Ground Improvement Technology Make Construction Projects Possible

Ground Improvement Technology Make Construction Projects Possible
Jet Grouting and Dynamic Soil Compaction Give Construction Projects Solid Footing

Before a construction project begins, contractors have to make sure they are building on solid ground. If a building isn’t built on properly prepared ground it can lead to instability and repairs later on. This is why techniques such as jet grouting and dynamic compaction are necessary.

Jet Grouting

Jet grouting is a broad term which can apply to a number of various ground improvement techniques. All these techniques have in their core a high-pressure system which injects fluids into the soil. These liquids break up and spread throughout the soil creating a homogeneous mixture, which then settles and solidifies. This helps to break up any inconsistencies in the area which may have formed over time.

This is the basic process, but there are various different techniques available along these lines. There are monofluid techniques, 3-fluid techniques, and the most recently developed technique, intermediate 2-fluid. Each technique uses a combination of water and a binder (monofluid techniques use only a binder) to break up and solidify the ground. A contractor will pick which technique is best based on the needs of the project.

Dynamic Compaction

Another method of establishing a solid base of ground to build upon is through dynamic compaction. Dynamic compaction is the process of compacting soil through the use of dropping large steel rigs from heights from forty to eighty feet. This compacts loose soil and also fills in areas which may have been dug out under the project area.

While the process of soil compaction sounds simple, there is a particular way to proceed through an area to assure that the area is evenly compacted. After the main compacting is completed the area will be gone over again dropping the weight from a height between ten and twenty feet to assure the area is efficiently smoothed out. After this phase is completed, then the area is sufficiently prepared for construction.

The Importance of Ground Improvement is Immeasurable

Through these two techniques construction projects establish solid ground to build upon. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, and which is used depends largely on the project and the requirements of the project. Regardless of the situation, however, ground stability is a vital part of any construction project.