Volume 13, No. 2, 2019
Received: 2019/03/14, Accepted:
Authors:
Kenan Hazirbaba; Omer Mughieda;
Abstract:
A feasibility study was conducted to assess various ground improvement alternatives and their implementation during site reclamation for the construction of a petrochemical plant on a highly compressible ground. The plan dimensions of the offshore area to be reclaimed were approximately 675 m by 265 m. The ground improvement alternatives included: excavation of the clay layer and replacing it with sand fill; deep soil mixing; jet grouting; prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) with preload fill; and sand drains with preload fill. In addition, vibrocompaction and deep dynamic compaction methods were considered for densifying the new fill to be placed below water level in the case of excavating and replacing the soft clay layer. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ground improvement measures that could be used to limit future settlements of the portion of
reclamation area where critical structures of the plant will be constructed. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of each alternative were evaluated and analyzed. Additionally, cost and schedule analyses were performed to determine the suitability of each ground improvement method. Excavation and replacement approach was found to be the most expensive option, while PVDs with preload fill method was shown to be the least costly ground improvement alternative.
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