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Source-This post on soil nailing is based on the article “A ‘green’ solution to prevent landslips in the Nilgiris” published in “The Hindu” on 14th May 2024.
Why in the News?
The State Highways Department of Tamil Nadu is carrying out Soil Nailing exercise. This project called ‘slope stabilization using soil nailing and Hydroseeding method’ is being conducted along major roads in the Nilgiris area of Tamil Nadu.
About Soil Nailing
1. About Soil nailing: It is a geotechnical engineering technique that involves the insertion of reinforcing elements into the soil in a specified area to strengthen it.
2. Material: It involves drilling steel tendons into the soil and grouting them in place to form a composite structure akin to a gravity wall.
3. Applications: It is commonly used for stabilizing slopes and landslides, supporting excavations, and repairing existing retaining walls.
4. Methods of application:
| Soil Nailing Method | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Drilled and Grouted | Nails are inserted into pre-drilled holes and then filled with grouting material to bond with the soil, forming a composite mass similar to a gravity wall. | Stabilizing slopes, supporting excavations |
| Driven Soil Nailing | Nails are driven into the soil for temporary stabilization. It is a faster method but lacks corrosion protection for the steel. | Temporary slope stabilization |
| Drilling Soil Nailing | Utilizes hollow bars that are drilled into the soil; grout is injected through these bars, making this method faster than driven nails. | Supporting excavations, stabilizing slopes |
| Jet Grouted Soil Nailing | Steel bars are installed in holes created by jet grouting, then filled with concrete grout, particularly used in eroding soils. | Repairing existing retaining walls, stabilizing eroded slopes |
| Launched Soil Nailing | Steel bars are launched into the soil using an air compression mechanism in a single shot, rapidly placing nails into position. | Rapid stabilization in urgent situations |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment & Ecology
