Optimal Foundation Solution for Residential Projects

Abstract

Ground improvement is an optimal foundation solution, especially for weak soils and it can be used as an alternative to complement deep foundations such as conventional piling methods. This paper presents a case history of a housing project located in Chennai, India, wherein the project site consists of soft silty clays underlain by loose to medium dense silty sands. To provide housing for the socio-economically poor, the owner decided to optimize the foundation cost. Ground improvement using vibro stone columns, dry bottom feed method was chosen to be the optimal solution and the solution saves construction time too. This technique helped to increase the bearing capacity and to reduce the total settlements and differential settlements within the acceptable limits. Various aspects of sub-soil conditions, design aspects, construction methodology, and quality control measures are discussed in detail, in this paper.