Quantum’s specialist Geotechnical Division uses the very latest soil nailing technology and installation techniques to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for stabilising embankments.

The basic concept of soil nailing is to reinforce and strengthen existing ground by drilling regularly spaced reinforcing bars into a slope or excavation as construction proceeds from the ‘top down’. The process creates a reinforced section that is stable and capable of retaining the ground behind it and any structures above.

Generally, the soil nails significantly increase the apparent cohesion of the soil through their ability to carry tensile loads. A construction facing is also usually required, and is typically shotcrete reinforced with a welded wire mesh, or geotextile mesh or fabric.

For permanent solutions, the facing is typically covered by crib walling or masonry.

Soil nailing is an economical way of creating retaining walls and shoring systems and is often less disruptive than other solutions, thereby minimizing impact on nearby properties and traffic disruption. The equipment used is portable for use in tight spaces and the techniques used are adaptable and can be easily modified.

Quantum’s expertise was utilized to full effect with the contract to design and install stabilisation measures to an existing retaining wall in Carmarthen, where new residential development in front of the old wall required additional factors of safety to be built in to the existing structure.