Stabilizing Slopes in Park City: Soil Nail Foundations in Mountain Construction
In mountainous regions like Park City, Utah, building on sloped terrain presents unique challenges. One of the most effective solutions for stabilizing steep sites is the use of soil nail foundations—a technique that combines geotechnical engineering with structural innovation.
EVstudio recently worked on a project in Park City where soil nails were used to reinforce a large retaining wall, allowing safe and stable construction on a hillside lot.
What Are Soil Nails?
Soil nails are long, slender steel bars inserted into the ground at an angle and grouted in place. They act like anchors, reinforcing the soil and preventing slope failure. This technique is especially useful for:
– Retaining walls – Roadway embankments – Basement excavations – Steep hillside developments
Project Overview: Park City, Utah
The featured image shows a construction site in Park City. EVstudio’s team designed a soil nail system to support a multi-level foundation. This project will allow for two basement levels, along with 4 stories above the basements to match the grade at the roof level to provide access to the ski run. Key features include:
– A concrete retaining wall reinforced with two layers of steel reinforcement – Soil nails and anchor plates embedded into stable rock beyond the face
Benefits of Soil Nail Foundations
– Reduced excavation footprint
– Faster installation compared to traditional methods
– Improved slope stability
– Lower cost for deep foundation systems
– Flexibility in complex terrain
They also allow for creative architectural solutions, such as terraced landscaping or multi-level structures that blend into the natural environment.
Planning a hillside project in the Rockies? EVstudio’s integrated team of architects and engineers can help you design safe, efficient, and beautiful structures—even on the steepest terrain.
Written by: Jim Houlette
