chart. Batter = 0 deg. - Backslope 10 deg. 

299 
Figure B.4: Chart. Batter = 0 deg. - Backslope 30 deg. 

300 
Appendix C: Design Example

Overview

The purpose of this example is to illustrate the main steps of the design of soil nail walls by 

matching the steps listed in Chapter 6. Several assumptions were made to simplify the 

example, including: development of geotechnical parameters, selection of a critical crosssection for design, evaluation of loads, and feasibility supporting the selection of a soil nail 

wall as an earth-retaining system. This example omits Step 9 (seismic design), Step 10 

(drainage), and Step 11 (other design considerations). The calculations in the example were 

obtained using the program SNAP-2 (Siel 2014). Differences between the nomenclature 

used in this manual and that of SNAP-2 are noted where necessary. The example also 

includes LRFD verifications as described in Chapter 5. 

Step 1: Project Requirements

A 25-ft high soil nail wall, 200 ft in length, is planned for construction as part of a roadway 

project. Figure C.1 shows an idealized cross-section of the wall. The constraints and 

requirements of the project from the Owner require a permanent wall with cast-in-place 

(CIP) concrete as final facing to address aesthetic concerns. In addition, the wall is 

considered a critical structure. No underground utilities or permanent structures exist behind 

the wall. It is also assumed that standards have been selected and that the project 

performance requirements are similar to those recommended in this manual. 

Figure C.1: Illustration. Cross-section of wall. 

301 
Step 2: Subsurface Exploration and Development of Parameters for 

Design

It is assumed that a geotechnical exploration and a geotechnical laboratory testing program 

have been completed. The geotechnical exploration revealed a uniform stratigraphy 

consisting of medium dense, silty sand and groundwater occurring several feet below the 

planned toe of the wall. The geotechnical exploration also revealed that sliding and basal 

heave would not occur at this site. Results from laboratory testing indicated that the 

corrosion potential of the in situ soils is low. It is assumed that the Owner’s engineer 

followed the procedure included in Section 7.7 for selecting an adequate level of corrosion 

protection for soil nails. The minimum protection level selected for this soil nail wall would 

be Class C. Based on results from the geotechnical exploration and laboratory testing, the 

following geotechnical parameters have been selected for design:

• soil unit weight, γs = 125 pcf 

• effective friction angle, φs′ = 32 degrees

• cohesion, c = 100 psf 

• bond strength, qU = 14.5 psi 

The soil profile developed for design is that shown in Figure C.1. 

It is assumed that the wall is in a zone with very low seismic hazard; therefore, there is no 

need to develop seismic parameters for design.

It is assumed that the Owner conducted a risk evaluation and perceives some risks associated 

with long-term corrosion. As the Owner considers that the cost differential to provide a 

higher level of protection is marginal, the Owner prefers to specify a Class B corrosion 

protection, consisting of epoxy coating or galvanizing over steel bars.

Step 3: Load Definition

3.a Define Unfactored, Service Loads 

The permanent load acting on the wall includes the weight of the soil behind the wall. The 

live loads include those loads from equipment construction operating behind and above the 

wall. It is assumed that the live load consists of a uniform load, QLS equal to 150 psf, 

extending from the wall to 25 ft behind the wall. 

3.b Select Load Combinations and Load Factors

The load combinations for this example only include Strength I and Service limit states. 

Load factors for overall stability are 1.0 for use with SNAP-2. Load factors to be used in 

302 
LRFD verifications are presented subsequently for each case, according to Section 5.5 “Load 

Combinations and Load Factors.”

Step 4: Soil-Nail Configuration and Material Selection

4.a/b/c/d Develop Wall Layout, Cross-Sections, Nail Pattern, and Splaying 

Given the wall height (H = 25 ft) and face batter (α = 0), the following layout is selected for 

trial runs in SNAP-2. 

Vertical and Horizontal Spacing of Soil Nails

• Adopt SH = SV = 5 ft Check: SH × SV = 25 ft2≤ 36 to 42 ft2

• This vertical spacing results in five rows of soil nails.

Vertical Spacing at the Top and Bottom of the Wall

The spacing between the first row and the top of the wall (SV0) is selected as:

• SV0 = 3 ft ≤ 3.5 ft ok 

The spacing between the deepest row and the bottom of the wall (SVN) is:

• SVN = 2 ft ≤ 2 to 3 ft ok 

Soil Nail Inclination

Because no utilities or obstructions exist behind the wall, the soil nail inclination is selected 

as:

• i = 15 degrees for all nails ok (between 10 and 15 degrees) 

Soil Nail Length

The maximum soil nail length is selected for a trial run at:

• L = 0.7 H = 17.5 ft ok (L between 0.6 H and 1.2H) 

Distribution of Soil Nail Length in Elevation

A uniform pattern of soil nail lengths is first selected for simplification. Therefore, all five

soil nails have L = 17.5 ft. 

303 
However, the reader is reminded that the lowermost rows of nails should be ideally shorter 

than the upper rows to estimate a smaller maximum load nail Tmax, obtain a better 

distribution of loads among all rows, and help reduce the wall deflection. If the soil nails are 

uniform in length, the lower nails develop larger loads than the upper rows. 

No sensitive structures exist immediately behind the wall; hence no special considerations for 

controlling wall deflections are needed. If this was required, wall deformation could be 

partly controlled by installing longer soil nails in the upper rows (for the same safety factor), 

selecting tendons of larger sizes (to mobilize strength with less strains in the bars), or even by 

using ground anchors. 

Soil Nail Pattern on Wall Face

Both “square” and “staggered” soil nail patterns are considered feasible. A staggered pattern 

would tend to result in smaller effective nail spacings, and therefore fewer nails than the 

square pattern. 

Soil Nail Splaying

Special considerations for the layout of soil nails in plan are not required because wall 

corners and obstructions are omitted in this example. 

4.e Detail Corrosion Protection

It was assumed that the Owner specified a Class B level of corrosion protection for soil nails 

to accommodate their tolerance for risk and because the cost differential for providing a 

higher corrosion protection was estimated to be low.

The Contractor should select the drill hole diameter not only for constructability and to 

achieve the design bond strength and soil nail pullout resistance, but also to accommodate 

tendons, centralizers, and couplings (if applicable), while providing the minimum grout cover 

required for corrosion protection. 

It is assumed that the drill hole diameter will be DDH = 6 in. and that the tendons will consist 

of #7 threaded bars. The nominal diameter for #7 bars, including threads, is 0.99 in. (see 

Table A.1b). 

It is assumed that the corrosion protection will consist of epoxy coating, with a thickness of 

up to 10 mils on each side of the bar. This thickness of epoxy lies within the recommended 

range presented in Chapter 7. Therefore, the available space for grout cover is 

0.5 × (6.0 - 0.99) = 2.50 in., not accounting for couplers. However, even if the trial tendon 

length needs to be modified if indicated by stability analysis, the expected soil nail lengths 

304 
are within the range of normally available tendon lengths; hence, couplers are not needed. 

Therefore, the available space is greater than the minimum cover of 1 in. recommended in 

Chapter 7. 

4.f Select Soil Nail Type and Mechanical Properties

Solid bar soil nails are selected. The steel is selected as Grade 75, with fy = 75 ksi. 

Step 5: Selection of Resistance Factors

Safety factors selected for this example are presented in Table C.1 for ASD calculations with 

SNAP-2. Resistance factors for LRFD verifications are adopted from Tables 5.4-5.7 and 

5.10-5.12, and are summarized in Table C.2. 

Table C.1: Summary of Factors of Safety for Use with the ASD Method

Limit State Condition 

Symbol 

per this 

Manual

SNAP-2 

Symbol 

Minimum 

Recommended 

Factors of Safety

Overall 

Stability Internal FSOS FS 1.5 

Strength –

Geotechnical

Pullout 

Resistance FSPO FoSp 2.0 

Strength –

Structural

Tendon Tensile 

Strength FST FoSy 1.8 

Strength –

Facing Flexural FSFF TF FoS 1.5 

Strength –

Facing Punching Shear FSFP TF FoS 1.5 

Strength –

Facing

A307 steel bolt

(assumed) FSFH HT-FoS 2.0 

Table C.2: Summary of Resistance Factors for LRFD Verifications

Strength Limit State Condition/Case Symbol Resistance 

Factor

Overall Stability Wall is permanent and critical φOS 0.65 

Nail Pullout Static φPO 0.65 

Nail in Tension Grade 75 φT 0.75 

Facing Flexure Both initial and final facing φFF 0.90 

Facing Punching Shear Both initial and final facing φFP 0.90 

Facing Headed Stud Tensile A307 steel bolt φFH 0.70 

305 
Step 6: Overall Stability

6.a Verify Internal Stability

Before going into the design sub-steps, a succinct overview of stability analysis with SNAP2, data entry, and results is presented. 

Overview of Stability Analysis with SNAP-2 

A SNAP-2 user can perform a full design of a soil nail wall by selecting trial designs and 

repeating the analysis until strengths and capacities are verified. After the first run, the user 

must modify one or more of the design parameters (e.g., increase in the tendon length and/or 

diameter, decrease tendon spacing, thickening the facings, etc.), and conduct new trials until 

stability requirements are met. In addition, SNAP-2 allows the user to search for various slip 

circles and select one with the lowest safety factor.

Data Entry – Wall Geometry and Stratigraphy

To model the wall in SNAP-2, the user must enter the points defining the initial, 

intermediate, and final configuration of the grades; the top surface of each soil layer; and the 

location of groundwater. The location of each point is defined by the horizontal coordinate, 

X, and the vertical coordinate, Y. In this example, the base of the wall is at (0,0). The final 

configuration of the design cross-section is shown on Figure C.2. 

Figure C.2: Illustration Design cross section. 

306 
Data Entry – Material Properties 

The user must enter properties for soil layers, as well as dimensions and material properties 

of the soil nails, facing components, shotcrete/concrete, welded-wire mesh, rebar, bearing 

plate, and headed studs. Mean values of the soil resistance should be considered. 

The wall-soil interface friction is estimated to be 2/3 φs′ in SNAP-2. This parameter, among 

others, is considered in SNAP-2 to perform checks for eccentricity (overturning), lateral 

sliding and bearing capacity. Because lateral sliding and basal heave are unlikely scenarios 

for this wall, these limit states are not further considered. Overturning of soil nail walls is 

not considered a realistic limit state in this manual.

A summary of properties of soil nail wall components is presented in Table C.3.

Table C.3: Summary of Properties of Soil Nail Components 

Parameter Main Features Additional Descriptions 

Nail features 5 solid bars, #7 Grade 75 bore hole diameter, DDH = 6 in. 

Facing 

thickness/type

initial: hi = 4 in.

final: hf = 8 in.

initial: shotcrete f'c = 4,000 psi

final: CIP concrete f'c = 4,000 psi

Primary 

reinforcement 

grade/type

initial: Grade 60

WWM 6×6 - W2.9×W2.9 

final: Grade 60 rebar; 

No. 4 @ 12 in. (ea. way)

Added

reinforcement in 

facing

initial: rebar 2 × #5 (ea. way) final: none 

Bearing plate Square dimension: LP = 9 in.

thickness: tP = 1 in. Grade 50, fy = 50 ksi 

Headed stud type 4 × (1/2 × 41/8) Grade A307 steel

Headed stud 

dimensions 

stud length: LS = 4.125 in.

head diameter: DH = 1 in. 

head thickness: tSH = 0.31 in.

shaft diameter: DSC = 0.5 in. 

stud spacing: SSH = 6 in. 

Other Input

Other parameters must be entered when applicable. Additional parameters may include 

seismic coefficients and tolerable wall deflections. Also, the excavation sequence can be 

defined. Attachment 1 lists the input parameters used in SNAP-2. Note that the symbols 

used in SNAP-2 do not generally coincide with those defined in this manual. 

307 
Results

After a few trial runs, the length of the nails was modified to L = 18 ft until the calculated 

factor of safety for overall stability was at or slightly above the minimum value. The output 

was also inspected until all the internal checks conducted by SNAP-2 indicated that the 

minimum requirements were exceeded.

The results of overall stability are summarized in Table C.4 for the various construction 

stages. Results for the scenario where the deepest nail has been installed are shown in Figure 

C.3. 

Table C.4: Summary of Stability Analysis from SNAP-2 

Excavation 

Stage 

Calculated 

Safety 

Factor, FSOS

Condition Remarks

0 1.98 Initial Existing sloping grades 

1 1.99 Temporary 1st unsupported cut 

2 2.11 Temporary 1st row installed,

2nd lift exposed

3 1.81 Temporary 2 upper rows installed,

3rd lift exposed

4 1.50 Temporary 3 upper rows installed,

4th lift exposed

5 1.24 Temporary 4 upper rows installed,

5th lift exposed

6 1.62 Final 5 rows installed,

no surcharge

7 1.51 Final 5 rows installed,

with surcharge

The calculated FSOS is directly used in LRFD verifications. Considering that the load factor 

in ASD-based overall stability is γ = 1.0: 

φOS = 1/ FSOS = 1/1.51 ~ 0.60 ok (matches value of Table C.2 for static loads)

308 
Figure C.3: Illustration. Results of overall stability.

The LRFD verification of strength limit states includes the maximum tensile force of all soil 

nails, Tmax, as calculated in ASD-based stability analyses. Tmax is limited by pullout 

resistance, tensile resistance, or any of the facing resistances.

Tmax, LP, and Lfail are summarized in Table C.5 for all nails for the final excavation stage. 

The pullout development length, LP, which can be calculated from L and Lfail, is also 

calculated.

Table C.5: Summary of Nail Loads from SNAP-2 

Nail No. 

Maximum Force, 

Tmax_i

(kip)

Controlling 

Limit State

Lfail

(ft)

Lp

(ft)

1 3.2 Pullout 16.1 1.9 

2 7.2 Pullout 13.6 4.4 

3 12.5 Pullout 10.4 7.6 

4 19.0 Pullout 6.4 11.6 

5 24.7 Tensile 2.4 15.6 

Tmax = 24.7 kip is at the lowermost nail, as expected for this shape of a slip surface and 

uniform-length nails. The force distribution among nails calculated by SNAP-2 would 

suggest that the upper nails are not as effectively utilized as the lowest nail in the final wall 

309 
configuration. However, this is an artifact of the limit-equilibrium analysis. The nail head 

force at this nail is estimated as To = 0.7 × 24.7 = 17.3 kip. 

SNAP-2 includes an option to automatically shorten the rows of nails in the lower half of the 

wall following a procedure by Byrne et al. (1996), which is similar to the method described 

in Chapter 6. This option was not used in this design example. 

As an alternative to the reduction of soil nail lengths in the lower half of the wall, a nonuniform soil length pattern was selected manually in SNAP-2 for all rows. The objective was 

to obtain the same or comparable FSOS. The soil nail lengths were selected, from the top 

down, as L = 25, 21, 19, 15, 13 ft. The following was calculated: FSOS =1.50, Tmax = 15.9 

kip, and minimum nail load 10.2 kip. These results indicate a much better utilization of the 

capacity of all nails.

Summary of Overall Stability

The analyses indicate that all construction stages, even temporary stages, are safe and 

produced adequate factors of safety. The analyses also indicate that a uniform pattern of soil 

nail lengths leads to an uneven utilization of the soil nail capacities over the height of the 

wall. A non-uniform pattern of soil nail lengths results in smaller soil nail loads, and 

presents the opportunity to consider a reduction in the section of the nails. 

6.b Verify Global Stability

Because SNAP-2 allows extending the slip surfaces to extend below the toe of the wall, the 

user can check global stability. The calculated factors of safety for global stability were 

larger than the minimum recommended values. The geometry and subsurface conditions of 

the example do not warrant the use of a different limit-equilibrium program. 

6.c Verify Basal Heave

This case does not need to be evaluated in this example because the soils underlying the wall 

cannot generate basal heave instability. 

Step 7: Strength Limit States

7.a Verify Pullout Resistance

The nominal pullout resistance, RPO, is calculated for the most critically loaded nail to 

conduct the LRFD verification as follows: 

PO = PO LrR P = U Dqπ DH LP 

310 
Where: 

qU = nominal bond strength of the nail-grout-soil interface (force/unit area)

DDH = diameter of the drill hole

LP = pullout development length 

After replacing:

RPO = π × 14.5 × 144 × 0.5 × 15.6/1000 = 51.2 kip 

SNAP-2 calculates this value as 24.7 × 2.0 = 49.4 kip.

The pullout resistance is verified through the capacity-to-demand ratio (CDR) as follows: 

1.0

Tγ

R CDR

max

POPO ≥ φ =

Where, γ = γEV = 1.35 is the load factor selected for LRFD verification of soil nail walls. 

After replacing:

0.1= 7.24×35.1

2.51×65.0

CDR = ok 

7.b Verify Sliding Stability

This case does not need to be evaluated in this example. 

7.c Verify Nail Tensile Resistance

The nominal tensile resistance, RT, is calculated for the LRFD verification as follows: 

ytT = fAR

Where:

At = cross-sectional area of nail tendon 

fy = nominal yield resistance of nail tendon 

After replacing:

RT = 0.60 × 75 = 45 kip 

SNAP-2 calculates this value as 24.7 × 1.8 = 44.5 kip. 

311 
The tensile CDR is verified as follows:

1.0

Tγ

R CDR

max

TT ≥ φ =

Considering again that γ = γEV = 1.35 and after replacing: 

0.1>01.1= 7.24×35.1

45×75.0

CDR = ok 

7.d Verify Facing Bending/Flexure Resistance

Initial Facing

The nominal bending/flexural resistance, RFF, is calculated for the most critically loaded nail 

head to conduct the LRFD verification. Considering that the WWM and the rebar are both 

Grade 60 steel, the reinforcement is the same in the vertical and horizontal directions, 

f'c = 4,000 psi for the shotcrete, and SV = SH = 5 ft, RFF is estimated as follows:

[ ] [ ] ksi F

y

f F R kip C3.8 FF

×××=

Where:

CF = 2 for hi = 4 in. (from Table 6.8) 

F = (avn + avm) [in2

/ft] x hi [ft]

avn = cross-sectional area per unit width of reinforcement in the vertical direction at 

head 

avm = cross-sectional area per unit width of reinforcement in the vertical direction at 

midspan 

For a 6 × 6 - W2.9 × W2.9 WWM, avm is 0.058 in.2

/ft, from Table A.5. 

H

VN

vn vm S

A

+ a = a

Where: 

AVN is the cross-sectional area of additional rebar over the nail head, in the vertical direction. 

Two #5 bars are used in the vertical direction and, from Table A.6: 

312 
AVN = 2 × 0.31 = 0.62 in.2

=+=

5

62.0 058.0a vn 0.18 in.2

/ft

F = (0.058 + 0.18) × (4/12) = 0.079 

23.8R 60 .0 079 FF

×××= = 36 kip 

Alternatively, RFF can be estimated by first calculating the total reinforcement ratio for the 

initial facing, which is defined as: 

100

2

h 12

vm

aa

(%)ρ

i

TOT

vn ×





























 



 = + = (0.058 + 0.18)/ (12 × 2) × 100 = 0.99% 

Using Table 6.9b, RFF is also estimated to be 36 kip. 

The facing flexure CDR is verified as follows:

1.0

Tγ

R CDR

o

FFFF ≥ φ =

Considering again that γ = 1.35 and after replacing: 

0.1>39.1= 3.17×35.1

36×90.0

CDR = ok 

The additional reinforcement over the nail head could have also been accomplished by 

overlapping a rectangular piece of WWM with enough development length (AASHTO 2014 

or ACI 2011) at this location. 

The existing reinforcement ratio should also fall between the minimum and maximum 

recommended reinforcement ratios which are defined as: 

0.25 % 

60

4,000 0.24

[ksi]f

[psi]f [%]ρ 0.24

y

'

min

c

= = = < ρTOT = 0.99 % ok 

% 2

6090

90

60

4,000 0.05

[ksi]f90

90

[ksi]f

[psi]f 0.05[%]ρ

y y

'

max

c

 =



 





+ =















+ = > ρTOT = 0.99 % ok 

313 
Reinforcement details should follow AASHTO (2014) specifications or ACI (2011) and 

should include: 

• Minimum cover of 2 in. 

• Appropriate development lengths 

• Appropriate splice locations and lengths

Final Facing

For the final facing, RFF can be estimated using approximate expression or using Table 6.9b, 

considering CF = 1. 

The same reinforcement is used in both directions (Grade 60 No. 4 @ 12 in. each way), 

hf = 8 in. and f 'c = 4,000 psi. 

avm = avn = 0.20 in.2

/ft (from Table A.6). 

100

2

h 12

vm

aa

(%)ρ

i

TOT

vn ×





























 



 = + = 2 × 0.20 /(12 × 4) = 0.83% 

Therefore: 





 



 ×××××=

12

8 0.2026013.8RFF = 60.8 kip 

Using Table 6.9b and interpolating, RFF can be estimated to be 59.1 kip. 

The facing flexure CDR is verified as follows:

1.0

Tγ

R CDR

o

FFFF ≥ φ =

Considering again that γ = 1.35 and after replacing: 

0.1>34.2= 3.17×35.1

8.60×90.0

CDR = ok 

Note that for a shotcrete with f'c = 3,000 psi, CDR ~ 1.76. 

In addition, the existing reinforcement ratio should fall between the minimum and maximum 

recommended reinforcement ratios:

314 
[%]ρ 0.25 % min = < ρTOT = 0.83 % ok 

% 2[%]ρmax = > ρTOT = 0.83 % ok

7.e Verify Facing Punching Shear Resistance

Initial Facing

The punching shear limit state includes slippage along a truncated cone of mean diameter 

D'C = LBP + hi. The resisting shear force developed in this slip surface, VF, is calculated as:

V [ ] kip 0.58 [ft]h[ft]'Dπ[psi]f

ic

'

F = c

For the problem conditions: 

kip6.14= 12

4

×

12

4)+(9

F ×π40000.58=V

For shotcrete with f'c = 3,000 psi, VF ~ 36 kip. 

The nominal resistance against punching shear, RFP, is calculated as follows: 

FP = VC R FP

Assuming conservatively that CP is equal to 1.0; therefore, RFP = 41.6 kip. 

This value can also be estimated from Table 6.9.b, for hi = 4 in., f'c = 4,000 psi, and 

LBP = 9 in. and RFP = 40 kip, which is about the same as the value above. 

Considering again that γ = γEV = 1.35, the facing punching shear CDR is verified as follows:

1.0

Tγ

R CDR

o

FPFP ≥ φ =

After replacing:

0.1>58.1= 3.17×35.1

6.41×90.0

CDR = ok 

For a shotcrete with f'c = 3,000 psi, CDR ~ 1.38. 

315 
Final Facing

The resisting shear force, VF, is calculated for the final facing as:

V [ ] kip = 0.58 [ft]h[ft]'Dπ[psi]f cc

'

F c

D'C is defined for final facings as D'c = minimum of (SSH + hc, 2 hc). SSH is the separation 

between headed studs, and hc is the effective length of the headed stud, which is defined as: 

hc = LS + tP – tSH = 4.125 + 1 - 0.31 = 4.8 in. 

SSH = 6 in. 

D'c = min (6 + 4.8, 2 × 4.8) = min (10.8, 9.6) = 9.6 in. 

The resisting shear force is then: 

12

4.8

12

9.6

F π40000.58V 



 



 = = 36.9 kip 

RFP is calculated again as RFP = CP VF. Assuming conservatively that CP is equal to 1.0, then

RFP = 36.9 kip. SNAP-2 calculates this value equal to 35.1 kip. 

The facing punching shear CDR is verified as follows:

1.0

Tγ

R CDR

o

FPFP ≥ φ =

After replacing:

0.1>42.1= 3.17×35.1

9.36×90.0

CDR = ok 

7.f Verify Facing Headed Stud Tensile Resistance

Calculate the facing headed stud tensile resistance as:

RFH = N AS fy = 4 × (π DSC

2

/4) × 60 = 4 × (π 0.52/4) × 60 = 47.1 kips. 

Considering again that γ = 1.35, the facing headed stud tensile CDR is verified as follows:

1.0

Tγ

R CDR

o

FSFH ≥ φ =

After replacing:

316 
0.1>42.1= 3.17×35.1

1.47×70.0

CDR = ok 

Summary of Strength Limit States

The verifications indicate that for all strength limit states, the existing factored resistances are 

greater than the factored loads. The analyses also suggest that, while the section of the 

tendons is appropriate for a uniform pattern of soil nail length, other elements of the wall can 

be optimized. For example, the strength of the initial shotcrete can be decreased to 3,000 psi, 

or the amount of reinforcement in the final facing may be decreased.

7.g Other Facing Design Considerations 

No other considerations for facing are necessary in this example.

Step 8: Service Limit States

8.a Evaluate Wall Lateral and Vertical Displacements

Wall deflections induced by construction and operation can be estimated from correlations 

presented in Section 5.9. For a vertical soil nail wall with sandy soil behind, it is expected 

that the maximum vertical and horizontal permanent deflections at the top of the wall (δh, δv, 

respectively) will be approximately:

δh = δv = H / 500 = 25 × 12 /500 = 0.6 in. 

The wall deformations are expected to decrease to insignificant values over a distance DDEF

behind the wall. Considering that wall has batter equal to zero, this distance is estimated as

(Figure 5.15): 

DDEF = C H (1- tan α) = 0.8 H = 20 ft 

8.b Evaluate Lateral Squeeze (if applicable)

This case is not applicable in this example.

317 
Attachment 1: Input in SNAP-2

318 
SNAP-2 Input

General Information 

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Name NA - Name of project

Number NA - Project number/ID 

Wall # NA - Wall number

Station NA - Roadway station number 

Designer NA - Name of designer

Geometry

Enter coordinates of ground surface and top of each soil layer as a coordinated pair (X, Y), 

where: X: horizontal coordinate, Y: vertical coordinate. (0, 0) is the base of the wall.

Soil Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Name - - Name of soil

Texture - - Soil/rock type 

Unit weight γꞌs pcf Effective

Friction angle φꞌ degree Eff., ultimate/nominal value

Wall-Soil interface friction angle δs degree δs = 2/3 φꞌ 

Cohesion c' psf Effective

Bond strength qU psi Ultimate/nominal

SNAP calculates bearing capacity factor (Nc [cohesion], Nq [overburden] and Nγ [soil 

weight]) from above input. 

Groundwater

Enter coordinates as (X, Y) of groundwater table, where X: horizontal coordinate, Y: vertical 

coordinate. 

319 
Nail properties

Factors of Safety 

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

FS - yield strength – Static FoSy - Default value = 1.80 

FS - yield strength – Seismic FoSys - Default value = 1.35

FS - pullout – Static FoSp - Default value = 2.00 

FS - pullout – Seismic FoSps - Default value = 1.50

Note: Use the same values for all bars.

Bar Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Comment

Drill hole diameter D inch D > Dout

Outside diameter of bar Dout inch Dout > Din only for HBSNs

Inside diameter of bar Din inch only for HBSNs 

Nail size Bar No. # Most common: 6 – 10 

Steel yield strength Fy ksi Typically Grade 60 or 75 

Temporary Facing (same as initial facing)

General

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Mesh NA - Enter true if initial facing has mesh

Bars NA - Enter true if initial facing has rebar

Mesh Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Vertical spacing of wire mesh Svw inch Consult Table A.6 

Horizontal spacing of wire 

mesh Shw inch Usually Shw = Svw

Cross-sectional area of wire 

mesh Awire inch2 Consult Table A.6 

Wire-mesh yield strength Mesh Fy ksi Consult Table A.6. Usual. Grade 60 

320 
Rebar Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Number of horizontal bars HBars - Minimum of 2

Horizontal reinforcement spacing hr inch Can use Svw

Horizontal bar size H # 3-10 

Horizontal bar diameter dW inch Consult Table A.6

Horizontal bar yield strength HFy ksi Usually Grade 60

Number of vertical bearing bars VBars Minimum of 2

Vertical reinforcement spacing vr inch Can use Shw

Vertical bearing bar size V # 3-10 

Vertical bearing bar diameter dB inch Consult Table A.6

Vertical bearing bar length Lcvb ft Min. 0.75 soil nail vert. spacing 

Bearing bar yield strength VFy ksi Same as HFy

Shotcrete Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Shotcrete compressive strength f ꞌc psi Typically 3 ksi or 4 ksi

Shotcrete facing thickness hc inch Minimum 4 in. 

Factor - non-uniform pressures CF - Usually CF = 2 for hc = 4 in.

Shear pressure factor CS - Usually CS = 1

FS for flexure/punching – Static TF FoS - Typically 1.5

FS for flexure/punching – Seismic TFs FoS - Typically 1.1 

Bearing Plate Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Bearing plate side length bPL inch Typical minimum 8 in.

Bearing plate thickness bd inch Minimum 1 in.

Nail head service load factor FF - Usually 1.0 

321 
Permanent Facing (same as final facing)

Mesh Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Vertical spacing of wire mesh Svw inch Typically not used in final facing

Horizontal spacing of wire mesh Shw inch Typically not used in final facing

Cross-sectional area of wire mesh Awire inch2 Typically not used in final facing

Wire-mesh yield strength Mesh Fy ksi Typically not used in final facing

Rebar Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Horizontal spacing of bars hr inch Typically 12 in. 

Horizontal bar size H # 3-10 

Horizontal bar diameter dW inch Consult Table A.1 

Horizontal bar yield strength HFy ksi Usually Grade 60

Vertical bar spacing vr inch Usually same as horizontal spacing

Vertical bar size V # Usually same as horizontal bars 

Spacing bar diameter dB inch Usually same as horizontal bars

Spacing bar yield strength VFy ksi Usually same as for horizontal bars

Shotcrete/Concrete Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Description/Remarks

Compressive strength f ꞌc psi Typically 3 ksi or 4 ksi

Facing thickness hc inch Typically 8 in. 

Factor - non-uniform pressures CF - Usually CF = 1 for hc = 8 in.

Shear pressure factor CS - Usually CS = 1

FS for flexure/punching – Static TF FoS - Typically 1.5

FS for flexure/punching – Seismic TFs FoS - Typically 1.1 

322 
Headed Stud Properties

Entry Symbol Unit Remarks

Headed Stud body diameter DHS inch Consult Table A.8 

Headed Stud head diameter DH inch Consult Table A.8 

Headed Stud head thickness tH inch Consult Table A.8

Headed Stud overall length LS inch Consult Table A.8 

Headed Stud spacing Shs inch 4 in. to 6 in. 

Headed Stud yield strength Fy ksi Grade 60 (usual) Grade or 75 

No. of headed studs in connection NH - Commonly 4 

Tensile fracture factor – Static HT-FoS - 1/FSFH = 0.50 (A307), 0.60 (A325) 

Tensile fracture factor – Seismic HTs-FoS 1/FSFH = 0.67 (A307), 0.77 (A325) 

323 
Attachment 2: Abridged Output from SNAP-2

324 
SNAP_2 Report

Name Number Company Wall 

# Station Designer Reviewer Date

Design Example GEC7 

2014 1 Geo USer 1 1 0+00 JD JD Jr. 6/8/14

Name: Name of project.

Number: Project num er or IDb

Company: Name of company

Wall #: Wall number

Station: Roadway station number

Designer: Name of person performing design.

Reviewer: Name of person performing project review.

Date: Date of project

Soils

Soil Properties

Name Texture γ's, pcf o φ', o δs, c', psf qu, psi Nc Nq Nγ

Med. Dense Silty Sand sand 125 32 21.3 100.0 14.5 35.5 23.2 30.2

Name: Name of soil

Texture: Soil/rock Type

γ's: Effective unit weight of soil

φ': Effective soil friction angle / angle of internal friction

δs: Wall-soil interface friction angle, δ = 2/3φ

c': Effective cohesion of soil

qu: Ultimate bond strength

Nc: Nc bearing capacity factor

Nq: Nq bearing capacity factor

Nγ: Nγ bearing capacity factor

325 
Nails

Default Factors of Safety

U Fy FoS Fys FoS Fp FoS Fps FoS

true 1.80 1.35 2.00 1.50

U: Use same factors of safety for each bar

Fy FoS: Factor of safety for yield strength

Fys FoS: Seismic factor of safety for yield strength

Fp FoS: Factor of safety for pullout

Fps FoS: Seismic factor of safety for pullout

Bar Properties

et

Name D, in Dout, in Din, in Bar No, Bar # Fy, ksi

Bar 1 6.0 0.874 0.000 7 0.874

Name: Name of bar s

D: Drill hole diameter

Dout: Outside diameter of bar

Din: Inside diameter of bar

Bar No: Nail size 3-18

Fy: Steel yield strength of bar

Facings

Facing Properties

# Type Name Description

1 Temp SNW Temp SNW 1 -

2 Perm SNW Perm SNW 1 -

Type: Facing type

Name: Name of facing

Description: Facing description

326 
Temp SNW 1: 

Mesh Bars

true true

Mesh: true if temporary facing has mesh reinforcement

Bars: true if temporary facing has bar reinforcement

Mesh: Temporary facing mesh

ires

Svw, in Shw, in Awire, in2 MeshFy, ksi

6.0 6.0 0.029 60.0

Svw: Vertical mesh spacing of w

Shw: Horizontal mesh spacing of wires

Awire: Mesh area of wire

MeshFy: Wire mesh yield strength

Bars: Temporary facing bars

ars

HBars hr, in H, Bar # dW, in HFy, ksi VBars vr, in V, Bar # dB, in Lcvb, ft VFy, ksi

2 12 5 0.626 60.0 2 12 5 0.626 5.0 60.0

HBars: Number of horizontal waler b

hr: Horizontal reinforcement spacing

H: Horizontal waler bar size, 3-10

dW: Horizontal bar diameter

HFy: Horizontal bar yield strength

VBars: Number of vertical bearing bars

vr: Vertical reinforcement spacing

V: Vertical bearing bar size, 3-10

dB: Vertical bearing bar diameter

Lcvb: Vertical bearing bar length

VFy: Bearing bar yield strength

Shotcrete: Temporary shotcrete facing

h

f'c, psi hc, in CF CS TF FoS TFs FoS

4000 4.0 2 1 1.50 1.10

f'c: Shotcrete facing compressive strengt

hc: Shotcrete facing thickness

CF: Flexure pressure factor (Accounts for non-uniformity of pressure at back of facing)

CS: Shear pressure factor

TF FoS: Factor of safety for flexure and punching

TFs FoS: Seismic factor of safety for flexure and punching

Plate: Temporary facing plate

th

bPL, in bd, in FF

9.0 1.0 1

bPL: Bearing plate side leng

bd: Bearing plate thickness

FF: Nail head service load factor

327 
Perm SNW 1: 

Temporary Facing Mesh Bars Studs

Temp SNW 1 false true true

Temporary Facing: Temporary wall facing behind this permanent facing

Mesh: True if permanent facing has mesh reinforcement

Bars: true if permanent facing has bar reinforcement

Studs: true if permanent facing has studs

Bars: Permanent facing bars

ng

hr, in H, Bar # dW, in HFy, ksi vr, in V, Bar # dB, in VFy, ksi

12 4 0.500 60.0 12 4 0.500 60.0

hr: Horizontal reinforcement spaci

H: Horizontal waler bar size, 3-10

dW: Horizontal bar diameter

HFy: Horizontal bar yield strength

vr: Vertical reinforcement spacing

V: Vertical bearing bar size, 3-10

dB: Vertical bearing bar diameter

VFy: Bearing bar yield strength

Concrete: Permanent facing concrete

th

f'c, psi hc, in CF CS PF FoS PFs FoS

4000 8 1.000 1.000 1.50 1.10

f'c: Concrete compressive streng

hc: Permanent facing thickness

CF: Flexure Pressure Factor, Table 4.2 (Accounts for non-uniformity of pressure at back of facing)

CS: Shear pressure factor

PF FoS: Factor of safety for flexure and punching

PFs FoS: Seismic factor of safety for flexure and punching

Studs: Permanent facing studs

DHs, in DH, in tH, in LS, in Shs, in Fy, ksi PThick, in NH HT FoS HTs FoS

0.5 1 0.31 4.125 6 60 1 4 2.00 1.50

DHs: Stud body diameter

DH: Stud head diameter, dh: Stud head diameter OK: dh >= 1.58 * dhs, 1 >= 1.58 * 0.5, 1 >= 0.79

tH: Stud head thickness, th: Stud head thickness Ok: th >= (dh - dhs) / 2, 0.3 >= (1 - 0.5) / 2, 0.3 >= 0.25

LS: Stud overall length

Shs: Stud spacing

Fy: Stud yield strength

PThick: Plate thickness

NH: Number of headed studs in the connection

HT FoS: Headed stud tensile fracture factor (for ASTM A307, ?FHS = 0.50; for ASTM A325 ?FHS = 0.59)

HTs FoS: Seismic headed stud tensile fracture factor

328 
SN Wall 1: 

Static Case

Construction: Construction specification

Construction # Conseq

20 1

Construction #: Construction number, adds stage cuts and nails according to assigned construction sequences

Conseq: Construction (stage cut) sequence when wall construction begins, i.e., "1" or "2,4-6"

Wall: Soil nail wall size and location

g

Facing HBars VBars Base, ft Top, ft H, ft o θ, Emb, ft Width, ft

Perm SNW 1 25 200 0.0,0.0 0.0,25.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 200

Facing: Wall facin

HBars: Number of horizontal waler bars

VBars: Number of vertical bearing bars

Base: Base of wall

Top: Top of wall

H: Wall height

θ: Wall batter angle, degrees from vertical

Emb: Embedment, depth below ground surface at toe

Width: Width of wall, extending along Z-Axis

Nails: Soil nail sizes and locations

ila

Nail L, ft SV, ft SH, ft o δ, Cd, ft O U

Bar 1 18.0 5.00 5.00 15.00 3.00 false true

Nail: Bar used for this n

L: Nail length

SV: Vertical nail spacing

SH: Horizontal nail spacing

δ: Nail inclination, degrees from horizontal

Cd: Cantilever distance, vertical distance from top of wall to top nail

O: Offset pattern, true if nails in even rows are offset to midspan, otherwise nails are in a square pattern

U: Use uniform nails

Nail List: Nail properties

Nail[1]

ail

CdH, ft Failure Lfail, ft TForce, kip

3.00 Pullout from Med. Dense Silty Sand 16.1 3.2

CdH: Cantilever distance, vertical distance from top of wall to this n

Failure: Failure mode for wall slip surface

Lfail: Distance from nail head to failure surface

TForce: Nail T-force

329 
T-Forces: Nail T-forces

# Dist, ft T-Force, kip Soil Failure

1 0.00 23.9 Med. Dense Silty Sand Punching/Flexure Failure

2 4.87 24.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

3 18.02 0.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

Dist: Horizontal distance of T-force from nail head

T-Force: Nail T-force 

Soil: Soil layer at T-force location

Failure: Failure mode at T-force location

Nail[2]

ail

CdH, ft Failure Lfail, ft TForce, kip

8.00 Pullout from Med. Dense Silty Sand 13.6 7.2

CdH: Cantilever distance, vertical distance from top of wall to this n

Failure: Failure mode for wall slip surface

Lfail: Distance from nail head to failure surface

TForce: Nail T-force

T-Forces: Nail T-forces

# Dist, ft T-Force, kip Soil Failure

1 0.00 23.9 Med. Dense Silty Sand Punching/Flexure Failure

2 4.87 24.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

3 18.00 0.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

Dist: Horizontal distance of T-force from nail head

T-Force: Nail T-force 

Soil: Soil layer at T-force location

Failure: Failure mode at T-force location

Nail[3]

ail

CdH, ft Failure Lfail, ft TForce, kip

13.00 Pullout from Med. Dense Silty Sand 10.4 12.5

CdH: Cantilever distance, vertical distance from top of wall to this n

Failure: Failure mode for wall slip surface

Lfail: Distance from nail head to failure surface

TForce: Nail T-force

330 
T-Forces: Nail T-forces

# Dist, ft T-Force, kip Soil Failure

1 0.00 23.9 Med. Dense Silty Sand Punching/Flexure Failure

2 4.87 24.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

3 18.00 0.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

Dist: Horizontal distance of T-force from nail head

T-Force: Nail T-force 

Soil: Soil layer at T-force location

Failure: Failure mode at T-force location

Nail[4]

il

CdH, ft Failure Lfail, ft TForce, kip

18.00 Pullout from Med. Dense Silty Sand 6.4 19.0

CdH: Cantilever distance, vertical distance from top of wall to this na

Failure: Failure mode for wall slip surface

Lfail: Distance from nail head to failure surface

TForce: Nail T-force

T-Forces: Nail T-forces

# Dist, ft T-Force, kip Soil Failure

1 0.00 23.9 Med. Dense Silty Sand Punching/Flexure Failure

2 4.87 24.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

3 18.00 0.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

Dist: Horizontal distance of T-force from nail head

T-Force: Nail T-force 

Soil: Soil layer at T-force location

Failure: Failure mode at T-force location

Nail[5]

il

CdH, ft Failure Lfail, ft TForce, kip

22.00 Tendon Failure 2.4 24.7

CdH: Cantilever distance, vertical distance from top of wall to this na

Failure: Failure mode for wall slip surface

Lfail: Distance from nail head to failure surface

TForce: Nail T-force 

331 
T-Forces: Nail T-forces

# Dist, ft T-Force, kip Soil Failure

1 0.00 23.9 Med. Dense Silty Sand Punching/Flexure Failure

2 4.87 24.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

3 18.00 0.0 Med. Dense Silty Sand Pullout

Dist: Horizontal distance of T-force from nail head

T-Force: Nail T-force 

Soil: Soil layer at T-force location

Failure: Failure mode at T-force location

332 
Appendix D: Soil Nail Wall – Reference Manual Example Plans

333 
334 
335 
336 
337 
338 
339 
340 
341 
342 
Appendix E: Soil Nail Wall Procedural Specifications

Procedural-based construction specifications are those in which all details of design, 

construction materials, and methods are specified in the contract documents. 

When preparing the procedural-based specification, Part 1 – General may not be necessary 

if the Standard Specifications for the Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal 

Highway Projects, FP-14 (FHWA, 2014) are used. If the soil nail wall specification is part 

of a much larger set of specifications, sections of this specification should be moved 

accordingly into appropriate sections to avoid conflicting information and redundancy. FP14 contains additional specification language pertaining to soil nail walls in Sections 259 

and 722. 

Part 1 – General

1.1 Description

This work consists of constructing a permanent soil nail wall as specified herein and as 

shown on the Contract Drawings (also referred to as Contract Plans). The Contractor shall 

furnish all labor, materials, and equipment required to complete the work. 

The work shall be performed in accordance with the Contract Plans, the required Contractor 

submittals, and these Specifications. The work consists of the following elements:

excavating in staged lifts; drilling soil nail drill holes to the diameter and length required; 

grouting of soil nails; supplying and installing the specified drainage features; supplying and 

installing bearing plates, washers, nuts, and other required hardware and miscellaneous 

materials; and constructing the initial and final soil nail wall facing.

Commentary: The type of final facing will depend on the project conditions and may include 

reinforced shotcrete, cast-in-place concrete, and/or precast concrete panels.

1.2 Definitions

Contractor: The specialty firm who is responsible for construction of the soil nail wall.

Engineer: The Owner’s project engineer, project manager, or other representative.

Inspector: The Owner’s field representative on the project site.

Owner: The agency responsible for the project. 

343 
Contract Drawings [or Contract Drawings]: Drawings developed by the Engineer and 

provided by the Owner for bidding purposes. 

Project Manager: An employee of the Contractor supervising the work and who has a 

minimum of three years of experience with soil nail projects of similar size and scope.

1.3 Materials

1.3.1 Facing

Facing materials shall conform to the following sections and subsections. 

1.3.1.a Cast-in-place Concrete

Cast-in-place (CIP) concrete shall meet the requirements of Section 8 of the AASHTO LRFD 

Bridge Construction Specifications. 

Commentary: Suitable ACI specifications or equivalent may be used instead. 

1.3.1.b Reinforcing Steel

Reinforcing steel shall meet the requirements of Section 9 of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge 

Construction Specifications. 

1.3.1.c Initial Shotcrete

All materials, methods, and control procedures for initial shotcrete shall be submitted to the 

Owner’s Engineer for review and approval. 

1.3.1.d Final Shotcrete

Final shotcrete shall meet the requirements of Section 24, “Pneumatically Applied Mortar” of 

the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications. 

1.3.1.e Architectural Surface Finishes

Architectural surface finishes may include textured surfaces or a surface finish with 

color/stain application.

344 
1.3.2 Soil Nails

1.3.2.a Soil Nail Solid Bar (Tendon)

Tendons shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M31/ASTM A615 for Grade 60 or 75 

steel bars (Grade 420 or 520 in SI Units), and ASTM A722 for Grade 150 steel (Grade 1035 

in SI Units). Tendons shall be continuous without splices or welds, new, straight, 

undamaged, bare, epoxy coated, galvanized, or encapsulated as shown on the Contract 

Drawings. The length of the threaded portion of the bar at the wall anchorage shall be as 

needed to allow proper attachment of the bearing plate and nut. If threads are cut into a 

tendon, the contractor shall verify that the bar meets the minimum capacity required at the 

threaded section.

1.3.2.b Bar Couplers 

Bar couplers shall develop the full nominal tensile capacity of the tendon as certified by the 

manufacturer. 

1.3.2.c Fusion-Bonded Epoxy Coating

Fusion-bonded epoxy coating shall meet the requirements of ASTM A775 and have a 

minimum thickness of 12 mils (12 thousandths of an inch) up to a maximum of 17 mils as 

applied electrostatically. Bend test requirements are waived. The coating at the wall 

anchorage end of epoxy-coated bars may be omitted over the length provided for threading 

the nut against the bearing plate. 

1.3.2.d Zinc Coating 

Zinc galvanized coating shall meet the requirements of Article 11.10.6.4.2a (AASHTO 2014 

or current edition) and have a minimum of 2.0 oz/ft2

 or 3.4 mil thickness applied in 

accordance with ASTM A123 for bars and structural steel shapes, and ASTM A153 for nuts, 

plates, and other hardware. [ASTM A767/A767M can also be used as a reference.]

1.3.2.e Encapsulation

Bar encapsulation shall be a minimum 0.04-in. thick, corrugated, HDPE tube conforming to 

AASHTO M252, or corrugated PVC tube conforming to ASTM D1784, Class 13464 B filled 

with neat cement grout. 

345 
1.3.3 Other Soil Nail Components

1.3.3.a Centralizers 

Centralizers shall be manufactured from Schedule 20 or 40 PVC pipe or other materials not 

detrimental to the soil nail steel bar. Wood shall not be used. Centralizers shall be securely 

attached to the tendon and shall be sized to allow: (i) positioning of the soil nail bar within 1 

in. of the center of the drill hole; (ii) tremie pipe insertion to the bottom of the drill hole; and 

(iii) grout to freely flow up the drill hole. They shall be installed at regular intervals not to 

exceed 10 ft along the length of the nail and a distance of 1.5 ft from each end of the nail. 

1.3.3.b Grout

Grout shall be neat cement or sand/cement mixture with a minimum 3-day compressive 

strength of 1,500 psi and a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 3,000 psi, meeting the 

requirements of AASHTO T106/ASTM C109. The specific gravity of the freshly prepared 

neat cement grout shall range between 1.8 and 1.9. 

1.3.3.c Sand

Sand for grout and/or shotcrete shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M6/ASTM C33. 

1.3.3.d Portland Cement

Portland cement for grout and/or shotcrete shall meet the requirements of AASHTO 

M85/ASTM C150, Types I, II, III, V, or Type I/II and shall be the product of one 

manufacturer. If the brand or type of cement is changed during the project, additional grout 

mix tests shall be conducted to ensure consistency of quality and performance in situ. 

1.3.3.e Admixtures

If admixtures are used, they shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M194/ASTM C494. 

Admixtures shall be compatible with the grout and mixed in accordance with the 

manufacturer’s recommendations. Accelerators shall not be permitted. Expansive 

admixtures shall not be permitted except where the grout is used as part of corrosion 

protecting encapsulation. 

1.3.3.f Film Protection

Polyethylene film for moisture loss control shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M171.

346 
1.3.4 Connection Components

1.3.4.a Bearing Plates

Bearing plates shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M183/ASTM A36 or ASTM A572 

Grade 50 (Grade 350 in SI Units). 

1.3.4.b Nuts

Nuts shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M291/ASTM A563, Grade B, hexagonal, and 

fitted with beveled washer or spherical seat to provide uniform bearing. 

1.3.4.c Shear Connectors

Shear connectors of the soil nail head shall consist of headed-studs or anchor bolts. 

1.3.5 Welded-Wire Mesh

Welded wire mesh (WWM) shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M55/ASTM A185 or 

A497. 

1.3.6 Reinforcing Steel

Reinforcing steel shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M31/ASTM A615, Grade 60 

(Grade 420 in SI Units), deformed. 

1.3.7 Geocomposite Strip Drain 

Geocomposite strip drain shall be manufactured with a drainage core (e.g., geonet) and a 

filtration geotextile attached to or encapsulating the core. Drainage core shall be 

manufactured from long-chain synthetic polymers composed of at least 85 percent by mass 

of polypropylenes, polyester, polyamine, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, or polystyrene, and 

have a minimum compressive strength of 40 psi when tested in accordance with ASTM 

D1621 Procedure A. The drainage core shall have a minimum flow rate of 0.1 gallons per 

second per foot of strip width under a gradient of 1.0 tested in accordance with ASTM 

D4716. 

347 
1.3.8 Underdrain Elements

1.3.8.a Pipe

Underdrain and perforated pipe shall meet the requirements of ASTM D1785 Schedule 40 

PVC solid and perforated wall; cell classification 12454-B or 12454-C, wall thickness SDR 

35, with solvent weld or elastomeric joints. 

1.3.8.b Fittings

Fittings for underdrain and perforated pipe shall meet the requirements of ASTM D3034, 

Cell classification 12454-B or 12454-C, wall thickness SDR 35, with solvent or elastomeric 

joints.

1.4 Contractor Experience

The soil nailing contractor shall meet the following experience requirements: 

1. Have completed at least three permanent soil nail wall projects during the past three 

years totaling at least 10,000 ft2 of soil nail wall face area and at least 500 permanent 

soil nails.

2. Provide a registered Professional Engineer with experience in the design of 

permanent soil nail walls with at least three completed projects over the past three 

years.

3. Provide on-site supervisors and drill operators with experience installing permanent 

soil nail walls on at least three projects over the past three years.

4. Submit a brief description of at least three projects, including the Owner’s name, 

address, and current phone number; location of project; project contract value; and 

scheduled completion date and completion date for the project. 

1.5 Submittals

1.5.1 Personnel Experience

At least 45 calendar days before starting soil nail work, submit names of the Professional 

Engineer, on-site supervisors, and drill operators assigned to the project, and a summary of 

each individual’s experience. Only those individuals designated as meeting the experience 

requirements shall be used for the project. The Contractor cannot substitute for any of these 

individuals without written approval of the Owner or the Owner’s Engineer. The Owner’s 

Engineer shall approve or reject the Contractor qualifications and staff 7 calendar days 

348 
following receipt of the submission. Work shall not be started nor materials ordered until the 

Contractor’s qualifications have been approved by the Owner’s Engineer. The Owner’s 

Engineer may suspend the work if the Contractor substitutes unapproved personnel for 

approved personnel during construction. If work is suspended due to the substitution of 

unapproved personnel, the Contractor shall be fully liable for all additional costs resulting 

from the suspension of work, and no adjustment in contract time resulting from the 

suspension of the work shall be allowed. 

1.5.2 Site Surveys

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing the necessary survey and alignment control 

during the excavation for each lift, locating drill holes and verifying limits of the soil nail 

wall installation.

1.5.3 Construction Plan

At least 30 calendar days before starting soil nail work, the Contractor shall submit a 

Construction Plan to the Owner’s Engineer that includes the following: 

1. Project start date and proposed detailed wall construction sequence. 

2. Drilling and grouting methods and equipment, including the drill hole diameter 

proposed to achieve the specified nominal pullout resistance values shown on the 

Contract Drawings. 

3. Nail grout mix design, including compressive strength test results (per AASHTO 

T106/ASTM C109) supplied by a qualified independent testing lab verifying the 

specified minimum 3-day and 28-day grout compressive strengths. For neat cement 

grout include specific gravity test results of the fresh grout used for compressive 

testing.

4. Nail grout placement procedures and equipment. 

5. Temporary shotcrete materials and methods, including mix and anticipated strength

meeting the minimum compressive strengths. 

6. Soil nail testing methods and equipment setup. 

7. Identification number and certified calibration records for each test jack, pressure 

gauge, dial gauge and load cell to be used. Jack and pressure gauge shall be 

calibrated as a unit. Calibration records shall include the date tested, the device 

identification number, and the calibration test results, and shall be certified for an 

349 
accuracy of at least 2 percent of the applied certification loads by a qualified 

independent testing laboratory within 90 calendar days of submittal.

8. Manufacturer Certificates of Compliance for materials including: the tendon ultimate 

strength, welded wire mesh steel, rebar steel, couplers, bearing plates, epoxy coating, 

and encapsulation. 

9. Product information, details, and cut sheets of products to be used in this project, 

including, but limited to: geocomposite strip drains, centralizers, couplers, and 

geotextiles.

10. Procedures and material for repairing corrosion protection coatings in the field and 

for applying epoxy finish coatings on end hardware. 

11. Shop drawings that shall include all details, dimensions, quantities, ground profiles, 

and cross-sections necessary to construct the wall. The Contractor shall verify the 

limits of the wall and ground survey data before preparing the shop drawings. The 

working drawings shall be prepared to the Owner’s standards. 

The Owner’s Engineer will approve or reject the Contractor’s submittals within 14 calendar 

days of the receipt of the complete submission. Approval of the Construction Plans does not 

relieve the Contractor of his responsibility for the successful completion of the work. The 

Contractor shall not begin construction or incorporate materials into the work until the 

submittal requirements are satisfied and found acceptable to the Owner’s Engineer.

1.6 Storage and Handling

Soil nail bars shall be stored and handled in a manner to avoid damage or corrosion. Soil nail 

bars exhibiting abrasions, cuts, welds, weld splatter, corrosion, or pitting shall be replaced. 

Bars exhibiting damage to encapsulation or epoxy coating shall be repaired or replaced at no 

additional cost. Repaired epoxy coating areas shall have a minimum 12-mil. thick coating. 

Damaged galvanization shall be repaired by coating the damaged area with a field grade, 

zinc-rich paint. 

1.7 Execution 

1.7.1 Excavation 

The height of the exposed unsupported final excavation face cut shall be established by the 

Contractor and shall not exceed the vertical nail spacing plus the required reinforcing lap or 

the short-term stand-up height of the ground, whichever is less. Excavation to the final wall 

350 
excavation line and shotcrete application shall be completed in the same work shift, unless 

otherwise approved by the Owner’s Engineer. 

Excavation of the next-lower lift shall not proceed until soil nail installation, initial 

reinforced shotcrete placement, attachment of bearing plates and nuts, and nail testing have 

been completed and accepted in the current lift. Nail grout and shotcrete shall have cured for 

at least 72 hours, or attained their specified 3-day compressive strength, but not lesser than 

1,500 psi before excavating the next underlying lift.

1.7.2 Soil Nail Installation

The soil nail length and drill hole diameter necessary to develop the load capacity and to 

satisfy the acceptance criteria for the design load required shall be provided, but not less than 

the lengths or diameters shown in the Contract Drawings. 

Drill holes for the soil nails shall be drilled at the locations, elevations, orientations, and 

lengths shown on the Contract Drawings. The drilling equipment and methods shall be 

selected to be suitable for the ground conditions and in accordance with the accepted 

installation methods submitted by the Contractor. If caving ground is encountered, cased 

drilling methods or other suitable means shall be used to support the sides of the drill holes. 

Soil nail bars shall be provided as shown in the Contract Drawings. 

Centralizers shall be provided and sized to position the soil nail bars to within 1 in. of the 

center of the drill hole. Centralizers shall be positioned as shown on the Contract Drawings

so that their maximum center-to-center spacing does not exceed 10 ft, and shall be located to 

within 1.5 ft from each end of the nail bar. 

1.7.3 Grouting

The drill hole shall be grouted after installation of the soil nail bar and within 2 hours of 

completion of drilling. The grout shall be injected at the lowest point of each drill hole

through a grout tube, casing, hollow-stem auger, or drill rods. The outlet end of the conduit 

shall deliver grout below the surface of the grout as the conduit is withdrawn to prevent the 

creation of voids. The drill hole shall be filled in one continuous operation. Cold joints in 

the grout column shall not be allowed except at the top of the test bond length of proof-tested 

production nails. The space above the bottom elevation of the inclined drill hole opening, 

called a “bird’s beak” due to its shape, shall be filled up with additional grout after a 

temporary cover is placed in front of the drill hole, or filled with shotcrete.

351 
1.8 Soil Nail Testing

1.8.1 General

The Contractor shall perform both verification and proof testing of designated test soil nails. 

Verification tests on sacrificial test nails shall be conducted at locations shown on the 

Contract Drawings. Proof tests on production nails shall be conducted at locations selected 

by the Owner’s Engineer. Testing of any nail shall not be performed until the nail grout and 

shotcrete facing have cured for at least 72 hours, or attained their specified 3-day 

compressive strength, or at least 1,500 psi. Do not apply loads greater than 80 percent of the 

minimum guaranteed ultimate tensile strength of the tendon for Grade 150 bars, or 90 percent 

of the yield strength of the tendon for Grade 60 or 75 bars. 

1.8.2 Equipment

Testing equipment shall include dial gauges, dial gauge support, jack and pressure gauge, 

load cell, and a reaction frame. The pressure gauge shall be graduated in 50 psi increments 

or less. The dial gauges shall be supported by a frame that is independent from the jacking 

and wall. Nail head movement shall be measured with a minimum of 2 dial gauges capable 

of measuring to 0.001 in. 

1.8.3 Verification Testing

The Contractor shall perform a number of verification tests on sacrificial soil nails as 

established in the Contract Drawings. Verification testing shall be conducted prior to 

installation of production soil nails on sacrificial soil nails to confirm the appropriateness of 

the Contractor’s drilling and installation methods, and to verify the required nail pullout 

resistance.

1.8.3.a Methods

The verification tests shall be conducted on nails of the same design and constructed with the 

same construction methods to be used on production nails. 

Soils nails in verification tests shall have both a bonded length and an unbonded length. The 

nail bar shall not be grouted along the unbonded length. Fully grouted soil nails shall not be 

used for load testing. The unbonded length shall be at least 3 ft within the drill hole. 

The bonded length in verification tests, LB VT, shall be selected as follows: 

352 
(1) Select LB VT max

For Grades 60 and 75 and other mild steel in accordance with ASTM A615, the 

maximum length, LB VT max, is defined as: 

Equation E.1: Maximum bond length in verification tests (Grades 60 and 75).

For Grade 150 and other high-strength steel in accordance with ASTM A722, the 

maximum length is defined as:

Equation E.2: Maximum bond length in verification tests (Grade 150). 

Where:

CRTY = reduction coefficient for mild-grade steel = 0.9

CRTU = reduction coefficient for high-strength steel = 0.8

At = cross-sectional area of the test tendon

fy = nominal yield resistance of the test tendon (mild steel)

fu = minimum ultimate tensile strength of the test tendon (high-strength steel)

rPO = nominal pullout resistance (per unit length) of soil nail = π × qu × DDH

qu = bond strength

DDH = drill hole diameter

(2) If LB VT max > 10 ft 

Select LB VT to be 10 ft ≤ LB VT ≤ LB VT max. 

(3) If LB VT max < 10 

Select LB VT = 10 ft, increase the test tendon size as needed, and recalculate LB VT max

until LB VT max > 10 ft. 

The maximum load during the verification test is defined as the Verification Test 

Load (VTL), and shall be calculated as follows: 

353 
Equation E.3: Maximum load in verification tests.

1.8.3.b Schedule

Verification tests shall be conducted by incrementally loading the verification test nails to 

pullout or a maximum test load VTL in accordance with the loading schedule presented 

below. 

The Contractor shall record soil nail movements at each load increment and at each time step. 

Dial gauges shall be set to “zero” after the alignment (AL) load has been applied.

Load levels beyond VTL are optional. Following application of VTL, the maximum load 

shall be reduced to the AL and the permanent set shall be recorded. Each load increment 

shall be held for at least 10 minutes. 

The verification test nail shall be monitored for creep at a load of 0.75 VTL. Nail 

movements shall be measured and recorded during the creep portion of the test in increments 

of 1 minute, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 60 minutes. The load shall be maintained during 

the creep test to within 2 percent of the intended load by use of a load cell. Repump jack as 

needed to maintain load during hold times. 

Table E.1: Verification Test Loading Schedule 

Load Hold Time (minutes)

(2)

AL(1) 1

0.13 VTL 10 (record soil nail movement at 1, 2, 5, 10)

0.25 VTL 10 (record soil nail movement at 1, 2, 5, 10)

0.38 VTL 10 (record soil nail movement at 1, 2, 5, 10)

0.50 VTL 10 (record soil nail movement at 1, 2, 5, 10)

0.63 VTL 10 (record soil nail movement at 1, 2, 5, 10)

0.75 VTL (Creep Test) 60 (record at 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 60)

0.88 VTL 10

1.00 VTL 10

AL 1(3)

Notes: (1) Alignment load shall be 0.025 VTL.

(2) Measure soil nail movement after each load increment has been achieved 

and at each time step indicated above.

(3) Record permanent soil nail movement.

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Stepped unloading is optional. Consider between 1 to 7 intermediate steps in stepped 

unloading. If stepped unloading is conducted, hold each load step until the readings in 

gauges are stable.

1.8.4 Proof Testing 

Successful proof testing shall be demonstrated on at least 5 percent of production soil nails in 

each nail row or a minimum of one per row. [The quantity of proof tests must be established 

by the Owner prior to bidding.] The Owner’s Engineer shall determine the locations and 

number of proof tests prior to nail installation in each row. Verification tests shall not be 

counted towards the minimum of 5 percent of production nails. 

1.8.4.a Methods

Proof test nails shall have a bonded length and a temporary unbonded length. The temporary 

unbonded length in proof tests shall be at least 3 ft within the drill hole. 

The bonded length in proof tests, LB PT, shall be selected such that LB PT is 10 ft or LB PT max, 

whichever is smaller.

For Grade 75 and other mild steel in accordance with ASTM A615, the maximum 

length, LB PT max, is defined as: 

Equation E.4: Maximum bond length in proof tests (Grades 60 and 75). 

For Grade 150 and other high strength steel in accordance with ASTM A722, the maximum 

length, LB PT max, is defined as: 

Equation E.5: Maximum bond length in proof tests (Grade 150). 

Production proof test nails that are shorter than 12 ft may be tested with less than the 

minimum 10-ft bond length. Fully grouted test nails shall not be proof tested. The maximum 

load in proof tests is defined as the Proof Test Load (PTL) and shall be calculated as follows: 

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Equation E.6: Maximum load in proof tests. 

1.8.4.b Schedule

Proof tests shall be conducted by incrementally loading the proof test nail according to the 

test loading schedule shown below. 

Table E.2: Proof Test Loading Schedule 

Load Hold Time (minutes)(3)

AL(1) 1

0.17 PTL until movement stabilizes

0.33 PTL until movement stabilizes

0.50 PTL until movement stabilizes

0.67 PTL until movement stabilizes

0.83 PTL until movement stabilizes

1.0 PTL (Creep Test)(2) 10 (record soil movement at 1, 2, 5, 6, 10)

AL 1 

Notes: (1) AL = alignment load shall be AL ≤ 0.025 PTL.

(2) If the nail movement measured between 1 and 10 minutes exceeds 0.04 in., 

PTL shall be maintained for 50 more minutes and movements shall be 

recorded at 20, 30, 50, and 60 minutes. Record permanent soil movement.

(3) Measure times after the target load has been attained in each increment.

(4) If the soils reinforced with nails are relatively susceptible to deformation or

creep, it is recommended to hold each load increment for 10 minutes and to 

record the soil nail movement at 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes.

Hold each load increment until stabilized and record soil nail movements at each load 

increment and time interval shown in the schedule. All load increments shall be maintained 

to within 5 percent of the intended load. Repump jack as needed to maintain load during 

hold times.

Dial gauges shall be set to “zero” after the alignment load has been applied.

Perform creep tests at 1.00 PTL. Creep testing shall start as soon as PTL is applied. Soil nail 

movement shall be measured and recorded at 1 minute, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 10 minutes. If the nail 

movement measured between 1 minute and 10 minutes exceeds 0.04 in., the maximum test 

load shall be maintained for 50 additional minutes, and soil nail movements shall be recorded 

at 20 minutes, 30, 50, and 60 minutes. 

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1.9 Acceptance Criteria of Test Soil Nails

1.9.1 Verification Tests

Considering that pullout is defined as the load at which attempts to further increase the test 

load increments simply result in continued movement of the tested nail, a test nail shall be 

considered acceptable when all of the following criteria are met.

(1) The total creep movement is less than 0.08 in. between the 6- and 60-minute readings, 

and the creep rate is linear or decreasing throughout the creep test load hold period. 

(2) The total movement (ΔVTL) measured at VTL exceeds 80 percent of the theoretical 

elastic elongation of the unbonded length (LUB) of the test nail, or: 

Equation E.7: Theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length in verification 

tests.

Where: E = Young’s modulus of steel (29,000 ksi) 

(3) Pullout does not occur before achieving 1.0 × VTL. 

1.9.2 Proof Tests

(1) The creep movement between the 1- and the 10-minute readings is less than 0.04 in. 

(2) In cases when the creep movement between the 1- and the 10-minute readings is 

greater than 0.04 in., the creep movement between the 6- and the 60-minute readings 

is less than 0.08 in., and the creep rate is linear or decreasing throughout the creep test 

load hold period. 

(3) The total soil nail movement (ΔPTL) measured at PTL exceeds 80 percent of the 

theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length, or: 

Equation E.8: Theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length proof tests. 

Where: E = Young’s modulus of steel (29,000 ksi) 

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(4) Pullout does not occur before the test load is 1.0 × PTL. 

(5) The temporary unbonded test length in proof tests is successfully maintained for 

subsequent satisfactory grouting. If the unbonded test length of production proof test 

nails cannot be satisfactorily grouted after testing, the proof test nail shall become 

sacrificial, and shall be replaced with an additional production nail installed at no 

additional cost to the Owner. 

1.10 Rejection of Test Soil Nails 

1.10.1 Verification Test Soil Nails

The Owner’s Engineer will evaluate the results of each verification test. Installation methods 

that do not satisfy the nail testing requirements shall be rejected. The Contractor shall 

propose alternative methods for review by the Owner’s Engineer and shall install 

replacement verification test nails.

1.10.2 Proof Test Soil Nails 

For proof test nails, the Owner’s Engineer may require the Contractor to replace some or all 

of the installed production nails between a failed proof test soil nail and the adjacent passing 

proof test nail. Alternatively, the Owner’s Engineer may require the installation and testing 

of additional proof test nails to verify that adjacent previously installed production nails have 

sufficient nominal pullout resistance.

1.11 Wall Drainage Network 

1.11.1 General

All elements of the soil nail wall drainage network shall be installed and secured as shown on 

the Contract Drawings. The drainage network shall consist of geocomposite drain strips, 

PVC connection pipes, soil nail wall footing drains, and weepholes, as shown on the Contract 

Drawings. The drainage network shall provide a continuous and unrestricted flow path to 

discharge the water collected behind the wall face. Exclusive of the wall footing drains, all 

elements of the drainage network shall be installed prior to shotcreting. 

1.11.2 Geocomposite Drain Strips

Geocomposite drain strips shall be centered between the columns of soil nails, as shown on 

the Contract Drawings. Drain strips shall be at least 12 in. wide and placed with the 

geotextile side against the ground. Strips shall be secured to the excavation face. 

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Contamination of the geotextile with shotcrete shall be prevented. Drain strips shall be 

vertically continuous. 

1.11.3 Footing Drains

Footing drains shall be installed at the bottom of the wall, as shown on the Contract 

Drawings. The drainage geotextile shall envelope the footing drain aggregate and pipe and 

shall conform to the dimensions of the trench. The drainage geotextile shall overlap on top 

of the drainage aggregate as shown on the Contract Drawings. Damaged or defective 

drainage geotextile shall be repaired or replaced.

1.12 Shotcrete

1.12.1 General

Shotcrete for initial and final facing shall be provided as required in the Specifications. 

Where shotcrete is used to complete the top ungrouted zone of the soil nail drill hole near the 

face, the nozzle shall be positioned into the mouth of the drill hole to completely fill the void.

1.12.2 Final Face Finish

Shotcrete finish shall be either an undisturbed gun finish as applied from the nozzle or a rod, 

broom, wood float, rubber float, steel trowel; or rough screeded finish as shown on the 

Contract Drawings. 

1.12.3 Attachment of Nail Head Bearing Plate and Nut 

A bearing plate, washers, and nut shall be attached to each nail head as shown on the 

Contract Drawings. While the shotcrete construction facing is still plastic and before its 

initial set, the plate shall be uniformly seated on the shotcrete by hand-wrench tightening the 

nut. Where uniform contact between the plate and the shotcrete cannot be provided, the plate 

shall be set in a bed of grout. After grout has set for 24 hours, re-tighten the nut by hand with 

a wrench. The bearing plates with headed studs shall be located within the tolerances shown 

on the Contract Drawings. 

1.12.4 Shotcrete Facing Tolerances

Construction tolerances for the shotcrete facing from plan location and plan dimensions shall 

be as follows: 

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Table E.3: Construction Tolerances for Shotcrete Facing

Item Tolerance

Horizontal location of welded wire mesh, 

reinforcing bars, and headed studs 3/8 in. 

Location of headed-studs on bearing plate 1/4 in.

Spacing between reinforcing bars 1 in.

Reinforcing lap 1 in.

Thickness of shotcrete, if troweled or 

screeded 9/16 in. [approximation of 0.6 in.] 

Thickness of shotcrete, if left as shot 1-1/8 in. [approximation of 1.2 in.]

Planeness of finish face surface, gap under 

10-ft straightedge, if troweled or screeded 9/16 in. [approximation of 0.6 in.] 

Planeness of finish face surface, gap under 

10-ft straightedge, if left as shot 1-1/8 in. [approximation of 1.2 in.] 

Nail head bearing plate deviation from 

parallel to wall face: 10 degrees 

1.13 Reinforcing Steel

The Contractor shall submit all order lists and reinforcement bending diagrams to the 

Owner’s Engineer, and shall fabricate reinforcing steel, ship and protect material, place, 

fasten, and splice reinforcing steel as required by the Contract Drawings. 

1.14 Structural Concrete

The Contractor shall design the concrete mix, store, handle, batch, and mix material and 

deliver concrete, provide quality control, and construct concrete facing to meet the concrete 

resistance and characteristics contained in the Specifications. 

1.15 Architectural Surface Finishes

[If applicable] Textured form liners shall be furnished, form liners installed, and a surface 

finish (color/stain application) applied that will duplicate the architectural surface finish 

shown on the Contract Drawings. The Contractor shall submit detailed drawings of the form 

liner for approval by the Owner’s Engineer at least 7 calendar days before form liner work 

begins. Before production work begins, a 3-ft high, 10-ft long test panel shall be constructed 

on site using the same forming methods, procedures, form liner, texture configuration, 

expansion joint, concrete mixture and color/stain application proposed for the production 

work. One test panel per wall finish type shall be furnished. 

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1.16 Backfilling Behind Upper Cantilever of Wall Facing

If backfilling is required behind an extension of the wall facing at the top of a soil nail wall, 

compaction of the soil backfill within 3 ft of the wall extension shall be performed using light 

mechanical tampers.

1.17 Corrosion Protection

Soil nails and soil nail head components shall be protected against corrosion consistent with 

the ground and groundwater conditions at the site and the minimum class of corrosion 

protection shown on Contract Drawings. [Owner must perform corrosivity testing on 

representative soil samples as described in Chapter 4 to determine requirements for the 

minimum class of corrosion protection of the soil nails, before the preparation of bid 

documents. The Owner should always provide the results of corrosivity testing to the 

Contractor. The Contractor may also elect to provide a higher corrosion class than 

specified as a substitution.]

1.18 Protection of Adjacent Structures

Structures located within a horizontal distance equal to ____ shall be monitored for vertical 

and horizontal movement in a manner approved by the Engineer within an accuracy of 0.01 

in. Monitoring of adjacent structures shall be done by an independent party working for the 

Contractor. 

A Monitoring Plan, including the locations of measurement points and the frequency of 

recording measurements, shall be submitted to the Engineer as part of the Construction Plan. 

Monitoring shall begin with a base-line measurement recorded no less than 10 calendar days 

prior to construction of the wall. 

In addition to monitoring for movement, the condition of the adjacent structure, including 

cracks and crack widths, before and after construction of the wall, shall be documented by 

visual inspection, photographs, and/or video. Structures owned by Owner shall be monitored 

for movement, but need not be monitored for condition unless called for on the Contract 

Drawings. Thresholds of movement for immediate notification and work stoppage shall be 

as defined in the Contract Drawings. 

As soon as the movements measured exceed thresholds established for adjacent structures, 

the Contractor shall stop construction, notify the Engineer, and take any immediate remedial 

measures required to prevent damage to the adjacent structures. The Contractor and the 

Engineer shall then review the current installation procedures. If revisions to the installation 

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procedures are deemed necessary, the Contractor shall submit a revised installation plan for 

approval by the Engineer before resuming work. 

1.19 Acceptance

Material for soil nail retaining walls will be accepted based on the manufacturer’s production 

certification or from production records. 

Construction of soil nail retaining walls will be accepted based on visual inspection and the 

examination of relevant production testing records by the Owner’s Engineer. 

Part 2 – Measurement and Payment Soil Nails

2.1 Soil Nails

Production soil nails shall be measured by the linear foot. The length to be paid will be the 

length measured along the soil nail bar centerline from the back face of shotcrete to the 

bottom tip end of nail bar as shown on the Contract Drawings. No separate measurement 

will be made for proof test nails, which shall be considered incidental to production nail 

installation.

2.2 Soil Nails for Verification Test 

Verification test soil nails shall be measured by each test meeting the acceptance criteria of 

Section 1.8 of this specification. Rejected verification test soil nails or additional verification 

test nails installed to verify alternative nail installation methods proposed by the Contractor 

will not be measured. No payment shall be paid for temporary soil nails. 

2.3 Excavation 

Excavation for the soil nail wall shall be measured as the theoretical plan volume in cubic 

yards within the structure excavation limits shown on the Contract Drawings. This will be 

the excavation volume within the zone measured from top to bottom of shotcrete wall facing 

and extending out 6 ft horizontally in front of the wall final excavation line shown in the 

Contract Drawings. Additional excavation beyond the Plan wall final excavation line 

resulting from irregularities in the cut face, excavation overbreak or inadvertent excavation 

will not be measured. No measurement will be made for using temporary stabilizing berms. 

General roadway excavation, including hauling, will not be a separate wall pay item but will 

be measured and paid as part of the general roadway excavation.

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2.4 Wall Facing

The wall facing shall be measured by the square foot. Measurement will be made on the 

vertical plane of the front face as accepted in the final work. No measurement or payment 

will be made for: (i) additional shotcrete or CIP concrete needed to fill voids created by 

irregularities in the cut face; (ii) excavation overbreak or inadvertent excavation made 

beyond the excavation line shown on the Contract Drawings when creating the back of the 

wall; or (iii) failure to construct the facing to the specified line, grade, and tolerances.

The final pay quantity shall include all structural shotcrete, admixtures, reinforcement, 

welded wire mesh, wire holding devices, wall drainage materials, bearing plates and nuts; 

test panels and all sampling, testing, and reporting required by the Contract Drawings and 

this Specification. The final pay quantity shall be the design quantity increased or decreased 

by any changes authorized by the Owner’s Engineer. 

2.5 Payment

2.5.1 General

The accepted quantities, measured as provided in Sections 2.1 through 2.4 of this 

specification, will be paid for at the contract unit price per unit of measurement for the pay 

items listed below that are shown on the bid schedule. Payment will be full compensation for 

the work prescribed in this section. 

2.5.2 Pay Items

Payment will be made for the pay items listed in the table below.

Table E.4: Pay Items 

Pay Item Pay Unit 

Production Soil Nails (No. _ Bar, Grade _) Linear foot 

Verification Test Soil Nails Each

Excavation for Soil Nail Walls Cubic yard

Soil Nail Wall Facing Square foot 

Commentary: Depending on special conditions that may be expected in the project (e.g., 

additional test panels for different types of facing finishes over the wall alignment, potential 

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need to add proof tests depending on encountered conditions, etc.), the Owner may consider 

including additional pay items.

Part 3 – Special Considerations for Hollow Bar Soil Nails

Hollow Bar Soil Nails shall follow the Specifications included above except for the following 

subsections which can be used in place of the subsections above as needed. 

3.1 Hollow Bar Soil Nails (HBSNs) 

HBSNs shall be fully threaded, hollow steel tubing used as the drilling steel, grout transfer 

medium, and the reinforcing element of the soil nail. Tendons shall have a yield tensile 

strength between 60 ksi and 90 ksi (410 MPa and 620 MPa in SI Units). Tendons shall be 

new, straight, undamaged, bare, epoxy coated, galvanized, or encapsulated as shown on the 

Contract Drawings. The length of the threaded portion of the bar at the wall anchorage shall 

be as needed to allow proper attachment of the bearing plate and nut. Hollow bars shall meet 

the following requirements:

1. The hollow bar shall be of a fine-grained structural steel.

2. The ductility of the steel or the uniform elongation without necking shall be Agt ≥ 5%. 

The minimum Charpy impact resistance shall be 40 Joules at -20°C. [This is to ensure 

damage does not occur to the hollow bar during drilling.]

3.2 Bar Couplers 

Bar couplers shall develop the nominal tensile capacity of the hollow bar as certified by the 

manufacturer and shall have a seal or a similar mechanism to ensure minimum grout loss 

through them. Couplers shall have a means of transferring the percussive forces when 

drilling, and tensile/compressive cyclic-loading forces when in service. [This requirement 

allows for greater percussive forces when drilling, and 2 million tension/compression cyclic 

loading with a cyclic stress range of 10 ksi.]

3.3 Centralizers

Centralizers shall be manufactured from Schedule 20 or 40 PVC pipe or tube, steel, or other 

materials not detrimental to the soil nail steel bar. Wood shall not be used. Centralizers shall 

be securely attached to the hollow bar and shall be sized to allow: (a) positioning of the 

hollow bar within 1 in. of the center of the drill-hole; and (b) grout to freely flow up the drill 

hole during installation. Centralizers shall be installed at regular intervals not to exceed 10 ft 

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along the length of the nail, and a distance of 1.5 ft from the back of the bit and the end of the 

nail.

3.4 Grout

1. Grout shall be made of Portland cement conforming to AASHTO M85/ASTM C150 

Type I, II, III, V or Type I/II, and shall be the product of one manufacturer. If the 

brand or type of cement is changed during the project, additional grout mix tests shall 

be conducted to ensure consistency of quality and performance in situ. 

2. Admixtures are typically not required. 

3. Fillers such as sand shall not be used. [Aggregates in the grout may cause blockages 

in the drill bit.]

Final grout shall have a minimum 3-day compressive strength of 1,500 psi and a minimum 

28-day compressive strength of 3,000 psi, meeting the requirements of AASHTO 

T106/ASTM C109. The specific gravity of the final grout shall range between 1.8 and 1.9. 

The specific gravity of the grout used for drilling and installing the hollow bars may be lower 

than the final grout and range from 1.4 to 1.6. After the bar is installed to the desired depth, 

the final grout mixture shall be pumped through the hollow bar, and the nail is considered 

complete when the heavier mixture returns to the excavation face, signaling that the lighter 

drilling grout was flushed from the hole and that all drilling spoils have also been removed. 

3.5 Drill Bits

Drill bits shall be selected based on the subsurface information on site and the minimum 

grout column required in the design. Bits require a minimum of two ports to allow grout to 

exit the system. Additional ports (with smaller diameters) can be used to increase grout 

pressure and hole diameter.

3.6 Grout Mixer and Pump

A high shear colloidal mixer with separate holding tank and water and cement dosing system 

should be used to ensure continuous grouting independent from mixing. Pumps should have 

flow rates of at least 15 gal/minute for the smaller diameter bars, and 45 gal/minute for the 

larger diameter bars (2 in. and above) shall be provided. A minimum of 250 psi pressure 

capability for sand and gravel and 1,500 psi capability should be available in clays and silts. 

To record the grout volume and pressure, an automated monitoring system may be used.

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Appendix F: Soil Nail Wall Performance-Based Specifications 

Commentary: Performance-based specifications should include any required outcome of the 

design to be completed by others than the Owner or their representatives. Performancebased specifications should serve as a set of criteria for the designer. These criteria can then 

be used to assess the outcome of the project. Performance-based specifications should be as 

specific as possible without directing the means and methods for the work to be completed. 

Performance-based specifications may reflect some amount of design performed by the 

Owner’s Engineer and some amount performed by the Contractor. The Owner Agency 

provides preliminary Contract Drawings showing wall layout and also provides related 

design criteria and requirements, subsurface data, right-of-way limits, utility locations, site 

limitations, construction material and testing specifications, required submittals, and review 

requirements for the Contractor. The Contractor designs the soil nail wall and selects the 

construction means and methods and equipment. Once the contract is awarded, the selected 

Contractor prepares a detailed design and drawings, and submits them to the Owner’s 

Engineer for review.

Part 1 – General

1.1 Description

This work consists of constructing a permanent soil nail wall as specified herein and as 

shown on the Contract Drawings [also referred to as Contract Plans]. The Contractor shall 

furnish all labor, materials, and equipment required to complete the work. The Contractor 

shall design the soil nail wall to meet the performance requirements specified herein or 

shown on the Contract Drawings. Temporary soil nail retaining walls are not included in this 

specification.

1.2 Definitions

Contractor: The specialty firm who is responsible for performing the soil nail wall design 

and construction. 

Design Drawings [also referred to as Contract Plans]: Drawings prepared by the 

Contractor’s Design Engineer and submitted by the Contractor to include the detailed soil 

nail design. 

Design Engineer: The Professional Engineer employed or hired by the Contractor who

designs the soil nail structure. This person must meet the experience requirements in Section 

1.5. 

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Engineer: The Owner’s project engineer, project manager, or other representative.

Inspector: The Owner’s field representative on the project site.

Owner: The Agency responsible for the project. 

Contract Drawings [or Contract Plans]: Drawings developed by the Engineer and 

provided by the Owner for bidding purposes. 

Project Manager: An employee of the Contractor supervising the work and who has a 

minimum of three years of experience with soil nail projects of similar size and scope.

1.3 References

1.3.1 Codes and Standards

• Standard Specifications for the Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal 

Highway Projects, FP-14 (FHWA, 2014) 

• AASHTO Standard Specification for Highway Bridges, current Edition, including 

current interim specifications (Note that soil nail walls are not specifically included in 

this specification. It is used for reference because it covers other elements of the wall 

and structure.)

• Geotechnical Engineering Circular No. 7, Soil Nail Walls - Reference Manual

1.3.2 Related Codes and Standards

Commentary: Engineer will select appropriate codes and specify all related standards and 

specifications for the project. 

1.3.3 Available Information 

Available information developed by the Owner, or the Owner’s duly authorized 

representative, including the following items:

1. Plan Set(s) ____, Project No. _______, prepared by __________, dated __________. 

The Contract Drawings include the preliminary design developed for the project, as 

well as plan view, profile, and typical cross sections for the proposed walls.

Commentary: The Owner should provide preliminary design information for the Contractor 

during the pre-bid process. The complete list of items will vary according to project and 

local procedures, but should include: 

1. Contract Drawings showing the design loadings, and wall layout and dimensions. 

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2. Design criteria and requirements, such as design loads and maximum allowable 

displacements. 

3. Geotechnical Engineering Report (s)______, prepared by _________, dated 

________, must be included or referenced in the bid documents, containing the 

results of exploratory borings, observation pits, or other site investigation data, 

including soil corrosion tests, obtained in the vicinity of the proposed walls. The 

Owner may elect to include the results of global stability and deformation analyses, 

or require that these aspects be entirely handled by the Design Engineer. If the 

Geotechnical Report is not included in the bid documents, there must be a definition 

on who performs global stability, deformation analyses, and selection of corrosion 

protection. If the Geotechnical Engineering Report does not include a selection of a 

Corrosion Protection Class, the bid documents must identify who will select the 

Corrosion Protection Class. 

The subsurface conditions expected can significantly impact the Contractor’s choice of 

procedures, methods, equipment, the biding process, and contract administration. A 

geotechnical summary included in the contract special provisions can be advantageous 

toward achieving a successful contract. The purpose of the summary is to alert bidders of 

the subsurface conditions and hopefully reduce the potential for differing site condition 

construction claims and disputes. By including the summary in the contract special 

provisions, it becomes a legal part of the contract documents. 

1.4 Project Site Survey

Before bidding the work, the Contractor shall review the available subsurface information 

and visit the project site to assess the site geometry, equipment access conditions, and 

locations of existing structures and above-ground facilities. The Contractor, at their own 

expense, may perform an additional subsurface investigation to aid in preparation of their 

bid. Requests for access to the site for performing subsurface investigations must be made in 

writing to _____________ no later than __________. 

Commentary: Allowing the Contractor to perform his own subsurface investigation with 

sufficient time may be advantageous on projects with challenging subsurface conditions. 

Some contractors perform their own investigations to supplement data provided by the 

Owner and aid in refining their bids, as long as the Contractor is allowed onto the site 

during bidding and sufficient time is allowed. However, allowing the Contractor access to

the site prior to bidding for such explorations will not be suitable for all projects, 

particularly smaller projects or those on a tight time schedule. Ample consideration should 

also be given to the suitability of the site for a soil nail wall as discussed in this manual, 

369 
including factors such as subsurface conditions, site access, and project schedule, among 

others. 

When specifying a soil nail wall as opposed to listing soil nailing as an option among a list 

of optional wall types, it is implied that the Owner has determined that soil nail wall 

construction is feasible. If the Owner prefers not to prescribe a soil nail wall, then a general 

specification for a design-build earth-retention system should list soil nailing as an allowed 

option, subject to the Contractor’s sole assessment of feasibility. The soil nail performance 

specification is then invoked in the instance the Contractor selects soil nailing as the 

preferred option. 

The Contractor is responsible for field locating and verifying the locations of all utilities 

shown on the Contract Drawings prior to starting the work. The Contractor shall notify the 

Engineer of any utility locations different from those shown on the Contract Drawings that 

may require relocation of foundation elements or modification to the structure design. 

Subject to the Engineer’s approval, additional cost to the Contractor due to relocation and/or 

design modifications resulting from incorrect utility locations on the Contract Drawings will 

be paid as Extra Work. 

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing the necessary survey and alignment control 

during the excavation for each lift, locating drill holes, and verifying limits of the soil nail 

wall installation. Verify the limits of the structures and ground survey data before preparing 

the detailed drawings. 

Commentary: Many state DOTs have standard specifications or procedures for handling 

utilities on a project, so this section may not apply or can be modified to include reference to 

the applicable state DOT specification/procedure. The location of active and abandoned 

underground utilities can have a significant impact on the installation of soil nails.

1.5 Contractor Experience

The soil nailing contractor shall meet the following experience requirements: 

1. Have completed at least three permanent soil nail wall projects during the past three 

years totaling at least 10,000 ft2 of soil nail wall face area and at least 500 permanent 

soil nails.

2. Provide a registered Professional Engineer with experience in the design of 

permanent soil nail walls for at least three completed projects over the past three 

years.

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3. Provide on-site supervisors and drill operators with experience installing permanent 

soil nail walls on at least three projects over the past three years.

4. Submit a brief description of at least three projects, including the Owner Agency’s 

name, address, and current phone number; location of project; project contract value; 

and scheduled completion date for the project.

1.6 Submittals

1.6.1 Personnel

At least 45 calendar days before starting soil nail work, submit names of the 

Engineer, on-site supervisors, and drill operators assigned to the project, and a 

summary of each individual’s experience. Only those individuals designated as 

meeting the experience requirements shall be used for the project. The Contractor 

cannot substitute for any of these individuals without written approval of the Owner 

or the Owner’s Engineer. The Owner’s Engineer shall approve or reject the 

Contractor qualifications and staff within 7 calendar days of receipt of the 

submission. Work shall not be started nor materials ordered until the Contractor’s 

qualifications have been approved by the Owner’s Engineer. The Owner’s Engineer 

may suspend the work if the Contractor substitutes unapproved personnel for 

approved personnel during construction. If work is suspended due to the substitution 

of unqualified personnel, the Contractor shall be fully liable for all additional costs 

resulting from the suspension of work, and no adjustment in contract time resulting 

from the suspension of the work shall be allowed. The Contractor shall have overall 

contractual responsibility for both the design and construction. 

1.6.2 Design Submittals

1.6.2a General

1. At least 30 calendar days before the planned start of the wall construction, the 

Contractor shall submit complete design calculations and Design Drawings to the 

Engineer for review and approval. Include all details, dimensions, quantities, ground 

profiles, and cross-sections necessary to conduct the work. [Forty-five (45) calendar 

days may be necessary for some projects. In these cases, the submittal for personnel 

experience may need to also have an extended timeframe.]

2. Design Drawings and calculations shall be signed and sealed by the Contractor’s 

Design Engineer, previously approved by the Owner’s Engineer.

3. Submit ___ sets of the Design Drawings with the initial submission. The Design 

Drawings shall be prepared to the (Owner) standards. The Owner’s Engineer will 

371 
approve or reject the Contractor’s submittal within 15 calendar days of the receipt of 

the complete submission. 

4. The Owner’s Engineer will approve or reject the Contractor’s submittals within 14 

calendar days of the receipt of the complete submission. 

5. One set will be returned with any indicated corrections. If revisions are necessary, 

make the necessary changes and resubmit ____ revised sets. When the drawings are 

approved, furnish ___ sets of the approved drawings. 

6. The Contractor shall not begin the work until the submittal requirements are satisfied 

and found acceptable by the Engineer. 

7. Changes or deviations from the approved submittals must be re-submitted for 

approval. No adjustments in contract time or delay, or impact claims will be allowed 

due to incomplete submittals.

1.6.2b Design Calculations 

Design calculations shall include, but not be limited to, the following items. 

1. A narrative describing the overall soil nail wall design. 

2. Applicable code requirements and references.

3. Design criteria, including soil/rock shear strength parameters (friction angle and 

cohesion), unit weights, pullout resistances, steel resistances, and shotcrete resistance 

values. Any additional subsurface borings, laboratory work, or other subsurface data 

collected for the design shall also be included. 

4. Soil nail critical cross-section(s) including soil/rock strata, piezometric levels, and 

location, magnitude, and direction of applied loads. 

5. Values and associated load factors used in design for pullout resistance, surcharges, 

soil/rock unit weights, nail head strengths, and strengths of steel, shotcrete, and 

concrete materials. Global stability soil resistance/load factors used in LRFD 

verifications. 

6. Seismic design coefficient and other seismic design criteria applicable for the 

geographic area of the project.

7. Design calculation sheets with the project number, structure location, designation, 

date of preparation, initials of designer and checker, and page number at the top of 

each page. Provide an index page with the design calculations.

8. Design notes including an explanation of symbols and computer programs used in the 

design. 

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9. Structural design calculations for wall facing(s) and nail head/facing connections 

including consideration of facing flexural and punching shear strength, headed stud 

tensile strength, upper cantilever, minimum reinforcement ratio, cover, and splice 

requirements.

10. Other design calculations. [Other items may include drainage evaluation and items 

not considered above.]

1.6.2c Design Drawings 

Design Drawings shall include all information required for the construction and quality 

control of the work. Design Drawings shall include, but not be limited to, the following 

items unless provided in the Contract Drawings: 

1. A plan view of the structure(s) identifying:

a. A reference baseline and elevation datum. 

b. The offset from the construction centerline or baseline to the face of the wall 

at its base at all changes in horizontal alignment.

c. Beginning and end station of wall.

d. Soil nail locations. 

e. Right-of-way and permanent or temporary construction easement limits, 

location of all known active and abandoned existing utilities, adjacent 

structures or other potential interferences. The centerline of any drainage 

structure or drainage pipe behind, passing through, or passing under the wall. 

f. Subsurface exploration locations shown on a plan view of the proposed wall 

alignment with appropriate reference base lines to fix the locations of the 

explorations relative to the structure(s).

g. Limit of longest nails. 

2. An elevation view of the structure(s) identifying:

a. The elevation at the top of the wall, at all horizontal and vertical break points, 

and at least every 50 ft along the wall.

b. Elevations at the base of the wall and the top of leveling pads for casting CIP 

facing (if applicable).

c. Soil-nail elevations, vertical and horizontal spacing, and the location of wall 

drainage elements and permanent facing expansion/contraction joints (if 

applicable) along the wall length.

d. Existing and finished grade profiles both behind and in front of the wall. 

3. All necessary cross-section(s) to construct the wall. [The number of cross sections 

may depend on the geometry of the wall and the soil nails, presence of utilities, and 

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the variability of subsurface conditions. The number of cross sections may need to 

match the criterion for spacing test borings, as described in Chapter 4.]

4. General notes for constructing the soil nails including construction sequencing or 

other special construction requirements. 

5. Design parameters and applicable codes.

6. Horizontal and vertical curve data affecting the wall and control points, including 

match lines or other details to relate to wall stationing to centerline stationing.

7. A listing of the summary of quantities on the elevation drawing of each wall showing 

the estimated surface area __ [expressed in square feet or in a system of units consistent 

with that required by Owner] and other pay items.

8. Nail wall typical sections including staged excavation lift elevations, wall and 

excavation face batter, nail spacing and inclination, sizes of nail bars (also referred to 

as tendons), and corrosion protection details. 

9. Typical details of production and test nails defining the nail length, minimum drill 

hole diameter, inclination, and test nail bonded and unbonded test lengths. 

10. Details, dimensions, and schedules for all nails, reinforcing steel, wire mesh, bearing 

plates, headed studs, etc. and/or attachment devices for shotcrete, cast-in-place or 

prefabricated facings.

11. Dimensions and schedules of all reinforcing steel including reinforcing bar bending 

details.

12. Details and dimensions for wall appurtenances such as barriers, coping, drainage 

gutters, fences, etc.

13. Details for constructing walls around drainage facilities.

14. Details for terminating walls and adjacent slope construction. 

15. Facing finishes, color and architectural treatment requirements (if applicable) for 

permanent wall facing elements.

1.6.3 Construction Submittals

1.6.3a Construction Plan

At least 30 calendar days before starting the soil nail work, the Contractor shall submit a 

Construction Plan to the Owner’s Engineer that includes the following: 

1. Project start date and proposed detailed wall construction sequence. 

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2. Drilling and grouting methods and equipment, including the drill hole diameter 

proposed to achieve the specified nominal pullout resistance values and any variation 

of these along the wall alignment.

3. Nail grout mix design, including compressive strength test results (per AASHTO 

T106/ASTM C109) supplied by a qualified independent testing lab verifying the 

specified minimum 3-day and 28-day grout compressive strengths. For neat cement 

grout include specific gravity test results of the fresh grout used for compressive 

testing.

4. Nail grout placement procedures and equipment. 

5. Temporary shotcrete materials and methods. Provide the minimum 3-day and 28-day 

shotcrete compressive strengths.

6. Soil nail testing methods and equipment setup. 

7. Identification number and certified calibration records for each test jack, pressure 

gauge, dial gauge, and load cell to be used. Jack and pressure gauge shall be 

calibrated as a unit. Calibration records shall include the date tested, the device 

identification number, and the calibration test results, and shall be certified for an 

accuracy of at least 2 percent of the applied certification loads by a qualified 

independent testing laboratory within 90 calendar days prior to submittal.

8. Manufacturer’s Certificates of Compliance for materials including: ultimate strength

of the tendon, Portland cement, centralizers, bearing plates, epoxy coating, and 

encapsulation. 

9. The Owner’s Engineer shall approve or reject the Contractor’s Construction Plan 

within 15 calendar days of receipt of the submission. Approval of the Construction 

Plan does not relieve the Contractor of his responsibility for the successful 

completion of the work. 

1.6.3b Monitoring Plan 

At least 30 calendar days before starting the soil nail work, the Contractor shall submit a 

Monitoring Plan, if applicable for the project, to the Owner’s Engineer for approval. The 

Owner’s Engineer shall approve or reject the Contractor’s Monitoring Plan within 

14 calendar days of receipt of the submission. 

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1.7 Construction Requirements

1.7.1 Storage

Tendons shall be stored and handled in a manner to avoid damage or corrosion. Tendons 

exhibiting abrasions, cuts, welds, weld splatter, corrosion, or pitting shall be replaced. Bars 

exhibiting damage to encapsulation or epoxy coating shall be repaired or replaced at no 

additional cost. 

1.7.2 Excavation 

The height of exposed unsupported final excavation face cut shall be established by the 

Contractor and shall not exceed the vertical nail spacing plus the required reinforcing lap or 

the short-term stand-up height of the ground, whichever is less. 

Excavation to the final wall excavation line and shotcrete application shall be completed in 

the same work shift, unless otherwise approved by the Owner’s Engineer. 

Nail grout and shotcrete shall achieve sufficient strength before excavating the next 

underlying lift.

1.7.3 Soil Nail Installation

Drill holes for the soil nails shall be drilled at the locations, elevations, orientations, and 

lengths shown on the approved Design Drawings. The drilling equipment and methods shall 

be selected by Contractor to be suitable for the ground conditions and in accordance with the 

accepted installation methods submitted by the Contractor.

1.7.4 Protection of Adjacent Structures

Structures located within a horizontal distance equal to ____ shall be monitored for vertical 

and horizontal movement in a manner approved by the Engineer within an accuracy of 0.01 

in. Monitoring of adjacent structures will be done by an independent party who must be 

approved by the Engineer and will work under the Contractor. 

A monitoring plan, including the locations of measurement points and the frequency of 

recording measurements shall be submitted to the Engineer as part of the Construction Plan. 

Monitoring shall begin with a base-line measurement recorded no less than 10 calendar days 

prior to construction of the wall. In addition to monitoring for movement, the condition of 

the adjacent structure, including cracks and crack widths, before and after construction of the 

wall, shall be documented by visual inspection, photographs, and/or video. Structures owned 

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by Owner shall be monitored for movement as long as this requirement is called for on the 

Contract Drawings. 

As soon as the movements measured exceed thresholds established for adjacent structures, 

the Contractor shall stop construction, notify the Engineer, and take any immediate remedial 

measures required to prevent damage to the adjacent structures. The Contractor and the 

Engineer shall then review the current installation procedures. If revisions to the installation 

procedures are deemed necessary, the Contractor shall submit a revised installation plan for 

approval by the Engineer before resuming work. 

1.8 Soil Nail Testing

1.8.1 Tests

The Contractor shall perform both verification and proof testing of designated test soil nails. 

Verification tests on sacrificial test nails shall be conducted at locations shown on the 

approved Design Drawings. Proof tests on production nails shall be conducted at locations 

selected by the Owner’s Engineer. Testing of any nail shall not be performed until the nail 

grout and shotcrete facing have cured for at least 72 hours or attained at least their specified 

3-day compressive strength. The Contractor shall not apply loads greater than 80 percent of 

the minimum guaranteed ultimate tensile strength of the tendon for Grade 150 bars or 90 

percent of the minimum guaranteed ultimate tensile strength of the tendon for Grade 60 or 75 

bars. Preliminary results shall be submitted to the Owner and/or Owner’s Engineer within 

24 hours of the test completion. A full report containing test load results shall be submitted 

to the Owner and/or Owner’s Engineer within 5 working days of the test completion. 

Refer to FHWA Geotechnical Circular No. 7 “Soil Nail Walls,” Chapter 9, for detailed 

guidance on soil nail testing.

1.8.2 Verification Testing

The Contractor shall perform a number of verification tests on sacrificial soil nails as 

established in the Design Drawings. Verification testing shall be conducted prior to 

installation of production soil nails on sacrificial soil nails to confirm the appropriateness of 

the Contractor’s drilling and installation methods, and verify the required nail pullout 

resistance.

The maximum test load in verification tests (VTL) shall be calculated based on as-built 

bonded lengths per FHWA Geotechnical Circular No. 7 “Soil Nail Walls,” Chapter 9. The 

Load Schedule for Verification Testing shall comply with FHWA Geotechnical Circular No. 

7 “Soil Nail Walls,” Chapter 9.

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1.8.3 Proof Testing

Successful proof testing shall be demonstrated on at least 5 percent of production soil nails in 

each nail row or a minimum of one per row. The Owner’s Engineer shall determine the 

locations and number of proof tests prior to nail installation in each row. [The quantity of 

proof tests should be established by the Owner prior to bidding.] Verification tests shall not 

be counted towards the minimum of 5 percent of production nails. 

The maximum test load in proof tests (PTL) shall be calculated based on as-built bonded 

lengths per FHWA Geotechnical Circular No. 7 “Soil Nail Walls,” Chapter 9. The Load 

Schedule for Proof Testing shall comply with FHWA Geotechnical Circular No. 7 “Soil Nail 

Walls,” Chapter 9.

1.9 Acceptance Criteria

1.9.1 Verification Tests

Considering that pullout is defined as the load at which attempts to further increase the test 

load increments simply result in continued movement of the tested nail, a test nail shall be 

considered acceptable when all of the following criteria are met.

1. The total creep movement is less than 0.08 in. between the 6- and 60-minute readings, 

and the creep rate is linear or decreasing throughout the creep test load hold period. 

2. The total movement (ΔVTL) measured at VTL exceeds 80 percent of the theoretical 

elastic elongation of the unbonded length of the test nail, as defined in FHWA 

Geotechnical Circular No. 7 “Soil Nail Walls,” Chapter 9. 

3. Pullout does not occur before achieving 1.0 × VTL. 

1.9.2 Proof Tests 

1. The creep movement between the 1- and the 10-minute readings is less than 0.04 in. 

2. In cases when the creep movement between the 1- and the 10-minute readings is 

greater than 0.04 in., the creep movement between the 6- and the 60-minute readings 

is less than 0.08 in., and the creep rate is linear or decreasing throughout the creep test 

load hold period. 

3. The total soil nail movement (ΔPTL) measured at PTL exceeds 80 percent of the 

theoretical elastic elongation of the unbonded length, as defined in FHWA 

Geotechnical Circular No. 7 “Soil Nail Walls,” Chapter 9. 

4. Pullout does not occur before the test load is 1.0 × PTL.

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5. The temporary unbonded test length in proof tests is successfully maintained for 

subsequent satisfactory grouting. If the unbonded test length of production proof test 

nails cannot be satisfactorily grouted after testing, the proof test nail shall become 

sacrificial and shall be replaced with an additional production nail installed at no 

additional cost to the Owner. 

1.10 Rejection of Test Soil Nails

1.10.1 Verification Test Soil Nails

The Owner’s Engineer will evaluate the results of each verification test. Installation methods 

that do not satisfy the nail testing requirements shall be rejected. The Contractor shall 

propose alternative methods for review by the Owner’s Engineer and shall install 

replacement verification test nails. Replacement test nails shall be installed and tested at no 

additional cost. 

1.10.2 Proof Test Soil Nails 

For proof test nails, the Owner’s Engineer may require the Contractor to replace some or all 

of the installed production nails between a failed proof test soil nail and the adjacent passing 

proof test nail. Alternatively, the Owner’s Engineer may require the installation and testing 

of additional proof test nails to verify that adjacent previously installed production nails have 

sufficient nominal pullout resistance. Installation and testing of additional proof test nails or 

installation of additional or modified nails as a result of proof test nail failure(s) shall be at no 

additional cost. 

1.11 Wall Drainage System

1.11.1 General

Provide all elements of a soil nail wall drainage system consisting of geocomposite drain 

strips, PVC connection pipes, soil nail wall footing drains, and weepholes, or similar, that 

will provide a continuous path for water flow and prevent pore water pressure from building 

up behind the wall. 

1.11.2 Geocomposite Strip Drain 

Provide geocomposite strip drain or similar to prevent pore water pressure from building up 

behind the wall and to convey the collected groundwater to the base of the wall behind the 

wall. Geocomposite strip drain shall have sufficient capacity to convey all drained 

groundwater, and sufficient resistance to prevent collapse during construction and operation. 

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1.11.3 Footing Drains

Footing drains shall collect groundwater from the drainage system and convey it to ____ 

[e.g., ditch collectors], as shown on Contract Drawings. 

1.12 Shotcrete Facing

1.12.1 General

Initial shotcrete facing and final shotcrete facing shall be provided as required and as shown 

on the approved Design Drawings. 

1.12.2 Shotcrete Facing Tolerances

Construction tolerances for the shotcrete facing from plan location and plan dimensions shall 

be as follows: 

Table F.1: Construction Tolerances for Shotcrete Facing

Item Tolerance

Horizontal location of welded wire mesh, 

reinforcing bars, and headed studs 3/8 in. 

Location of headed-studs on bearing plate 1/4 in. 

Spacing between reinforcing bars 1 in. 

Reinforcing lap 1 in. 

Thickness of shotcrete, if troweled or 

screeded 9/16 in. [approximation of 0.6 in.] 

Thickness of shotcrete, if left as shot 1-1/8 in. [approximation of 1.2 in.] 

Planeness of finish face surface, gap under 

10-ft straightedge, if troweled or screeded 9/16 in. [approximation of 0.6 in.] 

Planeness of finish face surface, gap under 

10-ft straightedge, if left as shot 1-1/8 in. [approximation of 1.2 in.] 

Nail head bearing plate deviation from 

parallel to wall face 10 degrees 

1.13 Reinforcing Steel

The Contractor shall submit all order lists and reinforcement bending diagrams to the 

Owner’s Engineer, and shall fabricate reinforcing steel, ship and protect material, place, 

fasten, and splice reinforcing steel as shown on the approved Design Drawings. 

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1.14 Structural Concrete

The Contractor shall design the concrete mix; store, handle, batch, and mix material; and 

deliver concrete; provide quality control; and construct concrete facing to meet the resistance

requirements shown on the approved Design Drawings. 

1.15 Architectural Surface Finishes

[If applicable] The Contractor shall submit detailed drawings of the form liner for approval 

by the Owner’s Engineer at least 7 calendar days before form liner work begins. Before 

production work begins, a 3-ft high, 10-ft long test panel shall be constructed on site using 

the same forming methods, procedures, form liner, texture configuration, expansion joint, 

concrete mixture, and color/stain application proposed for the production work. One test 

panel per wall finish type shall be furnished. 

1.16 Corrosion Protection

Soil nails and soil nail head components shall be protected against corrosion consistent with 

the ground and groundwater conditions at the site and the minimum class of corrosion 

protection shown on Contract Drawings. 

Part 2 – Measurement and Payment

[Per this Performance-Based Specification, the Contractor is responsible for design and 

construction. The single pay item is the finished wall area, which is inclusive of all soil nail 

costs, including design, materials, installation, and testing.]

The finished work shall be measured by the pay item “Finished Wall” and shall be paid by 

the square foot. Measurement will be made on the vertical plane of the front face as accepted 

in the final work. The final pay quantity shall include all excavation, all materials and 

installation, all testing and monitoring, as described on Design Plans and this Specification.

Commentary: The Owner may consider including additional pay items.

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Appendix G: Similar Technologies

G.1 Launched Nails

Launched nails are bars “launched” into the soil at high speeds approaching 200 miles per 

hour using a firing mechanism involving compressed air. Bars can be perforated galvanized 

steel tube, perforated fiberglass, or bare steel tubes. Bars are typically 1.5 in. in diameter and 

can be 2 in. in diameter. They can be up to 20 ft in length. An epoxy-coated, small-diameter 

threaded bar can be inserted into the tube after pressure grouting is applied to increase 

structural capacities. 

Launched nails allow for a fast installation with little impact to the project site; however, it 

may be difficult to control the length of nail that penetrates the ground. Advantages include 

rapid construction, easy monitoring and testing, construction with limited headroom and 

right-of-way, and ability to withstand large deformations. Potential disadvantages with 

launched nails include: (i) this is a proprietary and licensed technology; (ii) specialized 

contractor and equipment are required; and (iii) lack of simple, comprehensive design 

procedures. 

This technique is applicable to landslide repairs, and to roadway and embankment widening. 

The bars are generally not grouted and, thus, this technology does not meet the definition of a 

soil nail presented in Chapter 1. A launched nail acts as a dowel in the soil, and the 

contribution to stability is primarily by shear and associated, localized bending, and not 

primarily by tension as with a drilled and grouted nail. Launched nails develop limited axial 

capacity without grout. However, the technique mentioned above includes inserting a 

threaded bar for some to allow pressure grouting, and some increased capacity is possible. 

Figure G.1 shows a launched nail installation. Detailed information on this technology is 

available at the GeoTechTools web-based information and guidance system (SHRP 2013) 

and in USDA (1994a and 1994b). 

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Figure G.1: Photo. Launched nail installation. Photograph courtesy 

of GeoStabilization International. 

G.2 Screw-in Nails

Screw-in soil nailing consists of helical soil nails that stabilize retained soils. These nails 

typically comprise a 1.5-in. square solid steel shaft on which steel helices are welded at 

regular intervals. Helical soil nails are installed using drilling equipment with sufficient 

torque output to penetrate the native soils. The spacing of the helices is a function of the 

helix diameter and is typically about 3.6 times the diameter. Screw-in nails are typically 

used in places difficult to access or for small areas (Collin and Cowell, 1998). The bars are 

not grouted and, thus, this technology does not meet the definition of a soil nail, as defined in 

Chapter 1. A screw-in nail acts as an anchor in the soil, and the contribution to stability is by 

bearing resistance of the helices, not by bond stresses developed along the reinforcement as 

is the case with a drilled and grouted soil nail. Figure G.2 shows the installation of a screwin nail. Detailed information on this technology is available at the GeoTechTools site 

(SHRP 2013).

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Figure G.2: Photo. Screw-in nail installation. Photograph 

courtesy of Hubbell Power Systems, Inc.

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