Treatment of Liquefiable Ground by Resonant Compaction Using a Crisscross-Shaped Probe. Case Study at the Huaiyan Highway Site

Abstract

The resonant compaction method using a crisscross-shaped probe was implemented in highway engineering projects for eliminating liquefaction in the east coastal region of China. To evaluate the compaction effectiveness in the treatment of liquefiable sand deposits with clay lenses, seismic piezocone tests (SCPTUs) and standard penetration tests (SPTs) were performed, as well as excess pore water pressure measurements. The results showed that the cone stress, sleeve friction, shear wave velocity and SPT blows increased due to vibratory compaction, and the soil liquefiable potential was eliminated. The execution of projects was highly efficient due to the simple compaction procedure and the quick dissipation of excess pore water pressure. However, the existence of a clay lens reduced the compaction effectiveness, particularly the development of SPT blows. Nevertheless, the resonant compaction method was still applicable for the treatment of soils with low to mild liquefaction levels and provided an alternative soil liquefaction countermeasure with remarkable benefits in efficiency and convenience.