Chapter 2: FOUNDATION SYSTEM –
SUBSOIL STRENTHENING METHODS
1. STONE COLUMN TECHNIQUES:
DEFINITION:
Vibro stone columns or aggregate
piers are an array of crushed stones of
40mm – 50mm size placed with a vibrating
tool into the soil below a proposed structure.
This method of ground improvement is also
called vibro replacement.
This technique involves the improvement
of weak soils by the installation of densely
compacted columns made from gravel or
similar material with a vibrator. The
displacement process reinforces all soils in
the treatment zone and densifies surrounding
granular soils.
Column filler materials normally consist of stone aggregates between 20 to 75
mm, gravel and sand are compacted into a vertical hole generally of 0.6 to 1.0
meter in diameter and 15 meters deep.
COMMON USES
• Reduce foundation settlement
• Increase bearing capacity, allowing reduction in footing size
• Increase stiffness of soil underneath
• Increase shear strength of soil
• Reduce permeability
• Mitigate potential for liquefaction
• Permits shallow footing construction in treated fills
• Very effective for sand compaction and land reclamation
PROCESS
The vibrating probe breaks down the pores of the surrounding soil, thereby
densifying the soil. The stone that is poured in takes the place of the soil and
keeps up the pressure on the soil that was created by the vibrating probe. The
stone consists of crushed coarse aggregates of various sizes. The ratio in which
the stones of different sizes will be mixed is decided by design criteria. Spacing
and diameter of columns are also determined by design criteria.
In the top-feed process, the vibrator penetrates to the design depth using the
vibrator’s weight and vibrations, as well as air jets located in the tip. The stone
(crushed stone or recycled concrete) is then added at ground level to the space
created around the vibrator. The stone falls through the space to the vibrator
tip, and fills the void created as the vibrator is lifted a few hundred millimetres.
The vibrator is then lowered, densifying and displacing the underlying stone.
This vibro replacement process is repeated in lifts until a dense stone column is
constructed to the ground surface.
The bottom-feed process is similar,
except that the stone is fed to the
vibrator tip through an attached feed
pipe. Pre-drilling of dense strata may
be required for the vibrator to
penetrate to the design depth.
Vibro rigs can be fully instrumented
with an on-board data acquisition
system. Data from the system, such as
amperage and lift rate, can then be
recorded and displayed in real-time
alongside specified target values on an
in-cab monitor. This monitoring allows
the operator to correct any deviations
in real-time during the construction
process to keep the vibro compaction
within project specifications.
Variations on the product include vibro concrete columns where concrete is
pumped into the ground through the vibrator, and environmental stone columns
where a plug of cement-based grout or weak concrete is placed at the base of
the column.
ADVANTAGES
• Offers an economical alternative to piling
• A versatile ground-improvement method that can be adjusted to a wide
variety of soil conditions and foundation requirements.
• Can be carried out to depths of up to 15 metres
• Relatively quick execution so subsequent structural works can follow very
quickly
• Enables standard shallow foundations which can lead to savings
• Environmentally-friendly as recycled materials can be used
• Extremely quiet with low vibration
2. LIME SLURRY INJECTION
DIFINITION:
Lime Slurry Pressure Injection (LSPI) is a stabilization operation that has been
utilized by the railway industry to improve the geotechnical performance of
problematic rail track subgrades and embankments that persistently fail to meet
serviceability requirements.
Lime is only sparingly soluble and it is normal to prepare a slurry at
concentrations between 5% w/v and 10% w/v, although lower concentrations
may be used on smaller treatment works.
Injection systems involve injecting aqueous solutions into the ground to treat
expansive, collapsible, and desiccated clay and railroad subgrade mud pockets.
COMMON USES
• Treat soils below planned and existing railways, roadways and buildings
• Stabilize expansive soil
• Cement embankment and levee slides
• Stabilize railroad subgrades
PROCESS
The composition of the aqueous solution depends on the application. Injection
units advance injection pipes into the treatment zone. An aqueous solution of
water, lime slurry, cement slurry, or potassium chloride is injected to reduce
shrink/swell potential for treating expansive soils.
SOIL STABILIZATION
Lime can be used to treat soils in order to improve their workability and load-
bearing characteristics in a number of situations. Quicklime is frequently used to
dry wet soils at construction sites and elsewhere, reducing downtime and
providing an improved working surface. An even more significant use of lime is
in the modification and stabilization of soil beneath road and similar construction
projects. Lime can substantially increase the stability, impermeability, and load-
bearing capacity of the subgrade. Both quicklime and hydrated lime may be
used for this purpose. Application of lime to subgrades can provide significantly
improved engineering properties.
SOIL MODIFICATION:
Lime is an excellent choice for short-term modification of soil
properties. Lime can modify almost all fine-grained soils, but the most dramatic
improvement occurs in clay soils of moderate to high plasticity. Modification
occurs because calcium cations (KAT-eye-əns) supplied by hydrated lime
replace the cations normally present on the surface of the clay mineral,
promoted by the high pH environment of the lime-water system. Thus, the clay
surface mineralogy is altered, producing the following benefits:
▪ Plasticity reduction;
▪ Reduction in moisture-holding capacity (drying);
▪ Swell reduction;
▪ Improved stability; and
▪ Ability to construct a solid working platform.
Note: This is point out that this method only reduces the shrinkage
characteristics (Plastic nature of clayey soil) but does not improve the SBC of
soil to a considerable extent. It is a method developed by IIT – powai during
1970-76 and hence it is not recommended for adoption.
3. RC CONCRETE MICRO PILES
Micropile is a friction pile that can be both drilled and grouted and have a
small diameter. The steel elements in a pile are bonded into the bearing rock or
soil with cement grout’s help. These piles can be quickly installed in various
kinds of ground with the use of drilling equipment.
The micropile application has significantly extended to slope protection,
ground improvement, and bearing capacity for various superstructures.
Typically, the micropile diameter varies up to 300 mm. It can be cased or
uncased, reinforced cage or single bar of designed diameter inside the micropile
depending upon the type of application and loading conditions.
Micropile performs as an excellent replacement for conventionally drilled shaft
piles. Pile drill rigs allow installation in restricted access and low headroom
interiors, allowing facility upgrades with minimal disruption to normal
operations.
MICROPILE PROCESS
This kind of deep foundation method includes small-diameter piles with
diameters less than 12 inches. For the construction of micro piles, the ground is
drilled using a temporary casing to stabilize the soil. After reaching the
predetermined depth, the drill bit is removed, and the reinforcement and grout
are placed inside the hole. Finally, the temporary casing is removed, and
additional grout is injected. In some cases, a permanent steel casing can be
used in combination with the steel reinforcing member to provide additional
lateral as well as axial capacity. The piling process is illustrated below.
ADVANTAGE OF USING A MICROPILE
Micropiles can resist relatively significant axial loads and moderate lateral
loads. To improve their lateral load deficiency, they can be installed at any angle
(battered). This installation causes low disturbance to adjacent structures.
However, they are vulnerable to buckling due to their being slender, and this
issue should be considered in the design. This piling method’s installation
equipment is relatively small and can be mobilized in limited areas and low
headroom conditions.
Surface conditions as the major factor leading to the selection of micropiles
over other deep foundation alternatives. The surface conditions cited include:
• Restricted headroom
• Restricted size of work zone
• Difficult access because of steep terrain where equipment could be lifted
by crane and dropped into position, thus eliminating the need for an
access road
• Need to reduce environmental concerns (noise, vibration)
However, the cost of micropiles usually exceeds conventional piling systems and
especially driven piles. Under certain combinations of circumstances, micro piles
can be the cost-effective choice and sometimes the only feasible construction
option.
FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES OF A MICROPILE
• High load capacity as compared to other available stabilization systems.
• Quicker one-step installations.
• Provides greater densification for ground improvement with greater skin
friction along the micropile depth.
• There is no need for a pre-drill of a hole for micropile installation because
drilling and casing installation are done simultaneously.
• No disturbance to adjacent structures due to the installation of Micropiles.
4. VIBRO FLOTATION:
It is a Specialist Deep Foundation Technique used for Ground improvement
to considerable depth, up to 75 meters. It uses a probe called Vibro-flot (which
could be powered electrically or hydraulically) to strengthen the soil by deep
compaction to make the soil suitable to support proposed imposed load.
It involves the introduction of backfill granular material (Sand or Granite) to
form Stone columns interlocking with surrounding soil. Treatment is to provide
adequate bearing capacity; restrict total and differential settlements to
acceptable magnitudes under the proposed loading and provide acceptable long-
term performance of the treated ground.
The term vibroflotation is often used interchangeably with vibrocompaction in
the literature. However vibrocompaction is a broader term that encompasses two
different techniques. The first is vibroflotation, which uses a vibroflot that
vibrates horizontally. The second utilizes a vibrating probe which vibrates
vertically. It should be noted that vibroflotation is used as a mechanism for
implementing vibro-replacement, a method which combines the technique of
vibroflotation with gravel backfilling in order to create stone columns. This is a
review of vibroflotation only.
Vibroflotation utilizes horizontal vibrations in conjunction with fluid to reduce
the interparticle friction of the surrounding soil. This allows the material to
densify and creates a column with improved engineering characteristics,
including an increase in strength and a reduction in compressibility. Figure 2
displays the transition of soil from a loose state to a dense state. The goal of
vibroflotation is to increase the relative density of a soil. This increase in relative
density results in reduced settlements as well as improved resistance to
liquefaction.
Type of Vibroflotation Method
• Vibro Compaction method
• Vibro Replacement method (Wet top feed)
• Vibro Displacement method (Dry method)
Vibro-Compaction
It is the densification of granular soil. Natural deposit as well as artificially
reclaimed sand can be compacted to achieve desired bearing capacity and
minimal settlement. This is used for purely sandy soil of loose constituent.
VIBRO-REPLACEMENT
This method involved the partial replacement of poor soil material, by flushing
out the weak soil with Water/Air Jet and replacing with granular material. This is
installation of stone column (made up of granite). This can be used in various
soil type that includes Clay (soft, firm, stiff), lateritic Soil, Sandy Clay (of various
constituent) and Peaty Soil.
VIBRO-DISPLACEMENT
This method is used where the environment plays a critical role in project. It can
be either top or bottom feed. Little or no water is used in the construction. The
vibro-flot is inserted in to soil and the soil is displaced laterally as the stone
column is being formed and compacted.
VIBRO FLOTATION AGENCIES
• VIBROFLOTATION & GEOTECHNICAL NIGERIA LTD
6/8 Michael Adekoya Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria
P. O. BOX 6104, FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS
Tel: + 234 806 649 2227, +234 809 569 3324 and +234 809 568 9332
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vibroflotation-ng.com
• STA srl
Via delle Industrie, 220060 Mediglia (MI), Italy
T +39 02 90 66 11 81
F +39 02 90 66 04 21
[email protected]5. GEOGRID/ GEONETS / GEOMEMBRANE
Geosynthetics products have the characteristics of so-called tailor-made
materials, which are known to function for specific applications. The long-term
performance of these products has a close relationship with the stability of the
applied structure and practical applications such as continuous new methods and
new technology. As the demand and necessity for high-performance products
gradually increase, composite products, environment-friendly products,
environment adaptive products, hybrid, or smart products are being applied in
infrastructure projects. Most geosynthetics products are made from synthetic
polymers of polypropylene, polyester, or polyethylene.
There are different types of geosynthetics products that are used for ground
performance improvement. Each of them is explained below.
5.1 GEOGRID
DEFINITION:
A geogrid is geosynthetic material used to
reinforce soils and similar materials. Soils pull
apart under tension. Compared to soil,
geogrids are strong in tension. This fact allows
them to transfer forces to a larger area of soil
than would otherwise be the case.
FUNCTIONS AND WORKING OF GEOGRIDS
The geogrids serve the function of holding or capturing the aggregates
together. This method of interlocking the
aggregates would help in an earthwork that is
stabilized mechanically. The geogrids as
mentioned above helps in redistribution of load
over a wider area. This function has made
the pavement construction more stabilized and
strong. It has the following functional
mechanisms when applied for pavement
construction
TENSION MEMBRANE EFFECT
This mechanism is based on the concept of vertical stress distribution. This
mechanism was initially considered as the primary mechanism. But later studies
proved the lateral restraining mechanism is the major criteria that must be
taken into consideration.
IMPROVEMENT OF BEARING CAPACITY
One of the main mechanism happening after Geogrid installation in pavement is
the reduction in lateral movement of the aggregate. This would result in the
elimination of stresses; that if exists would have moved to the subgrade. The
Geogrid layer possesses sufficient frictional resistance that opposes subgrade
lateral movement. This mechanism hence improves the bearing capacity of the
layer. Reduction of outward stresses means inward stresses are formed, which is
the reason behind the increase in bearing capacity.
Enhancement of Bearing Capacity of Soft Marine Clay Using
Natural and Artificial Geosynthetics
Dr. K. Muthukkumaran
Professor. Department of Civil Engineering
National Institude of Technology. Thiruchirappalli.
Soft marine clayey soils are often problematic in terms of large and
prolonged time dependent settlement when subjected to external load like
construction of port and horbour structure, railways and highway
embankment near the coastal areas. The Railways and Highway
embankments on soft soil require proper ground improvement and good
soil compaction. In the present study, the proposed BG line between
Nagapattinam and Thiruthuraipoondi (Very close to the coastal line, major
soil composition is soft marine clay) has been selected as the study area.
A complete detailed geotechnical investigation was carried out to obtained
the soil parameters in the study area. The geotechnical in the proposed
section clearly shows that the sub soil is highly problematic at many
locations. Among the different methods in practice to minimize
settlements of embankments and improve the earing capacity, coir
reinforcement and geogrid reinforcement were chosen to be implemented.
Based on results of the plate load tests conducted in the field, soil treated
with coir and geogrid reinforcements. Show significant improvement in
bearing capacity which is about 1.9 times and 7.0 times respectively.
Whereas, the settlement of the soil treated with coir and geogrid
reinforcement as compared to that of the natural state has been reduced
by 40% and 80% respectively.
LATERAL RESTRAINING CAPABILITY
The stresses produced by means of the wheel
loadings coming over the pavement results in the
lateral movement of the aggregates. Which in turn
affects the stability of the whole pavement
arrangement. The Geogrid act a restraint against
this lateral movement.
TYPES OF GEOGRIDS
Based on the manufacturing process involved in geogrids it can be of
1. Extruded Geogrid
2. Woven Geogrid
3. Bonded Geogrid
Based on which direction the stretching is done during manufacture, geogrids
are classified as
1. Uniaxial geogrids
2. Biaxial Geogrids
UNIAXIAL GEOGRIDS
These geogrids are formed by the stretching of ribs in the longitudinal direction.
So, in this case, the material possesses high tensile strength in the longitudinal
direction than on the transverse direction.
BIAXIAL GEOGRIDS
Here during the punching of polymer sheets, the
stretching is done in both directions. Hence the
function of tensile strength is equally given to both
transverse and longitudinal direction.
APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRIDS IN
CONSTRUCTION
APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRIDS IN CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALLS
The usage of geogrids in retaining wall
construction is in the area of soil backfills. Holding the
soil together will help in a stable retaining wall
construction. The soil structural integrity can be
increased by reinforcing it by geogrids. This help in
confining backfill as well as help in distributing the
loads. The geogrids solve the problems with soft backfill or sloping ground.
The increase in the length of geogrids will help in increasing the mass of the
structure. This helps in building taller walls. The concept means the geogrids will
make the whole unit to behave as a single mass. The minimum height from
which the geogrid laying has to start depends upon the soil type, the extent of
pressure the wall is subjected to from the backfill and other factors.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GEOGRID RETAINING WALL SYSTEM
The geogrid retaining wall system has certain unique characteristics that differ
when compared with the traditional retaining wall construction, like a concrete
retaining wall and gravity retaining walls.
• The geogrid system is more flexible in
nature. The retaining wall with the geogrid
system has the higher adapting ability with
the deformation of the foundation, when
compared with traditional construction,
which is very stiffer in nature.
• More flexibility implies they behave well as earthquake resistant
• This construction can be made more economical, compared to traditional
method. The landfill can be made steeper, which shows a cost reduction.
More height in wall and steepness are created with the help of reinforced
soil system.
• The onboard Geogrid arrangement has afforestation protection. This
brings environmental benefits, which is an important parameter in
sustainable construction.
• The Geogrid retaining wall construction guaranty quality and reduced cost
of construction. This helps in rapid and convenient construction.
• With time the geogrid reinforcing retaining wall construction and its
advantages have earned appreciation, which had made its demand to
increase in the construction in highways, railways, dams, ports, planning
city and projects focusing on the environment.
APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRID IN PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION
The Geogrid construction in pavement construction have following features:
• Improvement of subgrade: The
subgrade, which is the most important load
bearing strata, is made solid and strong by
the geogrids. The problem of soft subgrade
can be solved by this method.
• Reinforcement of pavement base: The
thickness of base if increased would
increase the stiffness of base. But
increasing thickness enormously is not
economical. The reinforcement to a given
base layer would give adequate stiffening
that helps in reduction of thickness and time of construction. This also
helps in increasing the life of the pavement.
ADVANTAGES OF GEOGRIDS IN CONSTRUCTION:
• Ease of Construction: the Geogrid can be installed in any weather
conditions. This makes it more demanding.
• Land Optimization: This method of Geogrid installation in soils makes an
unsuitable area suitable for preparing it to meet desired properties for
construction. Geogrid thus helps in proper land utilization.
• Geogrid promotes soil stabilization
• A higher strength soil mass is obtained
• Higher load bearing capacity
• It is a good remedy to retain soil from erosion
• No requirement of mortar. The material is implemented dry.
• No difficulty in material availability
• Geogrids are flexible in nature. They are known for their versatility.
• Geogrids have high durability reducing maintenance cost. They are highly
resistant against environmental influences.
• Materials are tested based on standard codes and regulations.
5.2. GEONETS
Geonets or Geospacers have a structure similar to Geogrids. They are formed
by a continuous parallel set of polymeric ribs at acute angles to one another,
forming a net-like pattern. They are obtained by welding of threads/bands or
press forming of thermoplastic polymers. Their area of function lies within the
drainage area, where they are used to convey fluids of all types. Geonets find
their application in foundation walls, landfills, methane roads, asphalt concrete
pavements, and drainage and erosion control. The drainage core provides lateral
drainage of fluids in all directions, whereas the geotextiles function as a filter
media and prevent the surrounding fill from clogging the drainage core. The
hardness properties of a geonet allow it to sustain a considerable amount of
load.
5.3. GEOMEMBRANES
Geomembranes are being used in environmental, hydraulic, transportation,
and oil and gas applications as well as the waste industry. The most common
type is the continuous polymeric sheets. A geomembrane is a very low
permeability synthetic membrane liner or barrier used with any geotechnical
engineering related material to control fluid (or gas) migration in a human-made
project, structure, or system. Geomembranes are made from relatively thin
continuous polymeric sheets, but they can also be made from the impregnation
of geotextiles with asphalt, elastomer or polymer sprays, or as multilayered
bitumen geocomposites. Continuous polymer sheet geomembranes are, by far,
the most common.
5.4 GEOTEXTILES
Geotextiles are synthetic or natural textile materials used in civil engineering
applications to improve soil stability, drainage, filtration, and erosion control.
They have become an essential component in many civil engineering projects
due to their versatility and effectiveness in enhancing soil properties. Geotextiles
are available in different types, including woven, non-woven, and knitted, each
with its unique characteristics and properties.
APPLICATIONS
They have a wide range of applications in road construction, embankment
reinforcement, erosion control, landfill lining, and retaining wall construction,
among others. In this article, we will explore the types, applications,
characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of geotextiles, helping you
understand how they can benefit your civil engineering projects.
FUNCTION OF GEOTEXTILE
SEPARATION
• The separation porous geotextile layers are placed between the two
different or dissimilar materials so that the functioning of two different
materials can remain intact or can be improved.
• Separation is used in transportation applications for preventing the
intermixing of two adjacent layers of soil.
• The geotextile layer is used as a separator for the fine sub-grade soil from
the fine aggregate of the base course. Also, the geotextiles have
preserved the strength of the aggregate and drainage.
• Geotextile separators are used for all types of roads, different types of
foundations, and base levels of structure.
• Also, Geofabrics are preventing the premature failure of the structure, and
separators prevent the pumping effect which is created by dynamic load
and provide passage for water while retaining the soil particles.
SOME AREAS WERE USED FOR SEPARATION PURPOSES,
• Between paved and unpaved roads.
• Used for an airfield.
• Between subgrade and stone base.
• Between landfills and stone courses.
• Between sand drainage layers and geomembranes.
• Beneath Sidewalks slabs.
• Beneath Curb Areas.
• Beneath parking lots.
• Beneath sports and athletic fields
FILTRATION
• Filtration is the equilibrium textile layer to the soil, that allows the proper
water flow with minimum loss of soil across the plane of geotextile.
• The material of filtration can be either nonwoven or woven type, which is
permitted the water passage while retaining soil particles.
• Infiltration action, permeability, and porosity are the major properties of
geotextile, and geotextile warping application is used for both vertical and
horizontal drains. also, this warping application is used for the
replacement of graded aggregate.
REINFORCEMENT
• This is the synergistic improvement in the total system strength created
by the introduction of a geotextile into the soil and developed primarily
through the following three mechanisms,
• Lateral restraint through interfacial friction between geotextile and soil or
aggregate.
• Membrane types of support of the wheel load.
• Potential bearing surface failure plane forcing to the development at the
alternate higher shear strength surface.
• In the above method, the structural stability of the soil is greatly
improved by the tensile strength of the geosynthetic material.
• This concept is similar to plain concrete with steel. Since concrete is weak
in tension reinforcing steel is used for strengthening purposes.
• Geosynthetic material is functioning similarly to reinforcing steel by
providing strength that helps to hold the soil in that place.
• Geogrid or geotextiles are in providing reinforcement for allowing
embankments and roads to be built over very weak soils and allowing
steeper embankments to be built.
• This arrangement is similar to that of reinforced concrete with steel. Since
concrete is weak in tension, reinforcing steel is used to strengthen it.
Geosynthetic materials function in a similar manner as reinforcing steel by
providing strength that helps to hold the soil in place.
• The reinforcement is providing for geotextiles and geogrids, that is allow
the embankment and roads to be built over weak soils and allow for the
construction of the steeper embankment.
SEALING FUNCTION
• The nonwoven type geotextile is performing this function when
impregnated with asphalt or polymeric mix rendering, it is relatively
impermeable to both planes such as in-plane and cross-plane flow.
• The nonwoven geotextile membranes are placed on the existing surface of
the pavement.
• The geotextile absorbs the asphalt to become a waterproofing membrane.
• That is minimizing the vertical flow of water into the pavement structure.
ADVANTAGES OF GEOTEXTILES
• They are light in weight which makes them easy to handle and place.
• The transportation and labor cost is less in real terms.
• Knitted fabrics have high incision strength.
GEOSYNTHETIC MANUFACTURER IN INDIA
• CLIMAX SYNTHETICS PVT. LTD
A/1-835 & 836, Makarpura GIDC, Kalali, Vadodara, Gujarat 390010 –
Contact: 99099 22074
email:
[email protected]• BIRLA CORPORATION LIMITED
Birla Building, 3rd, 4th Floors, No. 9/1, Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, West Bengal
• AB GEOSYNTHETICS
G-5 Dayal Park, Near TV9 Gujarati Lane, Vejalpur, Jivrajpark , Ahmedabad-
380051, Gujarat, India- Ajay k (proprietor)-call 08043850299
• TERRAM INDIA
Terram Geosynthetics Pvt. Ltd. B 1506, Westgate, Sarkhej Gandhinagar Road,
Near YMCA Club, Ahmedabad - 380015. Gujarat,
INDIA. Tel: +91-79-66118141/42,
email: sales[at]terramgeo.com
DISTRIBUTOR IN TAMIL NADU :
• Gorantla Corporation Limited
G Kumar | Director
No. 3, 1st floor, Saraswathi street, Mahalingapuram, Nungambakkam,
Chennai - 600034, Tamil nadu, India get directions
Contact number – 080489 71751
• Lrk Geotech Private Limited
Nungambakkam Dbs House, 31-A, Cathedral Garden Rd, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu - 600034
Contact number - 087784 38472
• Shri Raghavendra Textiles - Geotextile Supplier
General Kumaramangalam Colony, Kolathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600082
Contact number - 079044 85804
• Southern Felt & Geotex
B-3 Mogappair Industrial Estate, Valaiyapathi Road, Opposite Bank Of India,
Mogappair East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600037
Contact number - 080486 05594
Rate per square metre
• Geogrid- Rs 50-150/ square metre
• Geonet - Rs 90-170/ square metre
• Geomembrane- Rs 90/ square metre
• Geotextiles- Rs 40/ square metre
Note: Rate may be slightly vary according to technical specifications. It is
strongly recommended for as well as reducing the quantum of settlement with
greater economy and ease of site applications.
6. WOODEN MICROPILES DRIVING(Add onemore cross section
with sandwiched geogrids)
PREAMLE:
• This method of soil strengthening – especially for fine sand mixed with silt
and soft clay and medium silt clayey soils y Er A Veerappan & associates (TN)
Pvt.Ltd and adopted for more than 30 year its performance was found to e
good. It is similar to driving concrete micropiles.
• Casuarina wooden piles – 75mm to 100mm dia – 1.00m to 1.50m long tar
coated along outer surface and bottom sharpened are driven into subsoil
(which is already damped in the previous day) with a 5 kg hammer at
500mm/600mm intervals – staggered with the casuarina wooden pile
projecting 50mm to 75mm above the EGL. (Please refer the plan and section
attached)
• The volume of wooden piles driven improves the stiffness and bearing
capacity of soil besides significantly reduces the possible settlement of
foundation system.
• Further 2x150mm or 3x150mm layers of Quarry dust : Gravel mix 1:3,
semidry, well compacted or Cement : Quarry Dust mix 1:10, semidry, well
compacted can be provided over the casuarina wooden piles for heavily
loaded structures.
• Still further, geogrid pads (bonded) – 2 sheets / 3 sheets sand witched
between the above specified 300mm / 450mm layers for very heavily loaded
multi storeyed Buildings with 10 or more floors.
• It is confidently clarified that these wooden piles driven into soil which are
not exposed to atmospheric conditions and also constantly overburdened by
super structure do not weakened/corroded but get hardened in the course of
time as per the finding of applied geology (Think of Neyveli lignites and
Thiruvakarai wooden stones)
• It is the economical, most effective and convenient method that can be
adopted at all places with ease and convenience. Kindly have faith in our
expertise after you experiment the same.
7. QUARRY DUST : GRAVEL MIX COMPACTION
Quarry dust/crusher dust is obtained as solid wastes during crushing of stones
to obtain aggregates. Quarry dust exhibits high shear strength which is highly
beneficial for its use as a geotechnical material. It has a good permeability and
variation in water content does not seriously affect its desirable properties.
Quarry dust can be used as a substitute for sand to improve the properties of
lateritic soil. Quarry dusts are considered as one of the well accepted as well as
cost effective ground improvement technique for weak soil deposits. They
provide the primary function of reinforcement and drainage, and thus improve
the strength and deformation characteristics of weak soil deposits.
The experimental results showed that the quarry dust proved to be a
promising substitute for sand and can be used to improve the engineering
properties of soils. The dry density increased with the addition of quarry dust
with attendant decrease in the optimum moisture content.
USES OF QUARRY DUSTS IN SOIL STABILIZATION
The use of quarry dust is to ensure economic stabilization of soil and also
used under flexible pavements to increase the load carrying capacity of the
pavement by distributing the load through a finite thickness pavement. The
quarry dust can be used to know the compressive and tensile strength of the
stabilized soil. The effect of quarry dust on the stability of soil aggregate mix
used in a base course and summarizes that the quality of quarry dusts in a
soil=aggregate mix has a major influence on maximum density, strength, frost
resistance and drainage.
When quarry dust is added with expansive soil it is expected that it will
make it more porous, less durable, reduce cohesion etc, and also quarry dust
has rough, sharp and angular particles and as such causes a gain in strength
due to better interlocking.
The addition of quarry dust to expansive soil decreases the cohesion and
increases the angle of internal friction. With the addition of lime to soil-quarry
dust mixes, the cohesion and angle of internal friction value increases up to 5%
addition of lime and decreases with further increase in lime content.
8. DRYMIX CONCRETE SUBBASE
Dry mix concrete, or dry-pack concrete, is a blend of cement, sand, and
aggregates mixed and bagged at a plant or factory and then transported to the
construction site, where water is added before application. This article will discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of dry-mix concrete for various
applications.
Increased Strength and Durability
Dry-mix concrete is typically mixed with less water than wet-mix concrete,
resulting in higher strength and durability. Its lower water-cement ratio reduces
shrinkage and cracking, making it a popular choice for structural applications.
Easy to Use
Dry mix concrete is pre-mixed and bagged, making it easy to transport and store
on-site. It also eliminates the need for on-site mixing equipment, saving time and
labour costs.
Consistency and Quality Control
Dry mix concrete is produced in a controlled environment, ensuring consistent
quality and strength. It also eliminates the potential for variations in mix
proportions, which can affect the final product's strength and durability.
Reduced Wastage
The pre-mixed nature of dry mix concrete eliminates the need for excess material,
reducing wastage and saving costs. It also reduces the environmental impact of
on-site mixing and the waste generated during construction.
Limited Working Time
Dry mix concrete typically has a short working time, making it unsuitable for large-
scale projects or complex structures. It sets quickly and cannot be reworked once
it has hardened.
Water Availability
Dry mix concrete requires water on site, which can be a challenge in areas with
limited water availability. It can cause delays in the construction process and
increase costs.
Limited Range of Applications
Dry mix concrete is not suitable for all types of construction projects. It is primarily
used for structural applications and is not recommended for decorative or surface
finishes.
Add
• cross section with drymix concrete in national highways NHAI
• Finish tech specifications and cost data for 10 m2 area / o 1 m3
• Technical specifications for Dry mix concrete as sub base for Road
• Works
• Ref CPWD Book for Hihway Road works NHAI website
