ABSTRACT
Piled foundations are appropriate for weak soils, and yet another alternative emerges — artificial improvement of foundation soil providing its better performance and quality. The methods of artificial soil improvement using densification also include the construction of footings in tamped pits. The choice of a method aimed at improving the performance and properties of foundation soil depends largely on the type of the soil stratification and properties, intensity of loading, structural features, and construction allternatives. In order to eliminate the heave of weak soil from beneath a structure slightly sensitive to non-uniform settlement, additional backfill is sometimes placed on the ground level within the area of possible heave wedge. Sand strata with organic residua or peat, and loess as well, can be strengthened by the use of sand or soil piles. Upon driving or vibrodriving of a leader pile, soil and loess around it become compacted without heave.
