A Case Study on the Sand Compaction Pile(SCP) at Pusan Newport Project in Korea

Abstract

A sand compaction pile is a construction method used to improve the ground through the increase of bearing capacity, which is achieved by improving loose sandy soils or accelerating the consolidation of soft clay soils. Within the country this method of improvement, however, has been designed at high area replacement ratios – commonly, area replacement ratio of over 70% - without regard to in-situ conditions and load conditions. In addition, most analysis has been done based on equal strain conditions. The current high area replacement ratios and design conditions, which do not adequately reflect site conditions, should undergo improvement in order to take a measure to meet the shortage of sand-resources in the future and seek technical improvement in design and construction. More reasonable and realistic guidelines for design are also required so that optimum area replacement ratios can be determined according to the purposes of the ground improvement. Therefore laboratory tests, generally focusing on low area replacement ratios (30-50%), have been carried out, and a reciprocal action between sand compaction piles and clay soils and the variation tendency of stress distribution ratios have been analyzed in the study. Then the behavior of sand compaction pile installed ground and considerations to be taken when installing piles have been presented through the domestic case studies.