ABSTRACT
This second edition of Ground Improvement will provide the reader with a sound basis for the study and understanding of the most important ground improvement techniques. Considerable developments have occurred since publication of the first edition in 1993, not only in technical matters but also in plant and equipment, and rate of production. The last decade has seen an increasing demand for in-situ deep soil mixing work in Europe and North America, which is reflected in broader coverage in this edition. All ground improvement techniques seek to improve those soil character-
istics that match the desired results of a project, such as an increase in density and shear strength to aid problems of stability, the reduction of soil compressibility, influencing permeability to reduce and control ground water flow or to increase the rate of consolidation, or to improve soil homogeneity. These considerations are addressed by well-known international experts. Their contributions provide an overview of the development of each specific technology as well as details of plant and equipment required for their execution. Theoretical considerations on design aspects together with fields of application and limitations of the methods are also given. Case histories from around the world with aspects of testing, monitoring and process controls complete the description of the various ground improvement methods. In ground improvement, distinction is made between methods of com-
paction or densification and methods of soil reinforcement through the introduction of additional material into the ground. This distinction offers the opportunity to divide the topics into several groups, which are covered by the chapters of this book, each of which can be read and studied separately. The extensive references given with each chapter enable further reading on each technology. Chapter 1 of the book deals with methods of static compaction by pre-
loading with and without consolidation aid. An updated overview of consolidation theory together with experiences gained from recent field data provide valuable information and practical guidance. The most common methods are described and illustrated by examples.
