How Soil Nail Shoring Saved a Retaining Wall During Pool Construction
- Project Type: Residential
- Project Services: Earth Retention, Foundation Repair, Rock Anchors/Soil Nails, Shoring/Underpinning, Shotcrete
The Challenge
A residential property owner in Amberly Village wanted to install a new pool adjacent to an existing retaining wall. Excavating for the pool would undermine the soil supporting the wall, risking:
Loss of lateral support below the retaining wall
Soil structure instability
Complete wall collapse
Property damage and safety hazards
The project required a solution that could stabilize the excavation while protecting existing infrastructure within a residential setting.
Quick Facts
- Total Soil Nails: 45 nails (15 per row)
- Nail Length: 15 feet into stable soil
- Installation Rows: 3 rows (top-down sequence)
- Excavation Depth per Phase: 4–5 feet
- Total Project Duration: 3 days
- Shoring System Type: Soil nail with shotcrete facing
- Reinforcement: Welded wire mesh throughout
- Engineering Partner: Civil Solutions
- Primary Challenge: Protect existing retaining wall from undermining
- Project Outcome: Zero wall movement, on-schedule completion
The Solution: Engineered Soil Nail and Shotcrete Shoring
The Dwyer Company partnered with Civil Solutions to engineer a soil nail and shotcrete shoring system that would allow safe excavation while maintaining retaining wall integrity.
System Design
45 Total Soil Nails
- 3 horizontal rows (15 nails per row)
- 15-foot length reaching stable soil strata
- Strategic spacing for optimal load distribution
Shotcrete Facing
- Welded wire mesh reinforcement
- Structural finish for each level
- Integrated top-down construction sequence
Why Soil Nail Shoring?
Minimal Site Disruption
No heavy equipment or extensive staging in residential setting
Immediate Stability
Each row provides support before next excavation phase
Cost-Effective
More economical than sheet pile or soldier beam systems
Permanent Solution
System remains in place, providing long-term stability
The Execution: Top-Down Sequential Installation
Dwyer’s team completed installation over three strategic phases:
Phase 1: Upper Row
(Days 1–2)
-
Initial Excavation:
4–5 foot cut from existing grade -
Soil Nail Installation:
15 nails drilled and grouted at 15-foot depth -
Reinforcement:
Welded wire mesh positioned and secured -
Shotcrete Application:
Structural finish applied and cured
Phase 2: Middle Row
(Days 2–3)
-
Second Excavation:
Additional 4–5 foot cut after upper row cured -
Soil Nail Installation:
15 nails for second row -
Reinforcement:
Wire mesh tied into existing structure -
Shotcrete Application:
Second row finished and cured
Phase 3: Lower Row
(Day 3)
-
Final Excavation:
Bottom 4–5 foot cut to pool grade -
Soil Nail Installation:
Final 15 nails completing the system -
Reinforcement:
Complete wire mesh integration -
Shotcrete Application:
Final structural finish
The Critical Advantage
By installing each row and allowing shotcrete to cure before the next excavation, the system provided continuous support. The retaining wall was never left vulnerable—each phase was stabilized before moving to the next level.
The Results: Protected Infrastructure, Successful Project
The existing wall stood firm throughout and well beyond the project, ensuring unwavering stability. The pool installation proceeded seamlessly, free of incidents or delays, showcasing flawless execution. The shoring system delivers ongoing, robust lateral support, safeguarding the structure with confidence. Minimal disruption graced the property and neighbors, while the swift three-day installation kept the project on track, delivering a resounding success.
Why Choose The Dwyer Company for Your Foundation Needs?
This project highlights why The Dwyer Company is a trusted leader in foundation repair and stabilization:
- Proven Expertise: Decades of experience in soil nail and shotcrete installation.
- Fast Turnaround: Projects completed on time, every time.
- Innovative Solutions: Cutting-edge techniques tailored to unique challenges.
- Client-Centric Approach: Partnering with owners and engineers for seamless execution.
Ready to discuss your shoring or foundation challenge?
Contact The Dwyer Company. Let’s solve your foundation challenge together.