Study on Soil-Nail Pullout Interaction Using a Numerical Analysis

Abstract

Soil-nailing is one of the most efficient slope stabilizing techniques used in the world today. But due to lack of proven and accepted design methods, the measured pullout force in the field is much higher than the designed pullout force. Hence, numerical analyses were conducted to examine the influence of matric suction, dilation and nail inclination on soil-nail pullout interaction to obtain an economical and conservative design approach. PLAXIS 2D software was used for numerical analysis. The results suggest that the higher dilation angle and matric suction can stabilize the soil-nailed wall by providing higher Factor of Safety (FOS) and lesser facing displacement. The numerical analyses also demonstrate that 15° nail inclination can be recommended for soil-nailing due to increase of FOS.