Vibro-compaction for ground improvement
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Vibro-compaction is a ground improvement technique that can be used to transfer structural loads to suitable levels in poor ground conditions. The effect of vibration consolidates and strengthens the ground, helping to compact non-cohesive soils such as sand that would otherwise be unsuitable for construction. Since cohesive soils don’t respond to vibration, this process is not suitable for those ground conditions.
It can be a cost-effective alternative to piled foundations and grouting and can be used for structures such as buildings, embankments, dams, tanks, towers and so on. However, the site must be large enough to accommodate and justify the plant that is required. By consolidating loose sands before construction of raft foundations, this method may be more economical than piling.
Another similar method is vibro-replacement.
[edit] Technique
Vibro-compaction works by using a vibrator suspended from a crane to penetrate to the design depth. Water jetting is often used to aid penetration. The energy of the vibrations reduces the forces acting between the soil particles which allows them to become denser.
Once the depth has been achieved, the water pressure (if jets are used) is reduced and sand infill poured in from ground level around the vibrator, compacting at the base. As more infill is added and compacted the vibrator is gradually removed until the infill has been built up to ground level.
Vibro-compaction can be used in loose soils of up to 29 metres in depth, and enable shallow foundations to be built with bearing pressures of up to 500 kN/m2.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Driven piles.
- Geothermal pile foundations.
- Ground improvement techniques.
- Grouting in civil engineering.
- Micropiles.
- Pile foundations.
- Retaining walls.
- Screw piles.
- Soil compaction.
- Types of roller.
- Underpinning.
- Vibro-replacement.
[edit] External references
- ‘Introduction to Civil Engineering Construction’ (3rd ed.),HOLMES, R. (1995), The College of Estate Management
- Hayward Baker – Vibro-compaction
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.