Alternative to Soldier Pile Walls – Using Anchored HighTensile Steel Mesh for Temporary Excavation Support in an Urban Environment

ABSTRACT: Common practice for near vertical temporary support for building excavations in soil includes soldier pile and lagging, or shotcrete retaining walls. These systems are well proven and have been utilized for decades. Herein, we present a case study using new technology that allows for a system of high–tensile steel wire mesh, specialized anchor plates, and soil nails to be utilized for excavation support. The high-tensile steel mesh and anchor plates are designed to be easily dimensionable and soil nail spacing, and embedment depth are readily determined based on the material properties and geotechnical site conditions. The benefits of utilizing an anchored high-tensile steel mesh solution for excavation support include material cost savings, reduction in installation time, and reduced environmental footprint from recycled materials. Further, we present a cost comparison between using a more traditional soldier pile and lagging support system and the anchored high-tensile steel wire mesh support on a building in an urban environment in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We estimate an approximately 40% reduction in cost with using the anchored high-tensile wire mesh system versus traditional soldier pile and lagging.