MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL

EDUCATION, MUMBAI.

A
Synopsis
Final year Project Report
On
GROUND IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES

Under the Guidance

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12

10

0
Category 2 Category 3 Category 4

Of
Mr. A.A.DEVKAR
Lecturer
CPP (22058)
Submitted By
Mr. SUJAL JAYWANT SALE
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 Diploma In

CIVIL ENGINEERING

AT
SHIVAJI POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, SANGOLA
2024-2025

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 Vision and Mission of the Institute

 VISION :

To impart quality technical education based on values to the students of draught

prone regions to create technocrats and entrepreneurs to meet needs of industry and
society at large.

 MISSION :
Our mission is to create an environment in which students will be able to realize
technical and entrepreneurship potential through students and industry centric
pedagogy

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 SHIVAJI POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, SANGOLA
CIVIL DEPARTMENT

VISION

To ensure that the diploma level technical education constantly matches the latest
requirements of technology and industry and includes the all-round personal
development of student including social concerns and become globally
competitive, technology led organization.

MISSION
To provide high quality technical and managerial manpower, information

and consultancy services to the industry and community to to enable the

industry and community to face the the changing technological and

environmental challenges.

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 Ramakrishna Technical Education Society’s

SHIVAJI POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE,

SANGOLA

SYNOPSIS REPORT

Academic year: 2024-25

TITLE OF THE PROJECT

GROUND IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES

Program: CE Program code:5I

Course: CPP. Course code:2205

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 Ramakrishna Technical Education Society’s

SHIVAJI POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE,

SANGOLA

SYNOPSIS REPORT

Academic year: 2024-25

TITLE OF THE PROJECT

GROUND IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES

Program: CE Program code:5I

Course: CPP. Course code:22058

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 MAHARASHTRA STATE

BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Certificate

This is to certify that Mr. SUJAL JAYWANT SALEof sixth semester of Diploma Civil
Engineering of Institute, SHIVAJI POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE SANGOLA (Code: 1208) has
completed a final year Project satisfactorily in Subject CPP (22058) for the academic year
2024- 2025 as prescribed in the curriculum.

Place: Sangola Enrollment No:

Date: Seat No: 241783

Subject Teacher Head of the Department Principal

Mr. A. A. Devkar Ms. Jugadar D. K Dr. R. A. Deshmukh

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 Group details

Sr. Roll No Enrollment No Seat No

Full name of Student
No
1 21 Sujal jaywant sale
2 13 Dayanand Tanaji Yamgar
3 02 Mahesh anil chavan
4 23 Mayuresh Mahadev Salunkhe

Name of guide :- A

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 INDEX

Sr. No. Title Page No.

1 Acknowledgement 9

2 Abstract 10
3 Introduction 11
4 Content 12
5 Conclusion 20
6 Reference 21

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 Acknowledgement

Perseverance, Inspiration and Motivation have always played a key role in the
success of any venture. At this level of understanding it is difficult to understand
the spectrum of knowledge without proper guidance and advice, hence we take this
to express our sincere gratitude to our respected Project Trainer Mr. A.A.Devkar
who as a guide involved an interest in us to work select an entirely new idea for
project work. He has been keenly co-operative and helpful to us in sorting out all
the difficulties.

We would also like to thank our Principal Dr. R.A.Deshmukh , HOD Ms. D.
K. Jugadarand Mr. A. A. Devkarfor their continuous advice and support. I
would also thank my institution and my faculty members without whom this
project would have been a distant reality.

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 Chapter 1:Abstracts / Introduction…

Need and objectives of Ground Improvement techniques, Classification of

ground modification techniques, Suitability and feasibility Methods of
compaction-Shallow Compaction, Deep Compaction Shallow Compaction:
Smooth wheeled Rollers, Sheep foot rollers, Pneumatic tired rollers Deep
Compaction: Vibroflaotation, Blasting, Dynamic consolidation, Precompression
and Compaction Piles.

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 Chapter 1: introduction and background of the industrial or
user based problem

Introduction

Ground improvement techniques are essential for ensuring the stability and safety of structures,
particularly in areas with challenging soil conditions. The increasing demand for infrastructure
development, urbanization and construction projects has highlighted the need for effective ground
improvement methods. Poor soil conditions can lead to structural damage, settlement and even collapse,
resulting in significant economic losses and environmental impacts. This study aims to investigate and
compare various ground improvement techniques, focusing on their effectiveness, feasibility and
sustainability.

Background

Ground improvement techniques have been employed for centuries to stabilize and strengthen soils. The
rapid growth of urban areas and infrastructure development has intensified the need for innovative and
efficient ground improvement methods. Traditional techniques, such as compaction and preloading, have
limitations and environmental concerns. Advanced techniques, including deep mixing, grouting and
geosynthetic reinforcement, offer improved performance but require careful evaluation. This research
provides an overview of conventional and advanced ground improvement techniques, highlighting their
applications, advantages and limitations.

User-Based Problem Statement

In construction projects, ground instability and settlement issues result in:

1. Delays: Project timelines are extended due to unforeseen soil-related problems.

2. Cost Overruns: Additional expenses are incurred for repair, redesign or reconstruction.
3. Safety Risks: Structural failures pose threats to human life and property.
4. Environmental Concerns: Soil disturbance and instability harm ecosystems.

Effective ground improvement techniques can mitigate these risks, ensuring:

1. Improved soil stability and strength.

2. Enhanced structural safety and performance.
3. Reduced construction delays and costs.
4. Minimized environmental impacts.

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 Chapter 2: literature survey for problem identification and
specification

Traditional Methods

1. Compaction: Density increase through mechanical energy (roller,

plate, or deep compaction) (Das, 2013).
Traditional Compaction Methods
Density increase through mechanical energy is a widely used ground improvement technique,
achieving soil density enhancement through various methods. Roller compaction utilizes
cylindrical rollers, applying repeated passes to compact soil layers (Das, 2013). Plate compactors
employ vibrating plates to transfer mechanical energy, densifying soils. Deep compaction
involves driving heavy rammers or vibratory probes into the ground to compact deeper soil
layers.

2. Preloading: Soil consolidation using temporary loads (Bergado, 2006).

Soil consolidation using temporary loads, also known as preloading, is a ground improvement technique
that enhances soil stability and reduces settlement potential. This method involves applying a temporary
surcharge load to the soil surface, causing consolidation and increased soil density (Bergado, 2006). The
temporary load simulates the weight of the proposed structure, allowing the soil to settle and consolidate
before construction.

3. Drainage: Water removal to reduce pore pressure (Holtz, 2011).

Method Overview

Water removal, or drainage, is a ground improvement technique that reduces pore water pressure,
enhancing soil stability and bearing capacity. By removing excess water from soil pores, drainage
systems decrease pore pressure, increase effective stress and improve soil's shear strength (Holtz,
2011). This technique is particularly effective in saturated soils, such as clays, silts and peats.

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 Mechanism and Benefits
Drainage reduces pore pressure by allowing water to escape from soil pores, thereby increasing
the soil's friction angle and cohesion. This enhancement stabilizes the soil, mitigating settlement,
landslide and liquefaction risks (Das, 2013). Effective drainage systems also accelerate
consolidation, reduce water content and improve soil's overall engineering properties.

4. Grouting: Injecting cementitious materials to fill voids (Bruce, 2003).

Grouting Overview

Grouting involves injecting cementitious materials into soil voids to enhance stability, reduce
permeability and improve engineering properties. This ground improvement technique fills gaps, cracks
and cavities, bonding soil particles and creating a more solid and durable matrix (Bruce, 2003). Grouting
is effective in soils with high void ratios, such as sandy or fractured rock formations.

Mechanism and Benefits

Grouting increases soil strength, reduces settlement potential and mitigates liquefaction risks by filling
voids and enhancing soil density. The injected grout material, typically a cement-based mixture, fills
pores, reduces porosity and increases soil's friction angle and cohesion (Das, 2013). Successful grouting
applications include foundation stabilization, tunnel construction and slope stabilization.

Types of Grouting

1. Permeation grouting: Fills soil pores.

2. Compaction grouting: Compacts loose soils.
3. Jet grouting: High-pressure injection.
4. Chemical grouting: Uses chemical reactions.

Deep Foundation Techniques

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1. Pile Foundations: Transferring loads to deeper stable soils (Tomlinson,
2012).

Deep Foundation Techniques

Transferring loads to deeper stable soils involves using deep foundation elements, such as piles,
piers or caissons, to transmit structural loads to more competent soils or rock formations. This
technique ensures stable support for structures built on weak or unstable soils (Tomlinson, 2012).
Deep foundations extend beyond the zone of soil instability, transferring loads to deeper, more
stable soils or rock.

Mechanism and Benefits

Deep foundations increase structural stability by transferring loads to

competent soils or rock, reducing settlement and minimizing liquefaction
risks. This technique enhances soil-structure interaction, allowing for safer
and more economical construction on challenging sites (Das, 2013).
Successful applications include high-rise buildings, bridges and heavy
industrial structures.

Types of Deep Foundations

1. Pile foundations: Driven or bored piles transferring loads to deeper soils.

2. Pier foundations: Large-diameter, cast-in-situ foundations extending to stable soils.
3. Caisson foundations: Prefabricated, concrete or steel chambers sunk to stable soils.
4. Barrette foundations: Reinforced concrete or steel walls for deep foundations.

2. Caissons: Concrete or steel chambers for foundation support (Peck,

2007).

Caisson Foundations Overview

Caisson foundations, also known as chamber foundations, involve constructing concrete or steel
chambers below grade to provide foundation support. These underground structures transfer loads
from superstructures to competent soils or rock, ensuring stability and minimizing settlement
(Peck, 2007). Caissons are particularly effective for large or heavy structures, such as high-rise
buildings, bridges and industrial facilities.

Mechanism and Benefits

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 Caisson foundations enhance structural stability by distributing loads
evenly across the foundation area, reducing soil pressure and settlement.
They also provide excellent resistance to lateral loads, making them
suitable for seismic-prone areas (Das, 2013). Additional benefits include:
1. Improved soil-structure interaction
2. Reduced foundation differential settlement
3. Enhanced structural durability
4. Increased load-carrying capacity

Types of Caisson Foundations

1. Open caissons: Excavated and constructed in-situ.

2. Pneumatic caissons: Constructed using compressed air.
3. Precast caissons: Fabricated off-site and installed on-site.
4. Steel caissons: Used for deep or large foundations.

3. Barrettes: Reinforced concrete or steel walls for deep foundations

(Lambe, 2011).

Barrette Foundations Overview

Barrette foundations consist of reinforced concrete or steel walls constructed in-situ to form deep, slender
foundations. These structures transfer loads from superstructures to competent soils or rock, ensuring
stability and minimizing settlement (Lambe, 2011). Barrettes are suitable for deep or large foundations,
particularly in urban areas where site constraints exist.

Mechanism and Benefits

Barrette foundations enhance structural stability by:

1. Transferring loads to deeper, more stable soils or rock.

2. Reducing soil pressure and settllement.
3. Providing resistance to lateral loads.
4. Minimizing foundation differential settlement.
5. Increasing load-carrying capacity.

Chapter 3: Proposed methodology of Ground improvement

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 Techniques

Classification of Ground Modification Techniques

Four groups of ground improvement Techniques are distinguished:

1. Mechanical modification
2. Hydraulic modification
3. Physical and chemical modification
4. Modification by inclusion and Confinement

a. Mechanical modification

Soil density is increased by the application of short-term external mechanical

forces, including Compaction of surface layers by:
• Static,
• Vibratory,
• Impact rollers,
• Plate vibrators.

Deep compaction by heavy tamping at the surface or vibration at

depth

b. Hydraulic modification

Free –pore water is forced out of the soil via (by means of) drains of wells. -
In coarse grained soils, this is achieved by lowering the ground water
level through pumping from boreholes or trenches.
- In fine-grained soils, the long term application of external loads
(preloading) or electrical forces (electro kinetic stabilization) is required.

c. Physical and chemical modification

Additives include: - natural soils - industrial by-products or waste materials

(fly ash, slag), - Cementations and other chemicals (lime, cement) which
react with each other and the ground. When additives are injected via
boreholes under pressure into the voids within the ground or between it and a
structure, the process is called GROUTING. Rigs with multiple injectors
deliver the stabilizing fluid into the soil. The fluid will prefer to travel into
cracks and fissures
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL STABILISATION
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1.CEMENT STABILISATION:

Cement stabilization is done by mixing pulverised soil and Portland cement with water and
compacting the mix to attain a strong material. The material obtained thus obtained is called
soilcement.

Types of soil cement:

1. Normal soil cement:

It consists of 5 to 14% cement by volume. The quantity of cement mixed with soil is
sufficient to produce a hard and durable construction material. The amount of water used
should be just sufficient to satisfy hydration requirements of the cement to make
workable.

2. Plastic soil cement:

This type of soil cement also contains cement 5 to 14% by volume, but it has more
quantity of water to have wet consistency similar to that of plastering mortar at the time of
placement. The plastic soil cement can be placed on steep or irregular slopes where it is
difficult to use normal road making equipment. The plastic soil cement can be used for
protection of steep slopes against erosive action of water.

3. Cement Modified Soil:

It is a type of soil cement that contains less than 5% of cement by volume. As quantity of
cement is small, it is not able to bind all the soil particles but it reduces the swelling and
shrinkage properties of the soil

2.LIME STABILISATION

1. Hydration:
Quick lime will absorb moisture from the soil and reacts instantly. This reaction is known
as slaking of lime, which will increase its volume by 2.25 times of its volume, thus
exerting large lateral thrust on the sides of bore holes. The process of removal of water
from soft soil completely with the lateral pressure causes consolidation of the clay bed.

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 Fig-Hydration

2. Flocculation:
Replacement of monovalent cations like sodium, lithium, etc by divalent cations from
lime decreases the thickness of double layer water around the clay mineral particles, thus
increasing the attracting forces between the soil particles. This helps soil particles to
flocculate together, thus reducing their specific surface area which brings down the
activity of clay.

3. Cementation:
When lime is added to clay, its pH value increases beyond 12 where the silica and alumina
from the clay particles will be liberated due to high alkalinity. Calcium from lime reacts
with the silica and alumina in the presence of water, thus forming hydrated calcium
silicate and calcium alumino silicate hydrates which are cementing compounds. However
requires large time period for reactions.

4. Carbonation:
It involves absorption of Co2 from the atmosphere and the formation of
CaCo3 and MgCo3. The contribution of carbonation is generally negligible.

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3.BITUMINOUS STABILISATION

Bitumen a petroleum product obtained by the destructive distillation of crude petroleum. Tar
is obtained by the destructive distillation of coal. Asphalt consists of inert mineral particles
cemented by bitumen. The use of all three minerals in soil stabilisation is collectively called
as bituminous stabilization. It can be adopted for clay and sands provided they can be mixed
with bitumen. In clays it helps to repel water making it insensitive to moisture changes. In
cohesionless soils, bitumen binds the particles.

Types of Soil-Bitumen:

1. Soil Bitumen:
It is a water proofed cohesive soil system. It consists of 4-7% bitumen.

2. Sand Bitumen:
Sand Particles are cemented together with bitumen. It consists of 4-10%
bitumen.

3. Water Proofed Granular soils:

Granular soils with low plastic fines can be stabilized using a small
percentage of bitumen (1-2%).

4. Oiled Earth:
A Bituminous emulsion or cut back is sprayed on the soil surface to make it
water proof. It requires 4-5 litres of bitumen per m3. Normally bitumen is
applied in the form of emulsion.

4.CALCIUM CHLORIDE STABILIZATION:

Calcium Chloride has been used in highway construction & maintenance. It is generally a
byproduct in making sodium carbonate or from other chemical processes. In Australia, it is
available as PACWET, obtained by reacting lime or limestone with hydrochloric acid (Hcl)
ie., by-product in manufacture of fluorocarbons.

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 Conclusion

Ground improvement techniques play a vital role in ensuring the stability and safety
of structures, particularly in areas with challenging soil conditions. This study
demonstrated that selecting the most suitable technique depends on various factors,
including soil type, project requirements and environmental considerations. By
understanding the advantages, limitations and applications of different ground
improvement techniques, engineers and practitioners can design and implement
effective solutions, mitigating risks and ensuring sustainable construction practices.

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 References

1. Das, B. M. (2013). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. Cengage Learning.

2. Bergado, D. T. (2006). Soil Improvement. Taylor & Francis.
3. Holtz, R. D. (2011). Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Practices. Pearson.
4. Bruce, D. A. (2003). Ground Improvement. CRC Press.
5. Tomlinson, M. J. (2012). Pile Design and Construction Practice. Taylor &
Francis.
6. Peck, R. B. (2007). Deep Foundations. Springer.
7. Lambe, T. W. (2011). Soil Mechanics. Taylor & Francis.
8. Koerner, R. M. (2012). Designing with Geosynthetics. Pearson.
9. FHWA (2010). Micropile Design and Construction Guidelines.
10. Mayne, P. W. (2014). Manual for Subsurface Investigations.
11. DeJong, J. T. (2013). Biogeoengineering for Soil Improvement.
12. Bruce, D. A. (2015). Ground Improvement for the Port of Miami Tunnel.
13. Koerner, R. M. (2015). Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil for the Singapore MRT.
14. Honjo, Y. (2016). Jet Grouting for the Tokyo Bay Tunnel.

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