ABSTRACT
The design of soil-nailed structures is based on limit equilibrium considerations. As in all limit state approaches wall deflections and the kinematics in terms of the nail/soil interaction and ground movements are not accounted for. This paper presents the main findings of a comprehensive investigation of full-scale laboratory experiments on soil-nailed walls of different heights in Cape Flats sand. The measurements of the forces along the nails and wall deflections during construction of the wall and subsequent loading tests to failure allow insight into the performance and thus overall stability of the structure. The experienced failure patterns of the various structures validate the log-spiral mechanism for the selected nail length to wall height ratios and load configuration. To support these observations numerical studies (3-D finite element analysis) were undertaken, which contribute to an enhanced understanding of the mechanics of a soil-nailed structure.
