Background: Problems associated with the construction of embankments on soft ground
Several problems are associated with the construction of embankments on soft ground.
(1) road surface unevenness and differential settlement associated with consolidation settlement,
(2) displacement of the surrounding ground associated with consolidation settlement,
(3) sliding failure from embankment loading,
(4) and, for embankment materials that have sandy properties (including sand mats), the liquefaction of materials that have sunk below the groundwater level because of consolidation settlement.
Gravel foundation reinforcement
Gravel foundation reinforcement is an embankment construction method in which a plate-shaped composite material made of gravel wrapped with a geosynthetic is installed at the bottom of the embankment. The method increases the rigidity of the embankment base, reduces subsidence and secures embankment stability. It resolves problems associated with the construction of embankments on soft ground. The greatest advantage is the much lower construction costs than those for embankments made using conventional consolidation or lightweight soil filling.
Low-improvement-rate soil consolidation used in combination with gravel foundation reinforcement
In this method, piles are installed under the high-strength geosynthetic. The piles are made by low-improvement-rate soil consolidation. They reach the depth of the bedrock layer, transferring the embankment load to that layer. When there are structures neighboring the construction site of a new embankment, the method is effective for securing safety, because it causes minimal deformation in the surrounding ground.
This patented construction method (Japanese Patent No. 5939721) was developed by Docon in collaboration with the Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region (CERI).
Contact
Docon Co., Ltd.
Address: 4-1, Atsubetsu Chuo 1-jo 5-chome, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo, Japan 004-8585
E-mail: “mk863” followed by “@docon.jp”
Phone: +81-(0) 11-801-1540