The Mastrbulder | August 2018 | wimasterbuiercain 1a GROUND IMPROVEMENT: CASE STUDY Ground Improvement Solutions to Mitigate Liquefaction: Case Studies "Techrieal Manager, Kller India !Managing Director, Keller Asia Abstract: There have been major advances accurred in the past, inunderstanding 2s wellas practicing of enginearing treatment of seismic sol liquefaction and assessment of seismic site re- sponce. While research on liquefaction continues, the geatach- nical engineering practice has developed various techniques for site improvernent that can mitigate the potential effects of liq- Lefacton. The first part ofthis paper address sail iquefacton and second part concentrates on the case histories where ground improvement methods using vitro techniques were implemented to mitigate liquefaction-induced damages in major inrastruc- ture projects Liquefaction is defined as the transformation ofa granu- lar material froma salidto@ liquefied state asa consequence of increased pore-water pressure and reduced effective stress. Liquefaction is one of the critical problems in geotechnical engineering. High ground water levels and alluvial sols have 2 high potential risk for damage due to Lquefaction, especially in seismically active regions, The most entical sal is fine sand with some silt content Evaluation of the Liquefaction Potential Fig. 1 Seismic Zone Map of nda Madan Kumar Annam', V. R. Raju? ‘large part of India lies in potentially hazardous earth- quake prone zones. A large portion of eastern, western and northeastern pat of the country comes under Zone Vand Zone IV Refer Fig. 11 The simplest and probably most reliable method to eval- vate the sol liquefaction potential is statistical analyses fromm the past history. For ths. the forces expected during aseismic event are compared with the forces that the subsoil under consideration can actually resist. Generally, the maximum surface acceleration on level ground is used as the charac- teristic value for the forces developed by an earthquake Estimation of two variables for evaluation of liquefaction resistance of soils is expressed in terms of Cylc Stress Ratio (CSR), the seismic demand on a sail layer and Cyciic Resis- tance Ratio (CRRI, the capacity ofthe soil to resist liquefac- tion. One of the most widely accepted and used SPT based correlations is the “deterministic” relationship propased by Seed, etal (1984, 1985] represented in Fig. 2 Seed and ldriss (1971) formulated the following equation for calculation of the Cyclic Stress Ratio: CSR= (8 Jo7,1= 06510, /all,/2, Ir, “TOI : § i, ~ i ie Sas é i, i hi TEE acne siti adios ' © i Bow Cu Pe Fig, 2ST Clean-Sand Base Cure for Magnitude 75 EarthquakesWhere... = peak horizontal acceleration at the ground surface gene’ated by the earthquake (discussed later: 9 = acceleration of grawty; ®, and «are total and effective vertical over burden stresses, respectively; and r, = stress reduction coefficient which accounts for flexibility ofthe soit profile, Seed and Idriss [2001] used the approximated equation for CRR for clean-sands that used 2 base curve and fing the following equation 1) (34-(N + {IN 195] + (507 (10N +45] Where Nj, is SPT N value projected for clean send obtained after Corrections on measured field SPT N value The above equation is valid for IN, ],<30. For IN,,>30, clean granular soils are too dense to liquefy and are classed as ron-liquefiable [Refer Seed and idriss 2001) Ground Improvement Techniques The liquefaction potential of weak deposits can be mit~ igated with ground improvement techniques such as vibro replacement (vibro stone columns} and vitro compaction. Thase techniques use vibratory energy to density loose soils at depth by backiilling. Principles of vibro replacernent and vibro compaction techniques are discussed in this paper. Deep Vibro Techniques Vibra technique offers the weak deposits to get compac- tion, drainage and increase in shear resistance. Fig. 3 shows transition zone of sols tends ta liquefiable and possible tech- riques of ground improvement with deep vibra compaction or replacerant. Ea] Fg. Aoplication ranges of the deep vibra techniques Vibro Compaction The basic principle behind the vibro compaction process: is that particles of non-cohesive soils can be rearranged into a denser state by means of vibration. Below ay Aker . Fig. 4 Schematic showing iro compaction tachrigue GROUND IMPROVEMENT: CASE STUDY Vibration is achieved by means of powerful vibrator at deeper depths. The vibrator is connected toa source of elec- tric power and.a high-pressure water pump, Extension tubes are added as necessary, depending on the treatment depth, and the whale assemblage is suspended from a crane, A Schematic showing Vibro Compaction technique is presented inFig.4. Vibro Replacement The statilization of weak deposits by displacing the soi radialy withthe help ofa depth vibrator, refling the result- ing space with granular material and compacting the same withthe vibrator is referred to as Vibro Replacement. Tre resulting matrix of compacted sol and stone columns hasimproved load bearing and settlement characteristics. A schematic showing the basic principle ofthe vibro replace ment technique, explained in Fig. 5. Keeping the site conditions in ‘view vibro stone columns can be installed ethar wat methed (top fee) or dry method lotto feed. Technically and func tionaly,vbro stone columns installed in both methods sane similar Density o! Soi Fig. 5 Schematic showing vibro replacement technique ‘The above ground improvement techniques were adopt- ced in various infrastructure projects to mitigate liquefaction potential across india, Few case studies of the executed projects falls under seismic Zone IV and V as per IS 1893 Part 1 [2002] are dis- cussed inthe following sections. Case Studies Power Plant at Goindwal Saheb, Punjab ‘A power plant of capacity 2x 270 MW coal based Thermal Power Plant was buit at Goindwal Sahib, near Amritsar, Punjab. Power plant structures such as Boiler, Eleciro Static Precipitatr (ESPI, Switch Yard, Power House Building, et. were planned as part of development of power plant Soil at this project site is primarily sandy silt / silty sand to about 1.5m to 2m depth, followed by fine sands with fines content of about 6% to the final explored depth of about 30m, The average SPT N value is 10 up to a depth dm to 6m from the existing ground level and SPT N value ranges fram 15 o 25, to depth of about 15m. Medium dense to dense sand layers, were encountered beyond 15m depth with SPT N values are generally> 25. ‘The existing natural sols fine sands) at the proposed site being loose were susceptible to liquefaction in an event ofan earthquake, Hence, Ground Improvement by Vibro Compaction os upyinioieuv| ghoz ening L2NguceH a4 onThe Mastrbulder | August 2018 | wimasterbuiercain 10 GROUND IMPROVEMENT: CASE STUDY Technique was proposed to mitigate liquefaction and to en- hance the bearing capacity Vibro Compaction for main works has been carried out toa depth of Bm, Fig, 6 Twin Vibrators inaction, Fig, 7 The difrence in tevls achieved [about Il asa result ef vibro compaction Post Cone Penetration Tests [CPTI were conducted after completion of the vibro compaction for various structures, as part of QA/GC procedures. Based on the analysis of the post CPT results, a Relative Density of more than 70% was. achieved. Pre and post cone resistance [Qc] values are shown, in Fig. 8 in which the target relative density is also presented ‘The targe relative density is evalvated based on correlations proposed by Schmertmann with respect to Qc. In addition to the above, 2nos plate load tests [20 Um? & dA tim'l were con- ducted at cooling tower | & Il area to assess the load vs set- tlement behavior of the improved ground for required safe bearing capacity of 10 t/m?. The plate load test results indi- cate that the settlements are less than 5mm in both cases. ASchool Building, Noida One af the reputed educational societies in Noida, Uttar Pradesh has propased to bulld a school bullding. The coitin- vestigation atthe proposed site revealed that loose to medium dense fine sand exists to a depth of 9m which is susceptible Cone resistance Qc [MN/sqm) iL: i. * i aaa ‘Depth (m} . Fig, 8 Pre and Post OPT results at ESP area to liquefaction. Since the project location falls under Seismic Zone IV, the require field SPT (Standard Penetration Test) shall be more than 20 [performance critaria requirement by the designer, to mitigate liquefaction and to achieve bearing capacity, Ground improvement technique using vibro compaction was proposed as treatment to mitigate liquefaction and to enhance the safe bearing capacity ofthe loose sand deposit {ill 9m depth below the existing ground level. ‘About three boreholes prior to and two boreholes after the ‘commencement of vbro compaction works were carried out in the project area to assess the effect of vibro compaction. It can be seen from Fig. 9 that the posttreatment SPT Nvalues (shown in discontinuous lines} are larger than the perfor- mance line confirming the effect ofthe ground improvement. Fig, 9 Graph showing performance ofvbro compactionThe Mastrbulder | August 2018 | wimasterbuiercain 182 GROUND IMPROVEMENT: CASE STUDY Load inersity vot ost 8 * eB De © Set © Fig, 10Graph showing Lead Intensity vs Sattleent Further, afield plateload test was also performed at ste to ‘assess bearing capacity ofthe treated graund. The observed settlements were within the acceptable limits for the applied load intensity as ilustrated in Fig. 10. Sewage Treatment Plant, Noida Greater Noida Development Authority was constructing 2 137 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Various structures such as Chlorination tanks, SBR basins, Air blower, Grit chambers etc. were proposed. The project lacation falls under seismic Zone IV, however as par the requirements of the Client the ground improvement techniques were adopted to satisty liquefaction effects of Zone V conditions ‘The soil profile comprise of silty sand layer of 3m to 4m thick with SPT N ranging from 6 to followed by fine, loose to ‘medium dance cand up to a depth of 1dm below the existing ‘ground level with SPT N ranging from 11 to 18. Aclayey silt silty clay layer was encountered up to 20 m depth with SPT N more than 20. (oad intensity of 10 tim to 15 Um? was anticipated due to various structures. The top soil layers up to 10m depth were susceptible to liquefaction, Fig. 11 Installation of vibro tone columns t ST, Noida Vibro Stone Columns were installed in triangular grids of cifferent spacing under strip and raft foundation to a depth cof 10m fram existing ground level to mitigate the liquefaction and ta enhance the bearing capacity. lavciety n) 2 5 o 8 = @ Fig 12Load Intensity vs, Settlement curv at STP, Noide A field plate load test was performed at site to assess bearing capacity ofthe treated ground, The observed settle- ‘ments were found within the acceptable limits forthe applied load intensity as shawn in Fig. 12 LNG Terminal, Hazira “Two liquefied natural gas storage tanks were construct- €edin Hazira LNG Terminal Project ofeach 8& min diameter and ‘witha fling level of approximately 35 m. The site is lacated at an estuary on the coast of the Khambhat Gul in india, ‘The subsoil profile at the projact site consists of loose to ‘medium dense silty sand up ta@ depth of 14 m belaw the ex- isting ground level. The upper 4 to 5 m was recently reclaimed ‘material, The fines content of the sand was in the range of 15% an average, sometimes slightly higher. Very dense sand with SPT > 50 was encountered below 16m from existing (ground level ‘peak ground acceleration (PGA of a~0.24g confirming to seismic Zone IV conditions were assumed in the design of ground improvement system. Analysis and design was car- ried out using the method stipulated by Priebe (1998) for the initial in-situ density conditions. Ground improvement using vibro replacement technique was adopted to mitigate lique- faction Vibro stone columnsiof 16 mlongwere installed ina square nid pattern, Adaitional strips of stone calurans were installed ~round the periphery ofthe tank to provide additional stabi tyto the treatment area in case of a seismic event, Pre and Post CPT at site on trial stone colurmns were carriad out. Posttreatment results showed a two-fold incraase inthe CPT values of the sand zones as shown in Fig. 13. Hydra tests were performed on the installed tanks and the expect- ed settlements were in the range of 120 mm, well within the Limits at the centre of tank under full tank load of 23.0 mtGROUND IMPROVEMENT: CASE STUDY umns [bottom-feed displacement method) was adopted to (CONE PENETRATION TEST ‘ensure required beering capacity to eliminate pile foundations. [raj Indien, the proposed ground improvement technique wae 0 8 10 15 __25| designed to mtgate the liquefaction potetia inthe event of ° ; earthquake = lessees tr a — a . 0 2 8 © 8 wo Mw ~ +2 4, = - fg, 15 Loo tensive Steen Cave a 6 4 2 0 Fritin Ratio (6) — Tort — Post average ——PreK01 /Pre 02 — FRIsiKio Post CPT ele. Z: +10:0M Fig. 10 Pre and Post OPT results Fig. 14 Tanks commissioned after successful Hyro Test and in oper: ation for ast years Power Plant in North Dethi ‘A gas based combined cycle power generating capacity of 108 MW was constructed at North Delhi. Main plant struc~ tures were proposed to be built on deep foundations where- as lightly loaded ancilary structures such as ciariloccula- tor, storage tanks, switchyard etc. loading intensity of about 10 tim*l was proposed to be placed on shallow foundations, The soit profile at the project site in general consists of loose to mecium dense sandy soils with N values ranging ‘between § and 10 to a depth of about 10 to 12m followed by dense sity sands /sandy silt (N> 15 o 30] to about 30m. This project site falls under Zone IV with peak ground accelera: tion of 0.24g, The native loose sandy soil deposits were sus: ceptible to liquefaction to a depth of about 10 to 12m below existing ground level Vibro replacement technique using dry vibro stone col- The proposed technique allowed fast construction in 2 congested site avoiding usage of water and subsequent muck removal, Single column plate load test was conducted on the installed dry vibro stone columns to a maximum load intensi ‘y 50 t/m@. Settlement under the ultimate test load was ob- served to be less than 16mm (Refer Fig 15 In zdkition to the technical performance and commercial benefits, an embodied CO, calculation showed an environ: ‘mental benef lower greenhouse gas emissions) ofthe Vibro stone column solution as show in Table 1. cee 667,516 i 2 ee meee [imamalie «[Fesseants® [os [a Total 1,269 T JT. Table 1 Embodiad Carbon Comparison Product Packaging Unit at Babrala, Uttar Pradesh Expansion of the existing Product Packaging Unit was Under development at Babrala, Uttar Pradesh. As part of ex pansion, various structures such as Canveyor Belts, MCC cum Control room and the Wagan Loading Platfarm were ta be constructed, The Solis atthe project site consisted of loose to medium dense sand with finas lacs than 10% to about 12 m depth from EGL with top 3.0 0 4.0m of clayey sill. The ground water table was encountered ata depth of 30 m irom EGL. The site 4ioeournwen| SLO ene piney eThe Mastrbulder | August 2018 | wimasterbuiercain 18 GROUND IMPROVEMENT: CASE STUDY ‘was prone to liquefaction during an event of earthquake as it falls under seismic Zone WV. Ground improvement using vibro compactionyvibro re- placement technique was propesed te mitigate the liquefac- tion potential ofthe soil to enhance sate bearing capacity of soil and reduce the estimated total and differential settle- ‘ment of the soil to a depth of 12m below EGL. Vibro stone columns were installed for conveyor belt foundations and the transfer towers. A combination vibro stone colurnas and vibro compaction has been used to sup- pport the foundations of MCC roam which is the most inter- esting aspect ofthe projec. ‘The vibro stone columns were constructed in the top 4m followed by vibro compaction up to 12m, An illustrative sketch is shawn in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 Sketch showing ground improvement with combination of ‘bro techniques at MGC Ror of te plant Plate load tests were performed over the treated area land results confirmed that the settlements at design loads ‘ere within the allowable limits, «4 ow 4 x so s ‘ Ratt hate 1 | iit} = ne er : 4 [Epagr ) rns | nerd x WAI ¢ Fig, 18Pre-and Post SPT comparison Post treatment CPTs' were also executed which proved ‘an average improvement of two folds in the Qe values and fof 10% relative dansity was achiaved, Also, past treatment SPTs showed a considerable improvement in SPT N values to about 2 to 3 times in the treated area as shown below in Fig. 18. Conclusions “The presence of tiustactin Sit des not mean that ane hes to abandon the at orto instal ep foundations Ineatmi 2one ath quelle sas, ground tnpreerent tocigue prones technically sundandenet flectvesclu- ton. Effet end economic solitons to poblan caused ipo at eee seeve eae ae ator condone, projet needs method capaites and eld testprogam eae Ne Ee cds have been successul used ta secs the required Geen aeAeee cee eee aT piaederau chaplain estes ooereeeeanle sured forms of ether lod tets oy the comparison of rents fpr and post ea investigation done st partular sts. References 1. ScedH.B, and aries, LM 2001. Simplified procedure for evaluating sai liquefaction potential J. Geotech Engineering. Di, ASCE 97, tae 2. Seed et.al (200), Recent advances in soil liqutaction engineering onfied and consistent ramenork 3, Prete, H.J 11995], The Design of Vibro Replacement, Ground Eng neering, Decernber 1995, 4 Priete, H. [1998], Vibro Replacement to Prevent Earthquake In- ‘duced Lavetaction, Ground Engineering, September 1998. 5, Rajuet. al 2010} Some Ervironrental Benefits of Dry Vibro Stone Columns in a Gas Based Power Pant Project, dan Geotechrical Conference, December 2010. +