Ground Improvement Tines for Deep Soil Densification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for improving soil strength and stiffness, such as deep dynamic compaction and aggregate column installations, are either costly, induce damaging vibrations, or are limited to specific soil conditions and shallow treatment depths, failing to effectively address the needs of structures on soft, loose, or weak soils.
Innovation Solution
A device with a top plate and vertically extending tines, shaped and oriented to displace soil downward and radially outward, allowing for deep soil densification without filling holes between tamping passes, using flowable media to fill voids and enhance soil stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If deep dynamic compaction is used to compact soil, then soil density is improved, but large damaging waves are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the compaction function into multiple segments: (1) tines that displace soil downward and radially outward to create densification, (2) separate flowable media injection through hollow tines to fill voids. This segmentation allows soil improvement without the single-point impact that generates damaging waves in traditional dynamic compaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces flowable media (sand, gravel, grout, or concrete) as an intermediary substance injected through hollow tines into the soil voids. This mediator fills the spaces created by tine withdrawal, providing continuous reinforcement without requiring repeated impact blows that generate harmful waves.
2Strength
If aggregate columns are installed to reinforce soft soils, then soil strength is improved, but treatment is limited to shallow depths
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamically adjustable tine lengths that can be extended or retracted based on the required treatment depth. The hydraulic or mechanical extension mechanism allows the same device to treat both shallow and deep soil conditions, overcoming the fixed-depth limitation of traditional aggregate column methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions in one system: (1) soil displacement and densification through tines, (2) void filling through hollow tine injection, (3) adjustable depth control. This multi-functionality allows the device to treat a wide range of soil conditions and depths, unlike specialized methods limited to specific applications.
3Stability of the object's composition
If holes are filled between tamping passes to maintain stability, then sidewall collapse is prevented, but construction time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains continuous useful action by keeping tines in the ground between passes and using the hollow tine system to inject flowable media that prevents sidewall collapse. This eliminates the need to withdraw and refill holes between passes, maintaining both stability and operational continuity throughout the treatment process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves significant soil densification and stability improvements to greater depths than existing methods, with increased CPT tip resistances and efficient soil reinforcement, reducing settlement risks and construction time.
Implementation Method 1
a top plate having a first surface configured for having a driving device attached thereto to provide impact thereon
Implementation Method 2
filling voids made by the device with flowable media such as, for example, sand, gravel, recycled materials, waste materials, tire chips, grout, or concrete
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve soil densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.