Optimization of Soil Nailing Placement to Increase the Factor of Safety Against Slope Instability in Cliffs

Huertas Pajares J.U.; Pinedo Linarez D.J.; Guillen Leon R. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.803

Resumen

The present study evaluates the factor of safety in the cliffs of the Costa Verde, specifically in the Bajada Sucre to Bajada Marbella section of the Magdalena del Mar district, through the application of soil nailing techniques by varying the location of the bars, specifically evaluating whether placing bars only at the top and bottom of the slope is more effective than placing them along the entire slope. Modeling was performed using Slide software, considering the geotechnical conditions of the ground and the structural properties of the nails. The results show a significant increase in the safety factor compared to the natural state of the cliff, reaching values that ensure the global stability of the slope. Regarding the comparison with the use of steel nailing along the entire profile, it was concluded that, since both cases present safety factors with little difference, for the analyzed case it is more effective to place nails only at the top and bottom of the slope rather than in the center, allowing economic savings. Furthermore, the importance of selecting the correct nail locations is highlighted, as some zones are more critical than others. It is concluded that soil nailing systems constitute a technically viable and efficient solution to improve the stability of the Costa Verde cliffs, representing an appropriate alternative to other stabilization methods. In addition, this approach supports practical design decisions, reduces unnecessary material use, and contributes to safer and more cost effective engineering interventions in urban coastal environments under similar geotechnical conditions.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas