Title: Typical Method Statement for

Installation of Vibro Stone Columns

using Dry Bottom Feed Method
Method statement for installation of vibro stone columns using dry bottom feed method
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction .....................................................................................................................................1
2 References and Codes of Practice ...............................................................................................1
3 Plant and Equipments ....................................................................................................................1
4 Methodology / Construction Sequence ........................................................................................1
4.1 General .....................................................................................................................................1
4.2 Vibro s tone columns (dry bottom f eed method) ....................................................................2
4.3 Installed stone columns ............................................................................................................3
4.4 Quality Assurance /Quality Control ...........................................................................................3
4.5 Quality check for stone aggregate ............................................................................................5
4.6 Risk Assessment ......................................................................................................................6

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Vibro Stone Column Installation by Dry Bottom Feed Method (Schematic) .............................2
Figure 2: Installation of vibro stone columns by Vibrocat .........................................................................2
Figure 3: Typical M4 graph (Dry bottom feed method) ............................................................................4
Figure 4: Typical Daily Field Record Format ............................................................................................5
Figure 5: Gradation Curve for Stone Specification (Dry Bottom Feed Method) .......................................6

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: List of Reference & Code of practice .........................................................................................1
Table 2: Plant & Machineries List .............................................................................................................1
Table 3: Stone specification for dry bottom feed method .........................................................................5
Table 4: Grading of Aggregate .................................................................................................................6

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Method statement for installation of vibro stone columns using dry bottom feed method

1 Introduction
The purpose of this document is to describe the methodology & various steps involved in
executing the vibro stone column works at required location to meet the design requirements.

2 References and Codes of Practice

All ground improvement works will be performed in compliance with the requirements of the
respective regulations and codes of practice.
Table 1: List of Reference & Code of practice
IS 15284 (Part 1):2003 Design and construction for ground improvement –
guidelines for stone columns
BS EN 14731:2005 Execution of special geotechnical works – ground
treatment by deep vibration
IS 383:1970 Specification for coarse & fine aggregates from natural
sources for concrete
Ground Engineering Journal The Design of vibro replacement – Priebe H. J.
December, 1995

3 Plant and Equipments

Table 2: Plant & Machineries List
S. No Description
1 Depth Vibrators
2 Extension Tubes
3 Vibrocat (Base Machine)
4 M4 Computer Set
5 Wheel Loader / J.C.B.
6 Generator Set 200kVa capacity (Optional)
7 Air Compressor
8 Tool Box Set
9 Hose lines
Miscellaneous Tools (Like Shackles, Wire Rope, Hooks,
10
Lifting Belts, Welding set etc.)
The above details are based on one set of vibrocat.

4 Methodology / Construction Sequence

4.1 General
Ground Improvement using vibro stone columns is a technique derived by further developing
the vibro compaction process. Pure silts/clays or mixed deposits of silts/clays/sands cannot
be improved by vibro compaction because of their inability to respond to vibration. These
materials merely slide each other and cannot be rearranged into a denser configuration;
Thus, another technique is required. Ground improvement using vibro stone column
technique introduces a coarse-grained material as load bearing elements consisting of gravel
or crushed stone aggregate as a backfill medium. A schematic showing proposed bottom
feed dry method of installation is shown in Figure 1. The vibrators proposed for the vibro
stone columns (bottom feed method) are the Keller electric depth vibrators.

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Method statement for installation of vibro stone columns using dry bottom feed method

Figure 1: Vibro Stone Column Installation by Dry Bottom Feed Method (Schematic)

4.2 Vibro stone columns (dry bottom f eed method)

In dry method of installation, Keller has developed custom-built machines which uses the
bottom feed system. The system is called the vibrocat comprises a specially constructed
truck mounted supporting unit, the Keller L/Beta vibrator, which incorporates a stone tube
with compression chamber and stone feed hopper. The picture of the system is given in
Figure 2.

Figure 2: Installation of vibro stone columns by Vibrocat

In this dry method, penetrations to the designed depth is assisted by the action of vibrations,
compressed air and pull-down facility from a winch (Vibrocat) which can exert a thrust up to
20T. When stiff soil layers are encountered within the treatment depth, pre-boring using any
drilling rig shall be done. In addition, water shall also be used to allow smooth penetration of
the vibrator.
Uniformly graded crushed aggregates of size ranging from 50 mm to 12 mm is generally
used without running the risk of blocking the stone tube. The stone is supplied to the tip of
the vibrator through the stone tube with the assistance of compressed air. With a charge of
aggregates filling the stone tube and the air compressor on, the vibrator is pushed into the
ground. Upon reaching the designed depth, the vibrator is retracted 0.5 to 1.0m (depending
on the surrounding soil), and the pressurized stone tube forces the aggregates to exit and fill
the void created.

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Method statement for installation of vibro stone columns using dry bottom feed method
The vibrator is then re-penetrated into the filled space, compacting and compressing the
aggregates into the surrounding soil. The building process then comprises of the up and
down movement of the vibrator until the aggregates in the stone tube are exhausted, after
which another charge of aggregates is loaded into the stone tube and the building process
continues up to the ground surface. To ensure an adequate supply of stone for the building
process, wheel loaders are used to continually feed the material from stockpiles on the site.

4.3 Installed stone columns

Upon completion of the installation process, a compacted column of stone is left in the
ground, surrounded by a soil/stone matrix of increased density. The stone column and the in-
situ soil form an integrated system having low compressibility and high shear strength. The
excess pore water pressure can dissipate through the stone column, which also acts as a
vertical drain. The settlement expected for the treated soil is reduced while the rate of
settlement is increased when compared with the untreated soils.
The degree of improvement (settlement reduction and increased shear strength) achieved by
the dry vibro stone column process depends on the soils being treated, the diameter of stone
column installed and the installation spacing. Stone column points may be arranged to
accommodate varying combinations of load and foundation configurations. The spacing
between the stone columns is determined in accordance with the design criteria and the in-
situ soil conditions.

4.4 Quality Assurance /Quality Control

In the execution of vibro stone column works, quality is assured by implementing various
measures at different stages. These are:
• During construction- Monitoring and recording of process parameters
• After construction- Testing by means of load tests
During Construction:
The monitoring of each stone column is performed using an automated computerized
recording device. This instrument yields a computer record of the installation process in a
continuous graphical mode, plotting depth versus time and power consumption versus time.
The information provided includes:
- Stone column reference number
- Date of installation
- Start and finish times of installation
- Period required for installation
- Maximum depth
- Compaction effort during penetration and compaction process
The M4 graph printout is the main quality control tool during the installation process. Typical
printout is shown in Figure 3.

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Method statement for installation of vibro stone columns using dry bottom feed method

Figure 3: Typical M4 graph (Dry bottom feed method)

To summarize the daily work carried out, a vibro stone column daily record (Figure 4) is filled
in and dully signed by the main-contractors and specialist’s representatives, and this will
form a basis for quantity measurement and progress claim.
The computerized M4 recorder is preferred and offers significant advantages over the
traditional manual recording. It is however recognized that due to the inherent sensitivity of
electronic equipment working in harsh site conditions, electronic equipment is equipment to
fail on occasions with manual recording carried out in the event of electronic failure.
After Construction:
Load tests are the best way to assess the improved soil quality. The size of the test pad and
the magnitude of the test load can vary according to the vibro stone column layout, treatment
depth, load and type of structure. Load test is conducted either on a single column or a group
of columns. A separate method statement will be submitted for explaining about the
procedure of load test on stone columns.

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Method statement for installation of vibro stone columns using dry bottom feed method

Figure 4: Typical Daily Field Record Format

4.5 Quality check for stone aggregate
The following controls will be adopted there to maintain good quality of stone used for the
vibro stone column works:
Table 3: Stone specification for dry bottom feed method
Test Standard Criteria Frequency
Crushing Strength IS 2386 (Part IV):1963 < 30 %
5000 cum/every
Aggregate Impact
IS 2386 (Part IV):1963 < 30% change of
Value
source.
Flakiness Index IS 2386 (Part I):1963 < 30%

The individual stones should be chemically inert, hard and resistant to breakage. Based on
the experience, well graded stones of size ranging from 50 mm to 12 mm will be used for the
construction of vibro stone columns. This helps in the increase of permeability of the built
column. The specification for stone aggregate required for stone column installation shall be
as per following Figure 5 & Table 4.

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Method statement for installation of vibro stone columns using dry bottom feed method

Grading Envelope for Virbo Replacement (Virbo Stone Column)

Dry Bottom Feed Method
100

90

80

70

60
% Passing

50

40

30

20

10

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Particle Size [mm] Upper Limit Lower Limit Series3

Figure 5: Gradation Curve for Stone Specification (Dry Bottom Feed Method)

Table 4: Grading of Aggregate

SI. Stone Specifications

Sieve Sizes (mm)
No. Upper Lower
1 50 100 100
2 37.5 100 95
3 25 70 50
4 20 30 10
5 12 2 0

4.6 Risk Assessment

As a minimum, the following in-house safety rules shall be followed at the site to
control risk:
1. Minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety helmet, safety shoes and
reflective vest.
2. Safety induction program for newly joined workers.
3. Toolbox Meeting: Conducted at regular intervals with attendance compulsory for all
the workers on site.
4. Keep the worksite clean and tidy
5. Stay clear of suspended loads.
6. Smoke only in the designated “Smoking Zone”.

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Method statement for installation of vibro stone columns using dry bottom feed method
7. Only trained and authorized persons are to operate and connect generators and
distribution boxes.
8. Only trained and authorized persons are to operate cranes, wheel loaders and other
machinery.
9. Only welders are to carry out gas-cutting and welding works.
10. Safety rules prominently displayed on site an included in the site safety induction
for new workers.

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