PIKEVILLE, Ky. (May 5, 2022) – A soil nail wall project is currently scheduled to start on Friday, May 6, at mile point 0.657 on KY 2038 in Lawrence County.
The break is located southeast of the intersection with US 23, and southwest of the intersection with McClure Branch Road, at the end of state maintenance.
Work will begin at 8 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. each day and should take one week to complete, weather permitting. Road will be closed to all traffic during working hours.
Drivers should use alternate routes during this time. District 12 asks that drivers to use caution and obey speed limits to prevent any accidents within the work zone
Soil nailing is a construction measure that reinforces and strengthens existing ground to treat unstable soil slopes. Rebar is installed at a slight downward inclination in pre-drilled, closely spaced holes, and grouted into place with concrete. In addition, synthetic strips or perforated drainage pipes are also installed. Drainage is a critical component of the soil nail process. This prevents erosion and damage to the wall from water buildup in the ground.
Soil nail walls have a rigid facing of shotcrete and/or soil nail head plates on the surface or a flexible reinforcing mesh held beneath the head plates against the soil face. Rabbit-proof wire mesh and environmental erosion control fabrics may be used with flexible mesh where environmental conditions dictate.
Benefits of a soil nail wall compared to the traditional method of placing steel piles include the following:
- soil nailing is ideal for tight spaces
- it can be used in irregular shapes
- there is less impact on surrounding areas
- requires less work area
- reduces right-of-way requirements
- no restrictions on wall height
- provides permanent drainage, not available with other repair methods.
