Alan Bell

Klaus Kirsch

When finding another location, redesigning a structure, or removing troublesome ground at a project site are not practical options, prevailing ground conditions must be addressed. Improving the ground—modifying its existing physical properties to enable effective, economic, and safe construction—to achieve appropriate engineering performance is an increasingly successful approach. This third edition of Ground Improvement provides a comprehensive overview of the major ground improvement techniques in use worldwide today. Written by recognized experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on their contributions, the chapters are fully updated with recent developments including advancements in equipment and methods since the last edition. The text provides an overview of the processes and the key geotechnical and design considerations as well as equipment needed for successful execution. The methods described are well illustrated with relevant case histories and include the following approaches: Densification using deep vibro techniques or dynamic compaction Consolidation employing deep fabricated drains and associated methods Injection techniques, such as permeation and jet grouting, soil fracture grouting, and compaction grouting New in-situ soil mixing processes, including trench-mixing TRD and panel-mixing CSM approaches The introductory chapter touches on the historical development, health and safety, greenhouse gas emissions, and two less common techniques: blasting and the only reversible process, ground freezing. This practical and established guide provides readers with a solid basis for understanding and further study of the most widely used processes for ground improvement. It is particularly relevant for civil and geotechnical engineers as well as contractors involved in piling and ground engineering of any kind. It would also be useful for advanced graduate and postgraduate civil engineering and geotechnical students.

Ground Improvement, Third Edition

Fabian Kirsch

Vibro compaction and vibro stone columns are the two dynamic methods of soil improvement most commonly used worldwide. These methods have been developed over almost eighty years and are now of unrivalled importance as modern foundation measures. Vibro compaction works on granular soils by densification, and vibro stone columns are used to displace and reinforce fine-grained and cohesive soils by introducing inert material. This second edition includes also a chapter on vibro concrete columns constructed with almost identical depth vibrators. These small diameter concrete piles are increasingly used as ground improvement methods for moderately loaded large spread foundations, although the original soil characteristics are only marginally improved. This practical guide for professional geotechnical engineers and graduate students systematically covers the theoretical basis and design principles behind the methods, the equipment used during their execution, and state of the art procedures for quality assurance and data acquisition. All the chapters are updated in line with recent developments and improvements in the methods and equipment. Fresh case studies from around the world illustrate the wide range of possible applications. The book concludes with variations to methods, evaluates the economic and environmental benefits of the methods, and gives contractual guidance.

Klaus Kirsch

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