Case study: Ground Improvement technique with Geosynthetics as reinforcement on soft ground for buildings in coastal Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Andhra Pradesh is a well-known coastal state in India, Some of the regions, the ground is soft clay in nature shows the soil has low bearing capacity and high compressibility characteristics, so ground improvement techniques may be a viable solution for the construction of any structure. Geosynthetics are the most often utilized reinforcing material in design of foundation in such soils. The significant design parameters are Modulus of subgrade reaction (K), California bearing ratio (CBR) and Modulus of elasticity (E). In Machilipatnam area, the soil is weak and having high compressibility characteristics. Hence ground improvement technique by using Geosynthetics (geotextile as separator, geogrid as reinforcement, GSB as a filling material) is adopted for two major project buildings. Field tests such as Modulus of subgrade reaction test, Plate load test were conducted over the improved ground to ascertain the quality of improvement. Furthermore, a correlation between K and CBR, E and CBR is established. The corresponding California bearing ratio values are correlated using IRC58-1988. A comparison was made over the untreated ground using correlation of E and CBR from others to know the behaviour of unreinforced and reinforced soils.