Sabkha Soil Improvement Utilizing Stone Columns: A Case Study
Abdullah M. Medawi1, Hassan. A. Abas2
1Abdullah M. Medawi*, Department of Civil Engineering, Information Technology Infrastructure, Aramco Company, Saudi Arabia.
2Hassan. A. Abas, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Prince Mugrin University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia.
Manuscript received on 30 May 2022. | Revised Manuscript received on 01 June 2022. | Manuscript published on 30 July 2022 | PP: 29-35 | Volume-11 Issue-2, July 2022. | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijrte.B70660711222 | DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B7066.0711222
Open Access | Ethics and Policies | Cite | Mendeley | Indexing and Abstracting
© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: This paper discusses the ground improvement using stone columns for the construction of a new lattice communication tower in a gas plant in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The geotechnical investigation data collected at the project site revealed subsurface conditions of loose to very loose sabkha soil with low SPT and N values (< 4) between 2.7 m and 13 m depth. Depending on the design requirements, ground improvements must be considered under the foundation of lattice towers to operate reliably and safely. The study discusses geotechnical investigations, stone column construction methods, and verification or confirmation tests used to ensure the project's successful execution. The outcomes of this study indicate that stone columns can be utilized efficiently to enhance bearing capacity and reduce settlement beneath foundations constructed on sabkha soils.
Keywords: Sabkhah, Stones Columns, Ground Improvement
Scope of the Article: Soil-Structure Interaction