Reducing liquefaction potential using dynamic compaction and construction of stone columns

Abstract

In-place soils in the floodplains of major rivers are frequently stabilized to reduce the liquefaction potential when sites are located in earthquake prone areas. A site in the floodplain of the Missouri River in the United States of America was recently remediated to reduce liquefaction potential using the Deep Dynamic Compaction method of densification of in-place soils. Modifications were made to the conventional method in the form of construction of stone columns to densify the in-place soils to deeper depths. Results are presented to show that the modified procedure used at the site satisfactorily remediated the site. Construction of stone columns not only densified the soils to the required depths, but also helped support a five-story office building on conventional strip and spread shallow foundations. Site remediation and an alternative foundation scheme resulted in substantial cost savings without any delay in the construction schedule.