Comparing the Results of Numerical

Analysis and Monitoring about the

Behavior of Cracks Occurred Nearby
Soil-Nailing Walls
Mehran Akhavan
Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran
Branch, Tehran, Iran
e-mail: mehran100a@yahoo.com

Soheil Ghareh
Department of Civil Engineering, Payame Noor University, P.O. Box 193954697, Tehran, Iran
e-mail: ghareh_soheil@pnu.ac.ir

Massoumeh Bemani Naeini

Islamic Azad University- Mashhad Branch, Iran
e-mail: mbemani_2000@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Soil-nailing system is a widely-used technique for retaining and stabilizing in-situ soil of trenches and slopes.
The highly secured and economical design of retained walls under lateral loads, particularly in urban areas, is
of special significance. Hence, designing such a system requires very complicated procedure to accurately
analyze the lateral displacements of the wall in terms of shear and bending capacity as well as soil-structure
interaction. To this end, this case study selected Hengam (Yas) official-commercial project in Tehran to run a
numerical study on the behavior of the cracks and displacements occurred during the excavation stages and
construction of the soil-nailing system. Considerable displacements have been monitored on the north side of
the site, adjacent to 3-4 storey buildings and a street with medium traffic flow. Also, several cracks have been
observed on the nearby earth surfaces and walls. Owing to the recent developments in technology, this study
benefits from PLAXIS 2D software in order to study the behavior and predict the development of the cracks
adjacent to the soil-nailing walls. More specifically, to evaluate the lateral displacements of soil-nailing walls
as well as the development of plastic nodes formed in the soil mass behind the walls, the software was used for
numerical modeling in terms of the statement of the mechanism of soil nailing stabilization, optimized nail
patterning and bound length of the nails. The modeling was done under vertical and lateral loads for an
excavated cutting having a depth around 28 meters, by the means of plan strain and staged-construction
method in order to meet actual conditions. Finally, the comparison of the results obtained from the numerical
modeling and those from site monitoring shows a very good accordance as could be mentioned that modeling
such retaining systems by PLAXIS2D, using H-S soil Model could be reliable.

KEYWORDS: Soil-nailing, numerical study, PLAXIS 2D, Stabilization of excavated cuts

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INTRODUCTION
In the last few decades, Geotechnical engineers and consultants have shown interest in the use of
mechanical stabilized earth wall systems to construct soil retaining walls. Among all these systems
are: soil-reinforcement, soil-nailing walls, and soil-anchored walls which are all based on the notion
of stabilizing the soil through optimizing shearing strength [1]. One of the advantages of soil-nailing
is the relatively low cost of performance due to the fact that it includes simple components like
drilling of the boring holes, preparation of nails for the purpose of retaining and reinforcing the soil,
grout injection, and armored concrete for the wall facing. In addition, this method makes it feasible
to make use of the whole excavation area for the structure because there is no need for diaphragm
walls, concrete piles, soldier beams or truss systems which normally occupy considerable space.
Furthermore, the amount of materials, such as rebar and concrete, used in this system is much less,
as compared with those methods which require diaphragm walls, concrete piles and bearing beams.
So, using lighter kinds of materials and equipment, this system fits best for the urban areas in which
shortage of space is a big problem [2]. In line with more efficient use of the system of
soil-reinforcement, the use of recent methods such as soil anchoring and soil nailing are prevalent.
Such methods are designed based on the mechanism of load transfer through cohesion and
interaction in the interface of soil as well as reinforcing material [3]. Such structures function as a
result of complicated interaction of soil with other elements of the soil-nailing walls such as soil
mass in the excavation, nail, shotcrete facing and bearing plates. In order to study the complicated
interaction between soil and structure for determining the behavior and stabilization of soil-nailing
walls, numerical techniques based on analyzing the elements are usually used. Thus, it is of critical
importance to use the most appropriate and accurate analytical method to evaluate the behavior of
the soil-nailing walls [4]. Over the last decade, it has been the current trend as how to design and
analyze soil-nailing walls through a combination of shearing capacity and bending capacity of the
nails in such structures. This study aims at investigating the efficiency of bending strength of the
nails in the expansion of tension and the amount of horizontal displacement, as compared to geogrids
which only possess Axial Stiffness (EA).

OBJECTIVES
The recent advancements in technology has remarkable paved the road for evaluating the
behavior of the soil-nailing walls and reinforced soil mass, using two-and three-dimensional
modeling based on finite element method. This method is capable of delimiting many of the
limitations imposed by other methods. Following the previous studies on the evaluation of the
horizontal displacement of the soil-nailing walls under both surface and lateral loading, attempts
have been made to predict the potential expansion of the cracks on the neighboring sites. To this end,
plastic nodes created in the northern site of the project as a result of numerical modeling were
evaluated. This study proposes an appropriate method for evaluating the behavior of the soil-nailing
walls in the soil. Using Plaxis2D, the behavior ofthe soil-nailing walls has been modeled under
vertical and lateral loads for an excavated cutting with a depth of about 28 meters. The modeling was
done under the condition of plan strain due to the rather long length of the walls, as compared to the
lateral drifts. The project where the present study was conducted belongs to Hengam (Yas)
commercial-official plan in Tehran. The results of the numerical analysis have been compared with
those obtained from the evaluation of the behavior and monitoring of the various levels of soilnailing walls, by length. Also, the numerical data have been compared with the rate of fractures, by
width. Further, attempts have been made to present a model for investigating and analyzing the

Vol. 16 [2011], Bund. Q

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cracks appeared in the neighboring sites to the excavation in terms of the location and expansion of
the plastic nodes created on the surface of the ground.

INTRODUCING THE PROJECT

YasCommercial Complex, in an area of 22,000 square meters is located in Hengam Street,
around Resalat Square, in the east of Tehran. The project site is neighboring Zamzam Factory to the
east and some parts of the south. It is located next to residential areas by the northern line. The
satellite image of the project as well as the plan showing the trapezoid shape of the site are presented
in Figures 1-a and 1-b, respectively.

(a) Project Site Plan

(b) Satellite image of the site

Figure 1: The trapezoid shape of the site plan [9]

Providing the area needed for the parking space would require the surrounding excavation of an
average of 28 meters depth (i.e. about 25 to 29 meters, depending on the topographic level changes
in the soil trenches). Subsequently, the protection of the excavated walls needs to be taken into
account, as well. In order for making the surface excavation feasible and providing for performing
the foundation structure, retaining systems like soil-reinforcement are needed to stabilize the soil,
limit the wall drifts, and protect the neighboring structures. As for the retaining walls, this project
has used soil-nailing walls, planned for temporary application. The soil-nailing walls consist of 15
rows of nails of rebar AIII with a diameter of 32 millimeters and length of 8 to 14 meters which have
been installed along the wall within a distance of about1.5 to 2 meters from each other. To perform
the system of soil-nailing, the method of Drilled and grouted nails have been used. In cases where
there was the possibility of very loose soil, self-drilling nails have been used. In order to optimize the
economical function of the system and add to the efficiency of nail patterning, three types of rebar

Vol. 16 [2011], Bund. Q

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patterning with various lengths and in different spots of the site have been used, depending on the
existing surcharge at the high levels and the surrounding area (Figure 1-b).
To carry out the plan, the designated area is first excavated for a depth of 1.5 to 2 meters. Then,
having installed a metal mesh, the surface of the ground is shotcreted for about 10 centimeter thick
to assure stabilization of the excavated panel. Next, using drill wagons, the boring holes with
diameters of 10 centimeters and with the determined angles are created at the soil trenches for the
rebar nails to be planted. Finally, grout is evenly injected into the holes. Figure 3 illustrates a general
view of the situation of soil-nailing system performed at the northern site of the project. It should be
mentioned here that in order to have control over the potential displacements of the retaining walls,
54 reflectors have been installed on different sides of the walls and on various levels. For example,
15 of these reflectors have been installed on the northern side (i.e.7 of which on the upper level and
the other 8 on the middle level) (Figure 2).

Figure 2: A Reflector installed on the north side wall of the project

The phase of monitoring has been continued for about 6 months after the construction of the
retaining walls and all the displacements occurred due this time have been recorded and evaluated
[10]. Using surveying tools such as Total station (TSP), the reflectors were read over intervals of 10
days. According to the bench marks made in the surrounding area, the coordinate of each reflector
were recorded onto related forms and tables so that any replacement could be evaluated in
comparison with the former position of the reflector.
Having gone through the processes of excavation and soil-nailing stage by stage, when we get to
the level of 16 meters from the surface, we observe some cracks on the ground of the street, in the
north site, which were made about 9.5 to 14.5 meters away from the excavation wall. These cracks
have been made parallel to the project line on the surface of the 42nd Street, on the sidewalk, at the
joint line of the neighboring buildings and the sidewalk, and on the facing of masonry walls. Figures
4 and 5 show a general view of these cracks. As a whole, a total of 9 cracks have been monitored in
the north side, 2 of which have been made on the surface of 42nd Street; 2 on the stone facing of the
neighboring building and the rest have been observed on the sidewalk nearby. Since the incident of
the cracks, follow-up inspections and special monitoring have been carried out on daily regular
basis.

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Drilling boring holes by Drill-Wagon

Performing shotcrete walls

Figure 3.Accomplished Soil-nailing wall on the north side (about 20 meters down from the
surface)

T2

Increase of
the crack
width after 3
months

T2

Crack
occurred
parallel to
excavation
line

Figure 4: Crack made on the surface if the 42nd street [11]

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44
Longitudinaal cracks
on the walll surface

M
Marking
points

J5

Transveerse cracks
on the Sttone surface

Figure 5:
5 Cracks occurred on neeighbor wallls [11]
Thhe first Crack
ks have been reported whhen the proceess of excavaation reachedd the level off 16
meters deep. Then, two sides off the cracks were
w
marked for the purpoose of recordding the potenntial
drifts and fracturess to be occuurred later. The
T
results of the first fractures andd the follow
w-up
inspecttions over sub
bsequent periods are schem
matically show
wn in figure 6.
6 Figure 7 shhows the posittion
of the marked crack
ks and their distance
d
from
m the edge of the north waall. Also, Table 1 presents the
quantittative results of the fracttures over thhe subsequennt periods inn relation to the progresss of
excavaation and consstruction of thhe retaining walls.
w
4.5
4

crack width (mm)

3.5

J1

J2
2.5

J3

J4

1.5

J5
J6

J7
0.5
0
J

Axis Title

Figure
F
6: Innterval measuurements of the crack widths [11]

Vol. 16 [2011], Bund. Q

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Figure 7: The location of marked cracks adjacent to the north side wall [11]
The reason for the differences of the amount of fractures among the cracks within short distances
from each other can be attributed to the texture and hardness of the materials used in adjacent
masonry walls. For instance, comparing the cracks made at the joint points between the walls of the
project and those of the newly constructed building (J7) and the older building (J6), the fracture of J7
is narrower than that of J6, in spite of the fact that the new building is taller with more stories. This is
because of the use of harder materials and following the national Building guidelines. Based on the
quantitative data presented in Table1, the width of fractures increases as the process of excavation
goes further down to the bottom. Also, after the stage of monitoring, as the reported fracture widths
show, the widest fractures are corresponding to the middle of the soil-nailing wall by length that is
related to the maximum lateral displacement of the wall.

Table 1: Measurement of opening for the cracks by location and

J7

J6

Hoorian St. Hoorian St.

J5

J4

J3

J2

J1

Crack ID

42nd St.

42nd St.

42nd St.

42nd St.

42nd St.

Location

Record No.

distance from excavation [11]

22.30

22.50

14.70

14.60

14.60

14.70

14.70

0.00
1.7

0.00
0.18

0.00
0.64

0.00
0.76

0.00
0.36

0.00
0.44

Distance from
excavation (m)
Crack width(mm)
Crack width(mm)

0.00

2.22

0.36

1.54

1.78

0.46

0.62

Crack width(mm)

1
2
3

0.32

3.16

0.50

2.02

2.10

0.66

0.86

Crack width(mm)

0.39

3.22

0.90

2.64

2.16

1.74

0.92

Crack width(mm)

0.40

3.24

0.92

2.78

2.42

1.90

1.24

Crack width(mm)

0.44

3.68

1.08

2.80

2.58

2.10

1.62

Crack width(mm)

0.76

3.96

1.08

2.92

2.62

2.12

1.66

Crack width(mm)

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GEOTECHNICAL PARAMETERS OF SOIL

Geotechnical parameters and features of soil are said to be the most important and influential
factor in designing retaining walls to be considered for such a project. Therefore, it is of crucial
importance to have careful and accurate geotechnical investigation before practically starting to
excavate the site. This way, the process of performing the plan will surely proceed on logical basis.
The geotechnical features used for the present study are as follows: Mechanically Drilled borings of
30 meters depth and 10 boring pits 20-25 meter deep; doing field experiments and Plate Loading
Tests in depths of 5 and 6 meters due to the susceptibility of the obtained amounts to Elasticity
Module E; doing laboratory experiments such as estimating the unit weight, determining the
percentage of humidity, Atterberg Limits, Direct shear test and Tri-axial test Based on the standards
of ASTM [9]. Table 2 presents a summary of the experiments results in terms of various depths.

Table 2: Geotechnical Parameters of soil

0.30

Young
modules
(kN/m2)
200

0.30

400

34

0.30

500

35

Poissons
ratio

Internal angle
Cohesion
friction
(kN/m2)
o
()
24
5

15

Unit
Weight
(kN/m3)
17

12

35

18

5-20

15

>50

19

20-30

SPT
(NSPT)

Depth
(m)
0-5

Soil Layer
Shallow soil
Dense silty Sand with
gravel
Very dense silty gravel
with Sand

SOFTWARE USED FOR MODELING THE PROJECT

This project used Plaxis2D as the software doing numerical modeling. It is a combination of
vigorous programs for the problems of geotechnical engineering. Being designed based on Finite
Element Method, this software is capable of solving a wide range of geotechnical problems in
engineering from simple linear analyses to complicated non-linear modeling. It is specifically used
for the analysis of the effect of soil-structure interactions. This software provides the user with the
modeling of different kinds of soils and the related elements in the grounds of geotechnical and soil
mechanics, using simple graphical context. The modeling is done based on staged-construction.
Thus, the situations of numerical modeling are more likely to be congruent with reality. Finite
element Method is a vigorous and reliable tool for analyzing the interactions among nail, soil and
structure. Among the advantages of this method are: capability of analyzing the elements of soilnailing walls and their interactions with soil as well as simultaneous consideration of the parameters
involved. Also, this method enables engineers to evaluate any kind of soil by means of plan strain in
a two-dimensional situation. One of the main reasons making this method a success in analyzing soil
is the use of various behavioral models of soil. Thus, one may use Finite Element Method to
investigate the soil behavior in a wide range of strains, the effects of the speed of loading, decrease
of hardness, so on and so forth [8].

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NUMERICAL MODELING
Using PLAXIS 2D, this study has made an attempt to make a model of the Soil-nailing walls
performed in the northern site of Hengam (Yas) project. The purpose of such modeling is to evaluate
the behavior of the system through making a comparison between the obtained results of the
numerical analysis with those of monitoring. In addition, the modeling intends to analyze the
stabilization and realization of the problem considering the effects of shotcrete, soil-nail interaction
as well as predicting the position of potential cracks. The modeling has been done in the situation of
plan strain based on staged-construction in accordance with the situation of the soil, the amount of
surcharge, and two-dimensional nail plotting. The numerical model consists of soil, shotcrete facing
and nail. In order to reduce the bordering effects, soil mass has been used in the shape of cubic
rectangular of the size of 100m70m1m in which a space was made fitting the situation of the soilnailing wall. Figure 8 shows a general view of the geometry of the numerical model consisting of 15
rows of nails and shotcrete facing before the excavation. The element of plate has been used for
modeling nails and facing in order to take into account the bending stiffness, especially at the joint
points to the shotcrete surface; thus, increasing the rate of axial forces in the nails up to 2%, as
compared to geogrids. As for controlling the accuracy of the numerical modeling, the obtained
results have been compared and calibrated with those of a sample model as published in Bulletin,
No. 25 (2009) about Plaxis software.

Surcharge equivalent
to 12m Wide Street
Shotcrete facing

Surcharge equivalent to
residential buildings
Shallow soil layer
Silty Sand with gravel

Silty gravel with Sand

Nails installed in 15 rows

Silty gravel with Sand

Figure 8: General view of the geometry of the numerical model

In order to analyze the model made with Finite Element Method, it is required to first mesh the
geometry of the model. To do so, PLAXIS software makes use of 15-node triangle elements so that
the whole geometry of the model is divided into erratic adjunct triangles. The reason for using
triangle elements is simple application and proper adjustment to the irregular borderlines in various
geometrical shapes. In order to optimize the accuracy of numerical modeling and assure the accuracy

Vol. 16 [2011], Bund. Q

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of the output results, the areas around the nails including the shotcreted facings are refined because
of the soil-structure interaction. This will make the divisions of triangle-shaped elements smaller. It
should be mentioned that the size of meshes depends on the extent to which the project gives
importance to and expects accuracy from the output results of modeling. It also depends on the
power of the processing system as well as the amount of time allotted to this matter. In order to
optimize the accuracy of numerical modeling, care has been taken to be congruent with the actual
performance; i.e. the modeling was also done based on 15-staged excavation in 31 phases.
This study has used the hardening soil model (H-S), assuming homogeneity of soil, for creating
soil modeling. As for creating model for the nails, the element of plate with both bending and
shearing stiffness has been used. Equivalent elasticity module of Eeq has been considered for the
rebar and grout injected cross section. Although the use of E50 module is common in the problems
of geotechnical materials, when it comes to matters of unloading such as building tunnels and
excavation, module Eur should be used, instead because the lower layers of soil are harder than the
layers on the surface; thus, the overall rate of hardness is much more in cases when we are involved
in situations of both unloading and reloading. That is why the present study has used H-S soil model
rather than Mohr-Coulomb (M-C) for modeling the soil behavior. H-S model is advantageous over
M-C not only because of the use of tension-strain curve with the hyperbolic functions, but also
because this model is capable of controlling the level of the dependency of hardness to the imposed
tension, using parameter m (Equation 1). In addition, this model has applied plasticity relations
rather than elasticity relations [7]. Using M-C soil model, the user is required to use a fixed quantity
as the module of hardness (E) throughout the whole layer of the model soil, while such quantity for
E depends on the rate of tension imposed on the element of soil. It can be said the amount of E
changes as the analysis proceeds in the numerical modeling.

=E

ccos sin
ccos + P sin

(1)

Using Geogrid element, which only possesses the Axial stiffness (EA), for numerical modeling
of nails means ignoring the concentration of shearing stresses and bending moments at the joint point
of nail and shotcreted facing. Therefore, in order to assure more accurate behavior of the wall, this
study has used PLAXIS, using the element of plate, for modeling the nails in the soil-nailing wall.
The modeling has been carried out in two states, based on the depth of the excavation. The first state
deals with the evaluation of the relevant elements in the depth of 16 meters, while the second state is
concerned with those in the whole depth of the excavation; i.e. down to the bottom (28 meters).
Knowing that the first cracks appeared on the surface of the ground when the excavation reached
the level of +40.0 (i.e. 16 meters deep), the first state of modeling has considered the excavation
down to level +40.0 and evaluated the position of the plastic nodes on the surface (see Figure 9).
According to the results of the first modeling, plastic nodes are formed on the ground within a
distance of 5 to 10 meters from the edge of the northsoil-nailed wall (with more expansion) , and in a
distance of 14 to 18 meters from the edge of the wall (with less expansion). Comparing the results
obtained from the evaluation of the behavior and monitoring (Table 1) and those of the numerical
modeling of the north wall, the occurrence of the first cracks within the distances of 8.5 and 14.5
meters is predictable and congruent with the results of the numerical modeling.

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Area where cracks appeared

16m-Deep excavation

Figure 9: Finite element model showing plastic point zones after 16m-Deep excavation
The position of plastic nodes changes in the numerical model as the excavation proceeds down
to deeper points. The second state of modeling is concerned with the evaluation of the plastic nodes
on the surface when the excavation process reached to the bottom; i.e. 28 meters deep. Figure 10
shows the results of modeling in the second state. According to the results of numerical analysis, the
plastic nodes have been formed on the surface within a distance of 40 meters from the edge. In terms
of the expansion, those plastic nodes occurred in a distance of 20 meters are expanded in a wider
area (e.g. J6 & J7).
Area where cracks appeared

28m-Deep excavation

Figure 10: Finite element model showing plastic point zones after 28m-Deep excavation

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50

In order to evalluate the accuuracy of the reesults, the ressults of the nuumerical moddeling have been
b
compaared with those of monitooring. The process of monnitoring relieed on a total of 15 reflecttors
which were installeed along the middle and upper levels of the northh wall. As diiagram 2 shoows,
compaaring the resullts obtained from
f
numericcal analysis annd monitoringg, in spite off the complicaated
soil proofile and num
merical modelling limitations, the findinngs are congruuent with eacch other in terms
of the lateral
l
displaccements occuurred during thhe excavationn.
Lateral displaacements for thee north side soil--nailing wall
29.5

24.5

Wall Height (m)

RE
EFLECTOR

19.5
PL
LAXIS

14.5

Loog. (PLAXIS)

9.5

4.5

-0.5
0

10

20

30

40

Facinng Horizontal Displacment (mm

m)

50

60

Figu
ure 11: Compparison betweeen the resultts of lateral diisplacement obtained
o
from
m modeling annd
moniitoring for thee north side sooil-nailing waall

CONC
CLUSIO
ONS
Thhe results of th
he present stuudy can be sum
mmarized as follows:
(1)). The furtherr excavation and
a soil-nailinng structure proceed,
p
the further
fu
away (up
( to 22 meters)
the craacks appear on
o the surfacee of the grounnd. The numerical modeliing confirms this by show
wing
the plaastic node zon
nes occurred on
o the surfacee.
(2)). Cracks app
pear in the arreas surroundding the excavvation as the processes off excavation and
soil-naailing start. Th
he width of openings
o
incrreases as the construction proceeds to the
t point thatt by
the endd of the excav
vation and connstruction of retaining wallls, there is the highest amoount of openinng.
(3)). The crackss occurred in the middle part
p of the exxcavated areaa are wider thhan those in the
cornerss. This is con
ngruent with the most lateeral displacem
ments which occur
o
in the middle
m
lengthh of
the soil-nailing waall, too. In this
t
respect, the results of
o numerical modeling support
s
thosee of
monitooring.
(4)). Regarding the diagram presented in terms of thee widths of crracks, we cann infer that over
o
time, thhe process off forming craccks decreases and tends to become fixedd.

Vol. 16 [2011], Bund. Q

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(5). As a whole, it can be said that the general process of forming cracks and displacements was
expectable and the rate of displacements and the width of cracks occurred match the position and
expansion of the plastic nodes occurred on the surface and behind the soil-nailing walls.
(6). Comparing the results of numerical modeling and those obtained from the monitoring in
terms of the lateral displacements of the wall, in spite of the complicated soil profile and numerical
modeling limitations, the findings are congruent with each other in terms of the lateral displacements
occurred during the excavation.
(7). As there is a proper congruency between the results obtained from numerical modeling and
those of monitoring, this research study found H-S as an appropriate model for predicting the
behavior of soil-nailing walls.
(8). Within the scope of this study, the software of PLAXIS 2D has been found to be an
appropriate tool for evaluating the behavior of the soil-nailing walls.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Hereby, the authors express their deep gratitude to the managing director of Soil and Water
Engineering Corporation for his cooperation. This study also owes to the executive agents in the
site for their sincere help for gathering data.

REFERENCES
1. Liew Shaw-Shong , (2005), "Soil Nailing for Slope Strengthening" ,Gue and partners
SdnBhd, Kualalampur Malaysia, Geotechnical Engineering Journal.
2. Nadir Ansari, and Carol Domitric, (1992), Soil Nailing earth shoring system- A ten year
update, Isherwood Associates.
3. FHWA-SA-96-069R, (1998)," Manual for Design and Construction Monitoring of Soil Nail
Walls, U.S. Department of Transportation ,Federal Highway Administration.
4. Shiu, Y. K. and Chang, G. W. K. (2006). Effects of inclination, length pattern and bending
stiffness of soil nails on behavior of nailed structures. GEO Report No.197. Geotechnical
Engineering Office. Hong Kong.
5. Lazarte, C. A., Elias, V., Espinoza, D. and Sabatini, P. J., (2003)," Soil Nail Walls",
Office of Technology Application Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Geotechnical Engineering, Circular NO. 7, Report No. FHWA0-IF-03-017,
Washington D.C.
6. Plaxis (2002). Simulation of Soil Nail Structures using PLAXIS 2D. Plaxis Bulletin,
Spring 2009, No. 25, pages 16-21.
7. PLAXIS Ver.8, (2006), Plaxis Reference manual, Delft University of Technology &Plaxis
by The Netherlands.
8. Ghareh, S., (2011). A Numerical Study on the behavior of piles under lateral loads. Paper
presented in the 6th National Conference of Civil Engineering, Semnan, Iran.

Vol. 16 [2011], Bund. Q

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9. Rahvar-Pazhohesh-Omran Consultant Engineers, (2009). Supplemental Geotechnical

Report, Construction of retaining walls for Hengam(Yas) Official-Commercial Project.
10. Rahvar-Pazhohesh-Omran Consultant Engineers, (2010). Analytical Report on Reflector
Records, Construction of retaining walls for Hengam(Yas) Official-Commercial Project.
11. Rahvar-Pazhohesh-Omran Consultant Engineers, (2009). Analytical Report on the Cracks
occurred adjacent to the north excavation area, Construction of retaining walls for
Hengam(Yas) Official-Commercial Project.

2011 ejge