Soil nailing drives or drills steel rods at precise angles and depths, which are then overlaid by wire mesh and shotcrete. This strategy can be part of a stabilization system or a stand-alone tool.
The walls are generally constructed from the top down. Soil is excavated from the top of the planned excavation. Near-horizontal holes are drilled into the exposed face.
Steel bars are inserted into the holes and grouted. A drainage system is installed on the exposed face, followed by the application of reinforced shotcrete facing.