Chapter 6

Conclusion & Recommendations

6.0 Conclusion & Recommendations

6.1 Conclusion
A thorough literature survey, followed by several on field tests and laboratory tests were
implemented in pursuit of attaining the objectives of this research.
All theoretical approaches yielded values that were significantly lesser than the practical values.
It is recommended to use method 05 & 06 for lower heights, and method 03 & 07 for higher
elevations, as they provide results that are closest to the pull out test values.
The combined average theoretical pull out value obtained through empirical equations deviated
from the practical pull out test values by a factor of 2.12.
The on field measurements of the grouted parts of the pulled out nails, shows that the effective
diameter of the soil nail is greater than the diameter of the grouted area suggesting that the
failure during the pull out occurs between the soil soil interface.
The empirical equations available to calculate the pull out strength of soils clearly contradict the
opinion endorsed in the literature review and results of the pull out tests with respect to the effect
of overburden pressure on the outcome of pull out resistance. Whilst the test results and the
literature review state that the pull out resistance is independent from the overburden pressure,
all empirical equations suggests the contrary.
6.2 Recommendations
In addition to the relationship with overburden pressure, it has been understood that the
theoretical approaches have not addressed the effects of dialation, arching effect and matric
suction in tropical residual soils. Thus, an extensive research would be required to quantify the
effects of these parameters that would significantly influence the outcome of theoretical
equations and bridge the gap with on field pull out test values.
It is understood that several quantifiable and unquantifiable factors contribute towards the pull
out resistance of a tropical residual soil, attempting to replicate a model of the soil strata in the
laboratory would not yield accurate results. Thus, it is recommended to perform large scale on
field tests to obtain accurate results.

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