In-Situ Stabilization of Soil Slopes Using Nailed or Anchored Geosynthetics

Abstract

The incidence of soil slope instability is, and has been, a natural hazard of major proportions and is ongoing to this day. While stabilization can be afforded by excavation and reconstruction, oftentimes structures and utilities are involved requiring in situ stabilization methods. This paper is focused accordingly. The method uses soil nails or soil anchors connected to a geosynthetic surface covering which is tensioned thereby stabilizing the encapsulated soil and providing tensile reinforcement. The paper is subdivided as follows: (i) introduction and theoretical background, (ii) required theoretical modifications, (iii) basics of soil nailing and anchors along with surface geosynthetics effects, (iv) implementation of the technique, (v) current activities by manufacturers, suppliers and ground modification companies, and (vi) summary and conclusions.