They consist of rigid facings, generally made of reinforced concrete (either pumped or shotcrete), equipped with anchors embedded in the ground to counteract active (or at-rest) earth pressures. These anchors, made of special steel bars or low-relaxation steel strands, are prestressed, pushing the rigid facing against the ground, ensuring slope stability and preventing undesirable mass movements.
This technique is used for stabilizing natural slopes and embankments. Its primary stabilizing mechanism is the restriction of massif deformations. Unlike anchors, soil nails do not have a free length and are considered passive elements because they are only activated when there is a tendency for mass movement. Generally, they are not pre-tensioned. The facing can be made of high-strength wire mesh or shotcrete. In some cases, nailed soil may not have any facing on the slope surface.
Responsible for directing rainwater to watercourses. Proper direction prevents excessive infiltration of rainwater, which can compromise the stability of the massif. Additionally, correct sizing of the drainage network prevents erosion on slopes, which can develop into surface landslides, gullies, and other issues.
A confined space is an area that is not designed for continuous human occupancy, with limited means of entry and exit, or a configuration that could cause entrapment or asphyxiation, where ventilation is insufficient (or even non-existent) to remove hazardous contaminants.