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    Geotechnical Investigations and Improvement of Ground Conditions
    Geotechnical Investigations and Improvement of Ground Conditions
    Geotechnical Investigations and Improvement of Ground Conditions
    Ebook413 pages2 hours

    Geotechnical Investigations and Improvement of Ground Conditions

    By Anjan Patel

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    About this ebook

    Geotechnical Investigation and Improvement of Ground Conditions covers practical information on ground improvement and site investigation, considering rock properties and engineering geology and its relation to construction. The book covers geotechnical investigation for construction projects, including classic case studies with geotechnical significance. Additional sections cover soil compaction, soil stabilization, drainage and dewatering, grouting methods, the stone column method, geotextiles, fabrics and earth reinforcement, miscellaneous methods and tools for ground improvement, geotechnical investigation for construction projects, and forensic geotechnical engineering. Final sections present a series of site-specific case studies.

    • Dedicated to ground improvement techniques and geotechnical site investigation
    • Provides practical guidance on site-specific geotechnical investigation and the subsequent interpretation of data
    • Presents site-specific case studies with geotechnical significance
    • Includes site investigation of soils and rocks
    • Gives field-oriented information and guidance
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherElsevier Science
    Release dateJan 28, 2019
    ISBN9780128170496
    Geotechnical Investigations and Improvement of Ground Conditions
    Author

    Anjan Patel

    The Author is currently working as an Associate Professor in Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur which is recognized as an institute of National Importance by the Govt of India. He has completed his PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in 2009 and he has over 13 years of experience in teaching, research and consultancy. He was involved as a geotechnical engineer during the subsurface exploration for the expansion of SSR International Airport in Mauritius. This investigation was one of the special cases in geotechnical engineering which includes the exploration of volcanic voids and subsurface cavities. Further, he has gained sufficient experience in geotechnical investigations because of his involvement in various consultancy jobs as well as research projects. Recently in 2019, Dr. Patel has authored a book entitled “Geotechnical Investigations and Improvement of Ground Condition”, published by Elsevier in 2019. The author has guided 04 PhD and 22 MTech students, and currently some more students are working for their Master's and PhD degree under his supervision. He has got 3 patents and has about 50 technical papers published in different journals of national and international repute.

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      Book preview

      Geotechnical Investigations and Improvement of Ground Conditions - Anjan Patel

      Geotechnical Investigations and Improvement of Ground Conditions

      First Edition

      Anjan Patel

      Table of Contents

      Cover image

      Title page

      Copyright

      1: Introduction

      Abstract

      1.1 Introduction

      2: Soil compaction

      Abstract

      2.1 Introduction

      2.2 Compaction theory

      2.3 Effect on soil properties

      2.4 Instruments and methods

      2.5 Vibro-techniques for compaction

      2.6 Dynamic compaction

      2.7 Blasting

      2.8 Field compaction and its control

      3: Soil stabilization

      Abstract

      3.1 Introduction

      3.2 Mechanical stabilization

      3.3 Chemical stabilization

      3.4 Scope

      4: Drainage and dewatering

      Abstract

      4.1 Introduction

      4.2 Methods of dewatering

      5: Grouting

      Abstract

      5.1 Introduction

      5.2 Equipments

      5.3 Grouting methods and applications

      6: Stone column method

      Abstract

      6.1 Introduction

      6.2 Mechanism

      6.3 Stone column installation methods

      6.4 Stone column design parameters

      6.5 Field inspection and execution

      7: Soil reinforcement

      Abstract

      7.1 Introduction

      7.2 Geosynthetic materials

      7.3 Soil nailing

      7.4 Soil anchoring

      7.5 Micropiling

      8: Miscellaneous methods

      Abstract

      8.1 Thermal stabilization

      8.2 Bioengineering treatment

      8.3 Geopolymerization

      8.4 Nano particles additives and carbon nanotubes

      8.5 Use of waste materials

      8.6 Weight reduction method

      9: Geotechnical investigation

      Abstract

      9.1 Introduction

      9.2 Planning of investigation programme

      9.3 Methods of site investigation

      9.4 Field identification of soils and rocks properties

      9.5 Sampling techniques, preservation, and transportation of samples to laboratory

      9.6 Borehole and trial pit logging

      9.7 Assessment of ground water table

      9.8 Geotechnical specification writing

      9.9 Geotechnical report writing

      9.10 Geotechnical risk and hazards

      10: Forensic geotechnical engineering

      Abstract

      10.1 Introduction

      10.2 Procedure of forensic geotechnical investigation

      10.3 Case examples

      11: Case examples of some geotechnical applications

      Abstract

      11.1 Liquefiable soil

      11.2 Expansive soil

      11.3 Land reclamation

      11.4 Karst topography

      11.5 Landfilling

      11.6 Landslide and slope failures

      11.7 Sports field engineering

      Index

      Copyright

      Woodhead Publishing is an imprint of Elsevier

      The Officers’ Mess Business Centre, Royston Road, Duxford, CB22 4QH, United Kingdom

      50 Hampshire Street, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States

      The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, OX5 1GB, United Kingdom

      © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

      No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Details on how to seek permission, further information about the Publisher's permissions policies and our arrangements with organizations such as the Copyright Clearance Center and the Copyright Licensing Agency, can be found at our website: www.elsevier.com/permissions.

      This book and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the Publisher (other than as may be noted herein).

      Notices

      Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experience broaden our understanding, changes in research methods, professional practices, or medical treatment may become necessary.

      Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evaluating and using any information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein. In using such information or methods they should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, including parties for whom they have a professional responsibility.

      To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the authors, contributors, or editors, assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in the material herein.

      Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

      A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress

      British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

      A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

      ISBN: 978-0-12-817048-9 (print)

      ISBN: 978-0-12-817049-6 (online)

      For information on all Woodhead publications visit our website at https://www.elsevier.com/books-and-journals

      Publisher: Matthew Deans

      Acquisition Editor: Glyn Jones

      Editorial Project Manager: Ana Claudia Garcia

      Production Project Manager: Debasish Ghosh

      Cover Designer: Victoria Pearson Esser

      Typeset by SPi Global, India

      1

      Introduction

      Abstract

      Ground improvement is required, wherever problematic soils/rocks are encountered. The basic purpose is to make the subsurface conditions suitable for construction purposes. There are various methods of ground improvement available and the selection of a technique or a combination of techniques depends upon several factors. The different purposes of ground improvement and a brief description of the different methods and their selection criteria is presented in this chapter.

      Keywords

      Ground improvement; Bearing capacity; Lateral stability; Environmental control; Compaction; Consolidation; Soil reinforcement

      1.1 Introduction

      Ground improvement is required, wherever problematic soils/rocks are encountered. The basic purpose is to make the subsurface conditions suitable for construction purposes. There are various methods of ground improvement available and the selection of a technique or a combination of techniques depends upon several factors. The different purposes of ground improvement and a brief description of the different methods and their selection criteria is presented in this chapter.

      1.1.1 Purpose of ground improvement

      Ground-improvement methods are those that are capable of improving certain characteristics (e.g. increase in bearing capacity, reduction in total as well as differential settlement, reduction in permeability, slope stability, prevention of soil erosion caused by piping and seepage, reduction of uplift pressure, decrease in liquefaction potential of soil, reduction of swelling and cracking of soils, identification of suitability of site to facilitate construction works, etc.) of poor ground for civil engineering constructions and various infrastructure developments. So a ground improvement method or technique is required to alter the state, nature, or mass behaviour of ground materials in a controlled manner in order to achieve an expected and satisfactory response to existing or projected environmental and engineering actions.

      There are alternate options to ground improvement as well. These are

      a.to remove and replace the soil mass with another type of soils or other geomaterials of a suitable quality for the construction work

      b.to bypass the poor soil with the help of a suitable technique like pile foundation

      c.to alter the design (height and configuration) of structures to overcome the ground limitations

      d.to change the construction site and look for a new one.

      However, due to the scarcity of land in present conditions, heavy loading structures, competitive design, the need for speedy construction, and various political and economic issues, a ground-improvement technique may be the only feasible option for civil engineering constructions. This situation is outlined in Fig. 1.1, which demonstrates that when the ground is problematic in most of the cases we need to improve the soil mass by selecting a proper ground-improvement technique(s). The selection of ground-improvement techniques depends upon various factors like the cost and time available to complete the project, reasons for improving the ground, extent and depth of ground to be treated, geotechnical properties of the existing in situ soils/rocks, accessibility to the project site, availability of materials, equipments and manpower required to improve the ground, environmental factors, local experience, and preference of contractors and engineers.

      Fig. 1.1 Necessity and selection of ground-improvement techniques for construction projects.

      1.1.2 Preliminary evaluation for ground improvement

      As mentioned previously, the requirement for and selection of various ground-improvement techniques are purely site and project specific. It is essential that the site characterization is completed before implementation of the ground-improvement process. First, it needs to be decided whether ground improvement is required for the specific project at the particular site or not? In order to decide this we need to analyze the various parameters related to the ground that affect the stability and serviceability of the structures. A simple example of a preliminary evaluation for ground improvement to construct a building has been presented as a flow chart in Fig.1.2. Similar matrices can be formed for different structures to be constructed in different sites to evaluate the necessity of ground improvement.

      Fig. 1.2 Necessity of ground-improvement: preliminary evaluation.

      1.1.3 Methods of ground improvement

      A classification of various ground-improvement techniques can be done based upon their basic principles and this is presented in Table 1.1.

      Table 1.1

      All of the techniques mentioned in Table 1.1 have one or more than one of the following main functions:

      a.To increase the bearing capacity

      b.To control deformations and accelerate consolidation

      c.To provide lateral stability

      d.To form seepage cut-off and environmental control

      e.To increase liquefaction resistance

      f.To facilitate the working site conditions.

      Depending upon the specific project requirements, it is necessary to select one, or more than one, of the ground-improvement techniques for a particular site by considering other factors like time and cost, volume and depth of work, etc., as mentioned in the previous section. Some of the common methods along with their basic purposes are summarized in Table 1.2.

      Table 1.2

      It is worth mentioning that a particular ground-improvement technique can be used only for a particular type or a group of soils, as shown in Fig. 1.3.

      Fig. 1.3 Various ground-improvement methods as per their applicability to different soil mass. Based on Mitchell, J.K., 1981. Soil improvement: state of the art report. In: Proceedings of 10th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Stockholm, 4, pp. 509–565.

      Similarly, the maximum effective depth and the economical size of the treatment area varies from method to method, as summarized in Table 1.3.

      Table 1.3

      1.1.4 Scope

      •Developing new machinery to execute the work in less time, particularly for deep compaction

      •Automation of equipment for in situ monitoring and quality check

      •Development of proper guidelines so as to enhance the effectiveness of different ground-improvement techniques. Also, the regular revision of the existing guidelines is required, based upon new site condition, climatic conditions, and new challenges

      •Innovating new construction materials, particularly from different wastes

      •Development of new cost-effective techniques to replace the expensive ones, like freezing, electro-osmosis, vacuum consolidation, etc. Interdisciplinary work to explore new methods like nanotechnology and microbial geotechniques, bio rock formations, invention of catalyst and enzymes that can convert soil into rocklike materials, etc.

      •To make these technologies more environmentally friendly

      •Analysis of the effect of climate change on performance of different soil stabilizers, etc.

      2

      Soil compaction

      Abstract

      Compaction is the process of applying mechanical energy to a soil mass so as to rearrange the particles and making it dense through the expulsion of air from the voids between the soil grains. The main objectives of soil compaction are to improve the engineering properties of an existing soil or to facilitate the work during placing of fills. In this chapter the objectives of soil compaction and the different methods of compacting soil in the field are discussed.

      Keywords

      Vibro-compaction; Blasting; Dynamic compaction; Rollers; Density; Field control

      2.1 Introduction

      Compaction is the process of applying mechanical energy to a soil mass so as to rearrange the particles and making it dense through the expulsion of air from the voids between the soil grains. The main objectives of soil compaction are to improve the engineering properties of an existing soil or to facilitate the work during placing of fills. The objectives are

      •to increase the shear strength and therefore bearing capacity of soil

      •to increase the stiffness and therefore reduce settlement

      •to decrease the void ratio thus making the soil less permeable

      •to increase the erosion resistance of geomaterials

      •to improve liquefaction resistance of soil by preventing the buildup of large water pressures during earthquakes.

      2.2 Compaction theory

      In order to explain the theories of soil compaction, it is necessary to first understand the relationships between the dry density and the moisture content (known as compaction curves) as obtained during compaction in the laboratory or in the site. The typical curves obtained from different types of soil have been depicted in Fig. 2.1. With an increase in water content, the dry density keeps on increasing up to a certain point (corresponding to the optimum moisture content (OMC) and the maximum dry density (MDD)) and then it starts decreasing. The zero air void line, also known as the 100% saturation line as shown in Fig. 2.1, is a limiting line corresponding to no air in the soil, i.e. all the voids are filled with water. It can be added here that granular soil typically have fairly steep compaction curves exhibiting large changes in density with small changes in moisture content. On the other hand, highly plastic clays exhibit fairly flat compaction curves. The MDD is higher for coarser soils and corresponds to a lower value of OMC. Some cohesionless soils can exhibit two peaks in the compaction curve (one in very dry conditions, where there are no capillary tensions to resist the compaction effort, and the other at the OMC, where optimum lubrication between particles occurs).

      Fig. 2.1 Typical compaction curves in different types of soils.

      The compaction in a soil mass can be achieved in various ways, as summarized in Table 2.1.

      Table 2.1

      The effectiveness of any of these compaction methods depends upon (1) the frictional force between soil particles supported by the capillary action, and (2) the lubrication effect of the moisture film around the soil particle, which in turn depends upon the size, shape, soil mineralogy, and the pore water. At OMC, the amount of water is just sufficient to neutralize the capillary force and the compacting force is fully utilized to rearrange the soil particles making it more dense in comparison with the MDD. Beyond OMC, the thickness of water film increases; as it cannot bind the soil particles into a group the density therefore decreases. It should be noted that whilst obtaining a compaction curve, the soil mass passes through four stages of wetting, i.e. hydration, lubrication, swelling, and saturation, as shown in Fig. 2.2.

      Fig. 2.2 Stages of wetting during compaction. (Based on Hogentogler, C.A., 1936. Essentials of Soil Compaction, Proceedings Highway Research Board, National Research Council, Washington, DC, 309–316.)

      In the stage of hydration water is just absorbed by the soil particles and sticks to their surface. In the stage of lubrication part of water acts as a lubricating agent enabling the rearrangement of the soil particles into a closer proximity without the expulsion of all the air from the voids. In the stage of swelling, which happens to occur beyond the OMC, the soil mass swells with the air content remaining constant, and with the addition of more water at the saturation stage all air is displaced during compaction and the soil becomes saturated. Moreover, the decreased effectiveness of compaction at higher moisture contents beyond OMC is due to the tapering of air and buildup of pore water pressure. The explanation of compaction theory in terms of physicochemical and soil-structure considerations tends to show that in the dry of optimum the particles are randomly oriented representing flocculated structure, whereas the soil particles are arranged in a dispersed manner in the wet of optimum.

      2.3 Effect on soil properties

      It can be seen from Fig. 2.2 that the same dry density can be achieved corresponding to two moisture contents, one at the dry of optimum and other at the wet of optimum. Clays compacted dry of optimum have a flocculated fabric, which generally corresponds to higher permeability, greater strength and stiffness, and increased brittleness. On the other hand, clays compacted wet of optimum have a dispersed fabric, which corresponds to lower permeability, lower strength and stiffness, but more ductility.

      The change in strength, stiffness, permeability, compressibility, and swelling of soils corresponding to the dry or wet of optimum is summarized in Table 2.2.

      Table 2.2

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