Skip to content

Publication

Ground improvement and building support: What is it and who is responsible?

Published in:
STRUCTURE magazine

Authors:
Damian R. Siebert, P.E. and Steven R. Kraemer, P.E.

Synopsis:
There is increasing use of cylindrical inclusions for ground improvement (GI) to allow spread footing foundations and building support in otherwise unsuitable bearing soils. GI for settlement control has been successful historically, but that is not an adequate basis for assuming bearing capacity. Quality assurance is particularly challenging because of naming confusion in the industry, as well as a lack of clear responsibility among the engineers and architects involved. This article recognizes GI’s benefits but also calls for further attention to its associated risks.

Download the PDF on the STRUCTURE website.