COMPACTION IN DEPTH BY MEANS OF VIBROFLOTATION

The method of vibroflotation is described as a solution for the compaction in depth of soft soils, which can be used for various purposes: increase in bearing capacity, modification of the permeability of a layer, densification in order to produce Anchorage zones, stabilisation of slopes, etc. Two types of of application are distinguished, according to whether the soil is granular or cohesive. The effect of compaction on sands can be studied by means of penetrometer tests. Several tests carried out with that object in view are described, relating to resistance to penetration at differing depths and the relative density of the sand recorded after compaction. In clayey soils, the control improvement in the soil was controlled by means of plate bearing tests. A bearing capacity of more than 6 times that of the untreated soil having been registered. Tests carried out both in Spain and in other European countries are cited as examples. /TRRL/