During construction, there is a slight chance of the fill mass and underlying soil below the required design criteria. Though it is not uncommon, you should consult a professional to identify the most effective solutions in dealing with it to avoid future issues that result in construction failure. Among the methods used to mitigate this issue include treatment of the fill mass and treatment of the subsoil beneath the fill. It is important to conduct ground improvement mainly because it helps prevent excess settlements of the surface of the reclamation area when there is an overload of roads, buildings, and other foundations.
Ground improvement also enhances the shear strength of the fill and subsoil to ensure sufficient bearing capacity of the slopes and the foundation. This is because of the enhanced density of the fill mass, which deals with issues such as liquefaction through the improvement of soil permeability to increase the drainage capacity.
What Are the Benefits of Ground Improvement
Before embarking on any construction project, it is advisable to consider the availability of a sufficient amount of good quality fill close to the designated site area. If there is no access to such fills, ground improvement is the most effective solution. Ground improvement offers a cost-effective solution that improves the quality of non-compliant material. Carrying out quality control after construction reveals that certain parts of the reclamation areas can be repaired using a lower cost instead of removing and replacing the interior soil with quality material.
Most professionals recommend ground improvement because of the flexibility it offers and feasibility since it can be carried out at any location and at any time after construction has been completed. Therefore ground improvement practices can be carried out on the specific areas that require improvement, rather than the entire location.
What Ground Techniques Are Used
Several techniques are used during ground improvement, each varying from the other in terms of construction advantages and disadvantages. Before starting a project, it is imperative to consult a professional geotechnical engineer to recommend the most effective ground improvement plan based on the specification of the site. To determine the most effective ground improvement technique, there are several distinguishable factors to consider: Whether it can be applied from the ground surface, the ground behavior, the use of admixtures, and many more.
Several techniques are used in the ground improvement process to ensure that the site can sustain construction. Some of these techniques involved are: preloading or surcharging with sands with vertical drains, vibratory methods for compaction, soil removal and replacement, erection of stone columns, use of geotextile encased sand columns, and admixtures like lime, cement, and fly ash. Ground improvement plays an important role in ensuring that the soil and subsoil projects are secure and safe for an enhanced construction process.