NHBC Chapter 4.6: Ground Improvement Techniques
NHBC Chapter 4.6: Ground Improvement Techniques
101
Part 4 Foundations
Chapter 4.6
Vibratory ground improvement techniques
4.6 Vibratory ground improvement techniques
CONTENTS SCOPE
DESIGN Clause Page This Chapter gives guidance on meeting the Technical
Requirements and recommendations for vibratory ground
Design standards D1 1
improvement techniques.
Statutory requirements and other D2-D3 1
standards
Hazardous ground D4 1
Notification D5 1
Desk Study & Site investigation D6 1
Suitability of ground conditions D7 1
Confirmation of suitability of proposed D8 2
treatment
Compatibility of layout and design for the D9 2
treated ground
4.6
MATERIALS
Materials standards M1 4
Stone fill M2 4
Granular material M3 4
SITEWORK
Sitework standards S1 4
Site supervision S2 4
Verification of completed treatment S3-S4 4-5
APPENDIX 4.6-A
Soil classification chart 6
Vibratory techniques 7
APPENDIX 4.6-B
Materials for use as fill 8
INDEX 8
4.6
the excavations
4.6 - D3 Design shall follow relevant involvement of the specialist contractor
• the effect that any sustainable drainage
Standards and Codes of Practice and NHBC is encouraged.
system (SUDS) may have on the
Relevant British Standards, Codes of geotechnical parameters of the site
Practice and authoritative documents DESK STUDY AND SITE • the presence, level and nature of any
include:
INVESTIGATION ground water, and if it is likely to rise and
BS 10175 Investigation cause heave or collapse by saturation
of potentially 4.6 - D6 The Engineer shall ensure that • whether the site has been previously
contaminated sites - a desk study and site investigation are occupied by any structure, and whether
Code of practice commissioned and the interested parties these structures have left any potential
are advised underground obstructions or hardspots,
BS EN 1991 Actions on structures
The site investigation should take account of: eg basement walls, floor slabs etc
BS EN 14731 Execution of special • whether there are any contaminated
BS 10175 Investigation
geotechnical works. substances or gases present or
of potentially
Ground treatment suspected.
contaminated sites -
by deep vibration
Code ofpractice
BS EN 1997-1 General rules The Specialist Contractor should be
BS EN14731 Execution of special
BS EN 1997-2 Ground investigation satisfied that the site investigation
geotechnical works.
and testing provides adequate and representative
Ground treatmentby
information in order to design the
BS EN ISO 14688 Geotechnical deep vibration
ground improvements. The results of the
investigation and BS EN1997-2 Groundinvestigation and investigation should be sent to NHBC prior
testing- Identification testing to the commencement of the work.
and classification of soil
BS ENISO 14688 Geotechnical
BS EN ISO 14689 Geotechnical investigation and SUITABILITY OF GROUND
investigation and testing- Identification
testing- Identification andclassification of soil
CONDITIONS
and classification of 4.6 - D7 The ground shall be suitable for
BS ENISO 14689 Geotechnical
rock vibratory ground improvement
investigationand testing-
BS EN ISO 22476 Geotechnical Identification and
investigation and The Engineer should assess the ground
classificationof rock
testing- Field testing and be satisfied that it is suitable for
BS EN ISO 22476 Geotechnical treatment. Vibratory ground improvement
BR 391 Specifying vibro stone investigationand testing- techniques suitable for various ground
columns Field testing conditions are detailed in Appendix 4.6-A.
ICE Specification for Ground Treatment BR391 Specifying vibro stone
Items to be taken into account include:
columns
(a) ground conditions acceptable for
HAZARDOUS GROUND Chapter 4.1 ‘Land quality - managing treatment
ground conditions’ Conditions acceptable for treatment are
4.6 - D4 The design of foundations shall
only those within zones A and B of the
be undertaken by an Engineer and take The desk study and site investigation chart shown in Appendix 4.6-A.
account of the characteristics of the should at least determine:
site, its ground and any hazards • the depths and properties of the natural (b) ground conditions not generally
The foundation design should be carried materials under the site, including the acceptable fortreatment
out by an Engineer experienced with presence of caves, workings, or natural The following ground conditions are not
ground improvement techniques in phenomena such as rocks or soils which generally acceptable for treatment:
accordance with Technical Requirement R5 dissolve or erode when exposed to the
- see Chapter 1.1. passage of water. The Engineer should
establish the scope of, and supervise,
In this Chapter, the term “Engineer” means the site investigation, taking account
an engineer who is independent of the of the findings of the desk study. Data
• soft clays with an undrained shear should be satisfied as to the anticipated adjacent
new
building
strength less than 30kN/m2 (Note; performance of both the treated building
for clay strengths less than 30kN/ and untreated zones. The Specialist
m2 additional consideration has to be Contractor should take responsibility
given to group effects, ground heave for the treated zone and the decision as raised water level
stone column
and settlement due to installation and to the depth of treatment
the proposal will be subject to NHBC • the minimum depth of soil treated
original water level
agreement) should allow for the interaction of
• ground with peat layers close to adjacent foundations wet process
foundation level or the base of the
house A house B
stone column, or where intermediate • surface water sewers should be used for
layers of peat are thicker than 200mm rainwater disposal where possible,
either as a single layer or the sum of but where soakaways are necessary,
the thicknesses of individual layers these should be positioned so that
throughout the length of the stone their construction and operation is not
column detrimental to the treated ground
• voided filled ground, eg old water tanks, • the effect of any new or existing
pottery, glass bottles, concrete rubble or sustainable drainage systems (SUDS)
brick fill of unsuitable grading should be taken into account when
4.6
• any loose or non-engineered fill not interaction of vibro improvement techniques are
adjacent foundations
previously subject to: proposed
- rising or fluctuating water levels • stone columns may form vertical drains • soils with a modified Plasticity Index of
- saturation allowing the passage of water to a 10% or greater should have foundations
• filled ground still settling or expected to moisture susceptible strata, or provide designed to accommodate volume
settle: seepage paths for gases changes, and the depth of concrete
- under its own weight or due to the foundation should be in accordance with
effects of surcharging/upfilling Chapter 4.2 ‘Building near trees’.
- where there is a high organic content
- where decay is continuing
settlement
of fill
layers with
high organic
content
or toxic gas generation will take place • obstructions and variations in the
(stone columns may act as vertical vents). density of fill and natural ground (hard
Note: Consideration will be given to spots)
proprietary systems which do not permit • alterations to the oversite level before or
CONFIRMATION OF
vertical venting (e.g. vibro concrete plug after treatment or disturbance of SUITABILITY OF
technology) ground by excavations after treatment PROPOSED TREATMENT
• the location of changes in the profile of
the natural underlying ground eg edges 4.6 - D8 The builder shall obtain written
of pits or quarries, slopes, or manmade confirmation from the Engineer and
obstructions such as soakaways or Specialist Contractor that the site
drainage runs is suitable for the proposed ground
• long term lowering of water table improvement system
stone column acting as vent causing settlement of existing adjacent Confirmation that the site is suitable for
for dangerous gases
buildings the proposed system should be made
available to NHBC prior to commencement
adjacent new of the work.
building building
The Engineer and Specialist Contractor
should agree the following in writing
before work commences on site:
stone column
• design objectives
• clays with a plasticity index greater than original water level • a detailed schedule of work
40% • a programme of work
• highly sensitive soils liable to collapse or • what tests are to be carried out on
remoulding depressed water level completion of the work
dry process
• responsibility for procedures and tests.
(c) detrimental factors • short term rise in local water table due
For details of tests see Sitework clause S3.
Factors to be considered include the to large volumes of water used in wet
following: process during construction causing The following should also be taken into
• where partial depth treatment of filled settlement or heave of existing adjacent account:
ground is proposed, the Engineer buildings
4.6
COMPATIBILITY OF • establish the likely limits of ground
- reinforced concrete raft or semi-raft
movement
LAYOUT AND DESIGN FOR • allow for ground movement in the foundation positioned on a uniformly
compacted bed of hardcore
THE TREATED GROUND design, including where appropriate:
- position and spacing of movement
4.6 - D9 Design shall ensure that joints raft or
site layout and dwelling design are - flexibility of masonry mortars
semi-raft
foundation
compatible with the treated ground - masonry reinforcement.
Items to be taken into account include:
(a) limitations of the treated ground • for both types of foundation, top
brick reinforcement
The Engineer should: and movement and bottom reinforcement should be
joints in walls
• undertake discussion with the Specialist if required provided
Contractor to confirm the feasibility of • the depth of foundations to be a
proposals minimum of 600mm below the surface
• determine the loads to be imposed by of the treated ground, and founded
the buildings and assess against the on firm material of adequate bearing
results of the site investigation capacity
• confirm the required load/settlement (c) drainage and service trenches • where the treated ground is of a
performance of the treated ground The Engineer should consider the influence granular nature, a reinforced concrete
of drainage and other service trenches on strip foundation will normally be
structural load
the stability of the complete design (see acceptable provided that the full depth
from design Sitework clause S4). of all fill material is treated
• if the treated ground is of a cohesive
nature, a suitably designed raft,
semi-raft or reinforced concrete strip
foundation will normally be acceptable
• the reinforced concrete foundation
should be designed to span between
the centres of adjacent stone columns
ground bearing capacity unless a more rigorous structural
and settlement potential
analysis is carried out to show that an
• consider limitations of the configuration 45º alternative detail is acceptable
of the dwellings: • if partial depth treatment of filled
- T-block and L-block vulnerable at ground is proposed then a suitably
junctions designed reinforced concrete raft
- vulnerability of long blocks or semi-raft foundation should be used
excavation and
• avoid siting buildings in locations where drain/service • if during excavations for foundations in
major changes in ground conditions can trenches should
be above 45º line treated ground it is found that excessive
be expected depths of concrete are required, then
precautions should be taken to ensure
overall stability of the foundations, and
the Engineer should be satisfied that
construction of the foundation will not
be detrimental to the treated ground.
(e) use of suspended ground floors GRANULAR MATERIAL • the minimum required depth of the
Suspended ground floors should be stone columns is achieved, and they are
provided for all dwellings where vibratory 4.6 - M3 Granular material for raising correctly located. The Builder should
ground improvement has been carried site levels before treatment or adding provide sufficient profiles to enable
out unless the Engineer can substantiate during deep compaction shall: locations to be checked
an alternative solution that is acceptable (a) be free from hazardous materials • the stone columns are located either
to NHBC. unless appropriate precautions are centrally under the foundations they
taken, and are to support or in the predetermined
(f) notice to NHBC (b) be suitable for compaction staggered arrangement, at a maximum
Notice of the proposed development of 2 metres centre to centre and at
The appropriate precautions to be taken
should be forwarded to NHBC. the intersection of adjacent reinforced
where hazardous materials are present in
fill are detailed in Appendix 4.6-B. concrete strips
Inform NHBC of the appointment of
the Specialist Contractor and of the 2m 2m 2m
The test requirements for fill given in maximum
anticipated commencement date for centres
Appendix 4.6-B should be followed where
treatment.
appropriate.
Well graded, inert fill which passes a
MATERIALS STANDARDS 100mm x 100mm screen in all directions 2m max
centres
and contains less than 10% fine material of
4.6
and the area of foundation which they satisfy himself that the treated ground
support. The load may be applied through has achieved the anticipated condition
a rigid beam or stiffened plate using skips assumed in his design
or other known loads arranged to give a • once satisfied with the effectiveness of
50% more uniform distribution of the load. the treatment in relation to the design,
backfill than
anticipated advise the Builder and NHBC accordingly
To be useful, mini zone tests should be
depth 25% in writing
greater than continued for sufficient time for creep
anticipated • advise the Builder of any special
behaviour to be quantified and allowances
precautions which should be taken for
VERIFICATION OF for this time should be made in the overall
the positioning of services both beneath
project programme.
the dwelling and adjacent to it.
COMPLETED TREATMENT
(c) record of the work
4.6 - S3 The Engineer shall require the A comprehensive record of all works
Specialist Contractor to verify that the including information concerning the
4.6
ground treatment is satisfactory treatment, depth of fill, volume of stone
mini zone
Items to be taken into account include: test using skips used, on-site changes and all other
relevant information, should be made
(a) suitable testing available to NHBC.
Tests should be carried out to establish the
degree of ground improvement, its load- 4.6 - S4 The Builder shall ensure that
bearing characteristics and settlement treated ground is not disturbed by
potential. subsequent excavations
ZONE TEST
The types of test that can be used are An isolated pad or strip footing is Ensure that the minimum clearance
described in the following clauses. The used, and up to 8 stone columns and between excavations and foundations
Specialist Contractor should predict the the intervening ground can be tested. is not less than the depth of excavation
results from his experience of work on the Loadings, which should simulate the minus the depth of the structural
type of ground, prior to the test taking dwelling loads, are held for 24 hours at foundation.
place. Prediction of the results and the pre-determined stages to examine creep
behaviour. Particular attention is needed for
degree of tolerance within those results
excavation below the water table.
is to be agreed with the Engineer prior to
testing, and compared with the test results.
If for example a threefold improvement
were predicted and only a twofold
improvement achieved, this could mean zone test
that the ground was different to that
indicated by the investigation, or that the
treatment carried out differed from the
specified treatment. In such a case, further
investigation would be necessary. 45º
Appendix 4.6-A
Micron
1.18
37.5
3.35
mm
150
212
300
425
600
6.3
50
63
63
10
14
20
28
75
2
5
100
90
80
70 Zone B
PERCENTAGE PASSING
60
50 Zone A
4.6
40
30
20
10
0
0.002 0.006 0.02 0.06 0.2 0.6 2 6 20 60 200 mm
Fine Medium Coarse Fine Medium Coarse Fine Medium Coarse
CLAY COBBLES
SILT SAND GRAVEL
ACCEPTABLE METHODS
There are two vibratory techniques commonly used in the UK. These are known as the ‘dry
bottom feed’ and ‘dry top feed’ methods, and are illustrated. A third technique, infrequently
used in the UK, and known as the ‘wet bottom feed’ method is also acceptable to NHBC. This
method is not illustrated.
4.6
collapse between vibrator insertions, the dry bottom feed method is adopted. The vibrator
penetrates by its mass, air flush and vibration, but at design depth the stone is introduced
via a hopper into a pipe fixed to the side of a vibrator. The stone, usually of 40mm size, exits
the pipe at the tip of the vibrator and in to the bottom of the bore hole. The stone is then
compacted into the surrounding soil by repeated withdrawal and insertion of the vibrator.
INDEX
A L V
Approval 8 Layout 3 Verification 5
C M Vibratory techniques 7
Compatibility 3 Materials standards 4 W
D N Written confirmation 2
Deep compaction 6, 8 Notifications 1
Design 2 S
Design standards 1 Service trenches 3
Drainage 3 Site investigations 1
E Sitework standards 4
Expansive materials 8 Soil classifications 6
F Statutory requirements 1
Fill materials 8 Stone columns 6, 7
Foundation types 3 Stone fill 4
G Supervision 4
Granular material 4 Suspended ground floors 4
Ground conditions 1 T
H Testing 4, 5, 8
Hazardous materials 8