GROUND IMPROVEMENT THROUGH INTRODUCTION OF VERTICAL BAMBOO ELEMENTS

Abstract

The ground improvement techniques are now sufficiently well developed to transform a weak soil into strata of desired strength and compressibility. The use of small diameter inserts have been found to be a practical and technically correct ground improvement method. The lightly loaded building foundation distress or failure problem has existed throughout the world for centuries. The use of cheap, locally available natural reinforcing elements can offer substantial economies over conventional techniques. The method can be used for strengthening the foundation soil by these elements or to provide additional strength subsequent to construction. Such method can have varied application in village Geotechnology. The present investigation presents the laboratory 3-dimensional model tests using square footing on a sand bed reinforced with vertical bamboo elements. Reinforcements are used at the periphery and beyond the edge of footing. The effect of spacing and extent of reinforcement from the centre of footing on bearing capacity and settlement are studied. The roughness effect is also studied. Sand was deposited by rainfall technique at 1.5 gm/cc density. In the tests, loads, settlements were measured. Computations, plot analysis, results and conclusions have been presented in this report. The spacing of reinforcement is a very sensitive parameter in effecting improvement in sand subgrade. The advantage of using increased extent of reinforcement is significant for small spacing of reinforcement. The roughness of the bamboo elements is also a influencing parameter in improving the sand subgrade.