Densification of Reclaimed Soils with the Utilization of the Vibro Compaction Technique—A Case Study

This paper presents a case study of the extensive soil improvement work carried out on a reclamation project on the shores of United Arab Emirates. The project consisted an area of approximately 480,000 m2 for recreation purposes. Following the dredging work, approximately 6.8 million cubic meters underwent densification using the vibrocompaction method. The general aims of such analysis are to investigate the effectiveness of vibrocompaction as a method of soil improvement and appraise the selection of this method as the most appropriate soil treatment technique necessary for the adequate densification of the overall loose soil masses. The efficiency of the vibrocompaction technique to densify thick granular-based soil formations of considerable thickness and the benefits obtained, equated to other soil treatment methods, was assessed through a comprehensive post quality control program including field and laboratory post-compaction testing. Based on the analysis conducted it is concluded that soil strength of the reclaimed materials achieved a noteworthy improvement reaching comfortably the required degrees of densification.

A Case Study on Soil Improvement with Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

Soil treatment was utilized on numerous production sites to compact cohesion less formations, having the objective to increase earth characteristics and decrease probable subsidence. Within the last few years, Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) has increased its attractiveness as a soil treatment method. RIC is an innovative dynamic compaction technique primarily used to compact sandy soils where silt and clay contents are low. This work presents a case study of ground improvement using RIC and its suitability for site preparation earthworks. The RIC technique has been performed in an early site preparation which consists of a cut and fill contract for a mega project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RIC is a process where loose subsurface soils are improved through compaction with the utilization of successive impact blows from the top surface. This project involves the compaction of the fill materials (with an average thickness of 4 m) and loose natural formations (averaging 4 m in depth). The objective of the soil treatment scheme is to increase the relative density of the soils (both fill and natural) to 85%. The usage of the RIC within the site preparation earthwork applications is possible provided the presence of certain elements—specifically, granular materials and particles finer than number 200 sieve—do not exceed 15%. The RIC method proved to be cost- and time-effective when utilized for filling compaction activities since it compacts considerable soil thicknesses with a single action from the top surface, and can be used as an alternative to the traditional method of compacting fill formations in pre-determined lift thicknesses.

Differences between the Geotechnical Campaigns at Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Design—A Case Study

This paper presents a case study of the geotechnical conditions encountered within a project at Saudi Arabia at both the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Design geotechnical campaigns. The soil formations were considerably varied between the two investigations resulted in extensive ground improvement activities that have not been anticipated within the FEED stage. The overall objectives of such study are to explore the soil formations found, and to evaluate/summarize the soil treatment measures necessary for each of the two different campaigns in order for the project specifications in relation to settlement, bearing capacity, and liquefaction potential to be achieved. Moreover, the potential factors that may have affected the differences on the strength/density of the soils within the two different geotechnical campaigns that have been carried out at nearby locations are also explored. Based on the analysis conducted, it is concluded that soil strength on the FEED data ismuch higher compared to the strength on the Detailed Design soil data resulted on shifting the soil mitigation measures from light to severe, hence, leading to project both excessive cost and considerable increase on time schedule.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling to Estimate Fluvial Bank Erosion—A Case Study

River bank erosion models are an important prerequisite for understanding the development of river meanders and for estimating likely land-loss and potential danger to floodplain infrastructure. Although bank erosion models have been developed that consider large-scale mass failure, the contribution of fluvial erosion (the process of particle-by-particle erosion due to the shearing action of the river flow) to bank retreat has not received as much consideration. In principle, such fluvial bank erosion rates can be quantified using excess shear stress formulations, but in practice, it has proven difficult to estimate the parameters involved. In this study, a series of three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for a meander loop on the River Asker (200 m long) at Bridport in southern England were undertaken to elucidate the overall flow structures and in particular to provide estimates of the applied fluid shear stress exerted on the riverbanks. The CFD models, which simulated relatively low and relatively high flow conditions, were established using Fluent 6.2 software. The modelling outcomes show that the key qualitative features of the flow endure even as flow discharge varies. At bank full, the degrees of velocity and simulated shear stresses within the inner bank separation zones are shown to be higher than those observed under low flow conditions, and that these elevated shear stresses may be sufficient to result in the removal of accumulated sediments into the main downstream flow.

Unified Approach to Assess Engineering Performance of Fill Improved by Shallow to Deep Compaction Based Techniques Using Relative Density

The setting of pre assessment criteria for soil compaction is hardly determined, especially, in case of undecided structure locations. Different design guidelines recommend achieving a specific value of relative density for the compaction of fill placement works. Alternatives were discussed through the literature to predict the value of relative density based on soil field tests (e.g. cone and standard penetration tests). This paper presents the weakness of using the Over Consolidation Ratio (OCR) as guidance to assess the value of cone tip resistance using the soil relative density. The variation of OCR (from 1 to 10) has a significant effect on the qc value up to 110% when compared to the normally consolidated state. Then normally consolidated state can logically cover the compaction process with variation of 20%, 33%, and 4% for relative density values 85%, 70%, and 60%, respectively. A unified approach is recommended to predict the compaction qc-performance line using normally consolidated condition and sand relative density.

Risk Assessment for Karst Hazards at a Facility in Saudi Arabia—A Case Study

The boom in industrial and infrastructure construction in Saudi Arabia requires in-depth knowledge of the underground conditions to build a sustainable project. This paper gave a practical example of the challenges facing an existing facility built on a karstic limestone formation in 1970’s. Multiple geophysical techniques such as Microgravity, Electrical Resistivity Imaging, Vertical Seismic Velocity Profiling, Cross Hole Seismic Tomography, Ground Penetration Radar, Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves, as well as boreholes and down-hole video imagery, were deployed through the journey of assessing the karst associated hazards of potential sinkholes or general subsidence. This paper described the karst processes, site geology, geophysical and geotechnical exploration program, and characterizes the subsurface karst conditions at the eastern province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results and findings of preliminary, geotechnical and geophysical investigations have been utilized to identify the major factors influencing the karst formation. Analyses and integration of obtained results to estimate the type and magnitude of risk affected the major components of industrial facility at the project site using well-known statistical approach were presented in this paper. Consequently number of remedial measures implemented to combating the experienced and expected karst hazards at the studied industrial facility placed in karstified landform are given. A model for using integrated geophysical and geotechnical techniques to assess karst-related risks to a facility was further explored herein.