Qualified ground improvement contractors know each job site requires its own ground improvement methods. Understanding the necessity of ground improvement techniques for your specific job is the only way to start your project.
Ground Improvement Solutions
The makeup of in situ soil is crucial in understanding what ground improvement technique is best for your job. Often, a single job site contains multiple subsurface conditions that require several ground improvement methods to be utilized. Professional ground improvement contractors assess your site to determine which techniques among the following are best:
- Aggregate Pier Foundation Systems
- Vibro Stone or Concrete Columns
- Rigid Inclusions
Deciding which ground improvement methods you should use on a job requires knowing the subsurface conditions. Ground improvement contractors weigh each technique’s pros and cons when determining the ground improvement methods to use.
Aggregate Pier Foundation Systems
This ground improvement method involves grouped columns being installed in various soils to increase pressure bearing and lessen settlement under footings. Aggregate pier is one of the most commonly used ground improvement methods because it is cost effective and durable. Aggregate pier systems have a variety of benefits, such as:
- Increased bearing capacity
- Reduced settlement
- Increased slope stability
- Filled voids
- Treatment of expansive soils
- Stabilized soft ground
Vibro Stone and Concrete Columns (VSC and VCC)
Another of the most commonly used ground improvement methods, VSCs and VCCs, is designed to increase load-bearing capacity and reduce excessive settlement. VSC and VCC installation benefit your job with:
- Cost-effective versatility and uncompromised quality
- Quick and efficient installation
- Reduced spoils requiring less handling and hauling
- Limited construction delays thanks to an efficient time rate of settlement
Another of the most commonly used ground improvement methods, VSCs and VCCs, is designed to increase load-bearing capacity and reduce excessive settlement. VSC and VCC installation benefit your job with:
- Cost-effective versatility and uncompromised quality
- Quick and efficient installation
- Reduced spoils requiring less handling and hauling
- Limited construction delays thanks to an efficient time rate of settlement
Ground Improvement Applications
Ground improvement techniques have real-world applications that require ground improvement contractors to plot out a precise plan to assure sustainability and safety.
Wick Drains
As water is extracted from the soil, it needs a drainage path system. Wick drains provide those paths, speeding up the soil consolidation and settlement process and allowing construction projects to progress faster.
Earthquake Drains
Utilized in earthquake-prone areas, the earthquake drain ground improvement method helps offset the potential of liquefaction. Earthquakes can cause water pressure to build in soil, causing ground movements as soil loosens. In extreme circumstances, liquefaction—in which water turns soil into a thick quicksand-like substance—can cause structures to collapse and generate landslides.
Grain Bins
As harvest production increases, your grain storage towers need to grow. Making sure your grain bin ground improvement method is in line with soil conditions is vital. The use of aggregate piers is often the necessary step.
Building Upon Ground Improvement Projects
Before your project starts and as it progresses, you may want to explore how your site can benefit from these associated methods. Have a plan in place in case you find the need for:
- Soil erosion control
- Compaction grouting
- Jet grouting
- Soil mixing
- Groundwater control
Your First Choice for Strategic Ground Improvement
Specializing in ground improvement project management, CNC Foundations believes you should receive customized solutions for all your projects. Reach out today to ensure your next project is high quality and cost effective.
