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Civil Engineering Topics: Ground Improvement Techniques

In this topic, various types of ground improvement technique are studied which include compaction, fringe and preloading, hydraulic modification chemical modification, and grouting. This helps to understand the methods which are used to improve the properties of soil for the construction of various projects like buildings, railways, highways, etc. There are many techniques used to improve the ground. Ground improvement is needed to be done before any project due to following reasons:

  • To prevent unnecessary settlements of the surface of the reclamation area when structures like roads, buildings and other foundations are loaded on it.
  • For the improvement of shear strength of the fill and subsoil to make sure sufficient stability of the slopes and sufficient bearing capacity of the foundations and.
  • To increase the density of subsoil and fill mass to prevent liquefaction.
  • To improve the permeability of soil in order to increase drainage capacity.

There are many ground improvement techniques which can be used compaction, Hydraulic fill, Soil improvement, etc. Every technique has its advantages and disadvantages. The appropriate technique is selected based on the specific conditions of the site and need of the project. These methods are distinguished in many ways:

  1. Techniques which can be applied from the surface of the ground.
  2. Techniques that can be carried out from a certain depth below the surface of the ground.
  3. Nature of the material used to treat the ground like cohesive or granular materials.
  4. The behavior of the ground needing improvement.
  5. Use of admixtures.

There are many topics which are covered in this subject. Some of them are mentioned below:

  • Rock, Soil and Soil profile
  • Soil Distribution
  • Alteration of Ground after Formation
  • Compaction
  • Drainage method
  • Precompression and Vertical Drains
  • Vibration methods of Compaction
  • Grouting and Injection
  • Mechanical, Cementing and Chemical Stabilization
  • Geosynthetics
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