On Foundation Improvement By Sand Replacement

Abstract

Foundations of sensitive storage tanks and ancillary rigid skid structures do not tolerate significant total and / or differential settlement associated with civil construction in marginal lands. Consequently expensive foundation options involving piling are frequently employed to achieve satisfactory performance. This paper describes a simple foundation improvement method involving the replacement of poor foundation bearing soils with sand and the resultant improvement in bearing capacity and the minimization of settlement at the site of a large storage tank. Minimum thickness of sand replacement for various foundation loads has been prescribed as a guide for developers.

Keywords: Foundation, Bearing capacity, Improvement, Niger Delta

Global Journal of Geological Sciences Vol. 6 (1) 2008: pp. 27-32