Tine Array Ground Improvement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for improving soil strength and stiffness, such as deep dynamic compaction and ground reinforcement with aggregate columns, 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, having a length to spacing ratio greater than one, is driven into the ground to displace soil downward and radially outward, creating cavities that can be filled with flowable media, allowing for deeper and more extensive soil improvement without the need for frequent filling and minimizing vibration impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If deep dynamic compaction is used to compact soil, then soil strength and stiffness are improved, but large damaging waves are induced that can harm structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the soil treatment into multiple discrete zones using an array of individually driven tines or probes spaced apart from each other. Each tine creates a separate treatment zone, allowing controlled soil displacement and compaction in localized areas rather than applying global dynamic compaction that generates harmful waves across the entire site.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different treatment intensities and methods to different locations based on local soil conditions and structural requirements. The tines are strategically positioned and driven to specific depths to create localized zones of improved soil strength directly beneath and around the structure, rather than uniformly treating the entire soil profile.
2Stability of the object's composition
If deep dynamic compaction is applied to treat soil, then soil compaction is achieved, but the method is only applicable to a small band of soil gradations and not suitable for materials with fine-sized particles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a multi-functional tine array system that can adapt to various soil types and gradations. The tines can be configured with different lengths, diameters, and spacing patterns to suit different soil conditions, making the system universally applicable to cohesive, cohesionless, and semi-cohesive soils including those with fine-sized particles, rather than being limited to a narrow range of soil gradations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters including tine length, spacing, and driving depth based on real-time soil conditions and gradation characteristics. This flexibility enables the system to adapt its compaction mechanism to different soil types, from coarse-grained materials to fine-sized particles, achieving effective compaction across a wide spectrum of soil gradations.
3Strength
If aggregate columns are used to reinforce soft soil layers, then structure support is provided, but the method is limited to shallow treatment depths required for improvement below pavements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from shallow surface-level aggregate column placement to deep vertical tine penetration, treating soil at significant depths beneath the surface. The tines are driven deep into the ground profile to create reinforcement zones that extend well below the pavement level, addressing the need for deep foundation support rather than limited shallow improvement.
4Strength
If conventional earthwork methods are used to excavate and replace soft soils, then soil replacement is achieved, but the method is costly when performed in urban areas and may require costly dewatering or shoring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful element (soft, weak soil) from the foundation zone and replaces it with improved soil material. The tine array creates cavities and voids that are then filled with appropriate fill material, effectively extracting the problematic soil layer and replacing it with engineered material that provides the required strength and stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces flowable media such as grout, concrete, or engineered fill as an intermediary material that is injected through the tines into the treated zones. This intermediary material serves as a bonding agent and structural reinforcement, filling the cavities created by the tines and providing a stable foundation without requiring expensive excavation and replacement operations.
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 method significantly increases soil strength and stiffness, as demonstrated by Cone Penetration Test results, achieving 5- to 7-fold improvements in tip resistance within the treated depth and extending improvements to twice the width of the top plate below the maximum tine penetration, while being more efficient and applicable to a wide range of soil conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a driving device attached thereto to provide impact thereon
Implementation Method 2
the tines being shaped, spaced, and oriented relative to each other in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. 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 densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.