GROUND IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES (18CV644)

GROUND IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES

• Course Code-18CV644 
• CIE Marks-40
• Teaching Hours/Week(L:T:P)-(3:0:0) 
• SEE Marks-60
• Credits-03 
• Exam Hours-03

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Course Learning Objectives: This course will enable students to

1. Understand the fundamental concepts of ground improvement techniques
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, Science and Geotechnical Engineering to solve problems in the field of modification of ground required for construction of civil engineering structures.
3. Understand the concepts of chemical compaction, grouting and other miscellaneous methods.
4. Impart the knowledge of geo synthetics, vibration, grouting and Injection.

Module -1

Formation and Development of Ground : Introduction, Formation of Rock, soil and soil profile, Soil
distribution in India, Alterations of ground after formation, Reclaimed soils, Natural offshore deposits;
Ground Improvement Potential – Hazardous ground conditions, poor ground conditions, favourable ground conditions, Alternative Approaches, Geotechnical processes.
Compaction: Introduction, compaction mechanics, Field procedure, surface compaction, Dynamic
Compaction, selection of field compaction procedures, compaction quality control.

Module -2

Drainage Methods: Introduction, Seepage, filter requirements, ground water and seepage control, methods of dewatering systems, Design of dewatering system including pipe line effects of dewatering. Drains, different types of drains. Pre-compression and Vertical Drains: Importance, Vertical drains, Sand drains, Drainage of slopes, Electro kinetic dewatering, Preloading.

Module -3

Chemical Modification-I: Definition, cement stabilization, sandwich technique, admixtures. Hydration 
effect of cement stabilization on permeability, Swelling and shrinkage and strength and deformation
characteristics. Criteria for cement stabilization. Stabilization using Fly ash.Chemical Modification-Ii: Lime stabilization – suitability, process, criteria for lime stabilization. Other chemicals like chlorides, hydroxides, lignin and hydrofluoric acid. Properties of chemical components, reactions and effects. Bitumen, tar or asphalt in stabilization.

Module -4

Vibration Methods: Introduction, Vibro compaction – blasting, vibratory probe, Vibro displacement
compaction – displacement piles, vibro flotation, sand compaction piles, stone columns, heavy tamping
Grouting And Injection: Introduction, Effect of grouting. Chemicals and materials used. Types of grouting.Grouting procedure, Applications of grouting.

Module -5

Geosynthetics: Introduction, Geosynthetic types, properties of Geosynthetics – materials and fibre
properties, Geometrical aspects, mechanical properties, Hydraulic properties, Durability; Applications of Geosynthetics - Separation, Filtration and Fluid Transmission, Reinforcement, Miscellaneous Methods (Only Concepts & Uses): Soil reinforcement, Thermal methods, Ground improvement by confinement – Crib walls, Gabions and Mattresses, Anchors, Rock bolts and soil nailing.Stone Column, Micro piles.

Important Links:

1. Click here to download TextBook

Course Outcomes: After studying this course, students will be able to:

1. Give solutions to solve various problems associated with soil formations having less strength.
2. Use effectively the various methods of ground improvement techniques depending upon the requirements.
3. utilize properly the locally available materials and techniques for ground improvement so that economy in the design of foundations of various civil engineering structures

Question paper pattern:

 The question paper will have ten full questions carrying equal marks.
 Each full question will be for 20 marks.
 There will be two full questions (with a maximum of four sub- questions) from each module.
 Each full question will have sub- question covering all the topics under a module.
 The students will have to answer five full questions, selecting one full question from each module.

Textbooks:

1. Purushothama Raj P, “Ground Improvement Techniques”, Laxmi Publications, New Delhi.
2. Koerner R.M, “Construction and Geotechnical Method in Foundation Engineering”, McGraw Hill Pub. Co.

Reference Books:

1. Bell, F.G., “Methods of treatment of unstable ground”, Butterworths, London.
2. Nelson J.D. and Miller D.J, “Expansive soils”, John Wiley and Sons.
3. Ingles. C.G. and Metcalf J.B , “Soil Stabilization; Principles and Practice”, Butterworths
4. Manfred Hausmann , “Engineering principles of ground modification”, McGraw Hill Pub. Co.,