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  • 1.  Improvement of bearing capacity of sandy soil by grouting

    Posted 06-12-2018 10:45 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 06-12-2018 10:44 AM
    My name is Kelvin Marumba, I am a final year student at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe. For my final year project I want to do a project involving the improvement of the bearing capacity of sandy soil by grouting. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do this project and how to make it more interesting but not too expensive. Thank you. 

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    Kelvin Marumba S.M.ASCE
    Harare
    263773023776
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  • 2.  RE: Improvement of bearing capacity of sandy soil by grouting

    Posted 06-13-2018 11:26 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 06-13-2018 11:26 AM
    Kevin,
         There are several materials and technologies that can be considered for grouting sandy soils. I suggest that you first define the problem more specifically in terms of (1) site conditions; e.g., soil profile, soil types and properties, groundwater conditions, topography, seismicity, etc.; (2) project requirements; e.g., area to be stabilized and its depth, types of loading, bearing capacity required, time available; cost limitations, and (3) environmental constraints and impacts; e.g., open area or constrained laterally and/or vertically by existing infrastructure, noise and vibration constraints, containment and/or disposal of waste materials, etc.
        Then you will want to consider the types of grouting that may be best suited for meeting the project needs in terms of performance, cost, and sustainability. To obtain information and guidance in this, I suggest you go to GeoTechTools.org. This is a free,open access site that has information and interactive guidance for 25-30 different ground stabilization and improvement technologies, including grouting. For each technology there is a fact sheet, photos, case histories, design guidance, quality control and quality assurance information, cost information, example specifications, and a list of references for more details on the different aspects of the methods. To use this site you will need to set up a user name and password to log in, but that is an easy process once you go to the site.
        I hope you find your project educational and fulfilling.

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    James K. Mitchell Sc.D, P.E., D.GE(Ret.), NAE, Dist.M.ASCE
    Virginia Tech
    jkm@...
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  • 3.  RE: Improvement of bearing capacity of sandy soil by grouting

    Posted 06-13-2018 02:37 PM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 06-13-2018 02:36 PM
    ​Greetings Kelvin,

    What is the purpose of the project--the need to improve the bearing capacity? Housing? Industry? Transportation?

    One can improve bearing capacity in sandy soils...but for what purpose?  This makes a difference in the approach.

    Regards,

    Scott

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    Scott Onishuk P.E., M.ASCE
    Director
    Santa Barbara CA
    (805)563-0788
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  • 4.  RE: Improvement of bearing capacity of sandy soil by grouting

    Posted 06-14-2018 01:17 PM
    ​Hello Kelvin,

    I agree with Mr. James Mitchell's recommendation. You need to define what's the purpose for the ground improvement as following pretty much the steps outlined by Mr. Mitchell. Some of the grouting uses are shown below:

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    Leonardo Moreno P.Eng, Ing., M.ASCE
    BGC Engineering Inc.
    Richmond BC
    1604 6845900 x101
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