Shotcrete only vs shotcrete/soil nailing for slope stabilization

[ANgK]

Most of the projects I have seen use both soil nailing with shotcrete retaining wall to stabilize a slope.

I do rarely seen shotcrete spraying onto the slope alone. In what case does shotcrete alone adequate for slope stabilization?

 

[Okiryu]

Shotcrete on the slope alone: I would call that surface erosion protection and not slope stabilization...

 

[oldestguy]

Rigid surface coating, even rectangular blocks are prone to fail if flowing water gets under and starts to erode the soil below. That's where graded filter layers below MAY work better.

 

[Mad Mike]

A shotcrete coating can be used for treating rocks prone to disintegration - in my area it is used from time to time on shale rock cuttings which are globally stable, but where flakes of shale are continually spalling off and ultimately washing into the roadway. It might save costs on maintenance of these slopes but whether or not it's the best way, I'm not sure.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[Okiryu]

Mike, agree. In our area, we also use it for slaking protection in shales...

 

[PEinc]

Shotcrete does not hold up a slope or wall. It helps prevent erosion or sloughing of soil from between soil nails. Soil nails provide the support.

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com