Ground improvement using granular piles

The Central Plain of Thailand is situated on a flat deltaic-marine deposit with north-south dimensions of about 300 km and an east-west width of about 200 km. The presence of thick deposits of soft Bangkok clay and the effects of ground subsidence due to excessive pumping of groundwater create foundation problems to earth structures and infrastructures especially at approach embankments (transition units) to bridges and viaducts. Basically, the problem lies in the occurrence of differential movements between the pile-supported bridges and viaducts and the ground-supported approach embankments. To mitigate such natural hazards, granular piles are proposed as the most appropriate and viable foundation treatment.