An Estimation on the Applicability of Hollow FRP Soil Nailing System

Soil nailing is a reinforcement method used for stabilizing excavated walls or slopes. Due to its much advantages such as ease of construction and economical efficiency, use of soil nailing is increased. However, the soil nail has much disadvantages for use in urban area. The soil nail needs to be installed inevitably beyond private land boundary, which causes rent for use. For this reason, removable soil nailing system was developed. However, the removal rate of this system is just about 50￠¦70%. To resolve this problem, the Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) soil nailing system which does not need to be removed and allows for the installation beyond private land, is developed. In this paper, through theoretical and experimental studies in laboratory and field such as prototype tests, pullout tests, we evaluate the stability and behavior characteristics of the FRP soil nailing system. And, numerical analyses using FLAC2D were performed with respect to various soil conditions, where prototype test for excavation wall and pullout tests were carried out. As a result of this study, the FRP soil nailing systems show similar behavior characteristics with those of removable soil nailing system. Finally, considering the serviceability and mechanical stability of FRP soil nailing systems, it is enough to be used as a good alternative of general soil nailing system.