How can you integrate ground improvement with geotechnical and structural components?

Integrating ground improvement techniques with both geotechnical and structural components presents a multifaceted challenge due to the need for cohesive coordination among various engineering disciplines. The problem lies in achieving seamless synergy between ground improvement methods, such as soil stabilization or compaction, and the design and construction of geotechnical and structural elements, such as foundations or retaining walls. This integration demands a comprehensive understanding of soil behavior, structural requirements, and construction methodologies to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of the overall engineering solution while minimizing risks and optimizing performance.

Problem identification requires thorough survey and Geotechnical investigation. apart from that if inventory is prepared for repetitive failure of the soil structure, the problem and failure pattern can be predicted without thorough investigation in Ghat section (Hilly areas). For all structure e.g. protective (Earth Retaining) structures or other structures soil index properties study is must, specially in case of road structures where Load Bearing and drainage properties are important and if not met with desired properties modification is required by adding geotechnical structures. The redistributed pressure determines SBC of the strata and hence Ground improvement may require use of geotechnical structures.

Selection of ground improvement techniques depends on type of Soil. Sometimes we have to stabilize the hill slope composed of huge rock mass and loose boulders over it, in such cases boulder removal is one option and other is stabilize by strong mesh. Since major Soil strength is derived from Intergranular friction between soil particles, enhancing particles strength (By reinforcing or by using chemicals) and by reducing spacing (compaction) can be effective techniques. Erosion prevention adjacent to water bodies requires mechanism of binding or locking soil particles in contact with water, such mechanism must facilitate drainage to avoid slope failure, it is achieved naturally by dense vegetation in hilly areas with heavy rainfall.

A comprehensive approach is required when designing a system that combines ground improvement with geotechnical and structural elements. It starts with a detailed evaluation of the soil's characteristics, then chooses and applies the best ground improvement methods, like compaction, grouting, or stabilising the soil. The design of foundations and structures is informed by geotechnical investigations, which guarantee compatibility with the improved ground conditions. The system's total performance, robustness, and cost-effectiveness are maximised by this all-encompassing strategy.

Design involves Additional improvement requirement in Pressure Bearing Capacity, subsurface drainage capacity or to prevent potential failure of existing geology etc. The ground improvement mechanism deals with intergranular friction and cohesive properties of soil. The design of the system should involve Mix Design to achieve the required characteristic properties to sustain loading over it without hampering drainage properties. Due to layered structure analysis and design is quite complex and hence ground improvement techniques shall be selected in such a way that it supports design parameters of layer under consideration. Design of Slope stabilization system depends on type of material and system working mechanism.

At implementation stage the on-field decision or modification or changes in design as per site situation must be done as assumed parameters or Lab under control environment results may not match with field when it comes to covering larger area on ground. After all necessary corrections step wise implementation and obtained outcome after each step shall be analyzed specially in case of critical works. Disturbing the existing ground and its properties may not work sometimes e.g. in tunnels if overburden is removed and soil is no more providing arch action as depth is reduced in such cases collapse of tunnel is possible whatever ground improvement is proposed by designer was based on that invisible arch action which is reduced after alteration