The broadest meaning of soil improvement is the change in any property of a rock or soil to improve engineering performance. This can be a permanent or temporary measure to improve the soil.
There are many techniques for improving the soil to increase strength, reduce permeability, reduce compressibility, or alter the condition of groundwater. Furthermore, if there is any problematic situation in the foundation of the pre-existing structures, then a foundation treatment, that is, in situ, can be used for the rehabilitation of the structure. The different techniques involved for the maintenance of improvement facilities are called geotechnical processes.
Land improvement techniques can be classified according to the materials used, the nature of the process involvement, and the desired results. There are many techniques for soil improvement such as compaction, vertical drainage and pre-compression, drainage methods, vibration methods, injection and slurry, chemical stabilization and cementing of geosynthetics, and various other miscellaneous methods.
The following are the factors that you should consider when selecting the best method or technique:
1. Type of soil: As the type of soil changes, the methods to improve it change. For example, the best breeding technique for a clay soil may be different from that for an organic soil.
2. The load distribution and the type of structure also affect the selection of the best technique.
3. Soil properties such as compressibility, permeability, strength, and many other similar properties affect the decision.
4. Availability of equipment and skills play an important role in the selection.
5. The economy also plays a vital role in the selection.
6. Environmental conditions such as erosion, water pollution, and waste disposal play an important role in purpose.
Keeping these factors in mind can surely help in achieving the desirable technique for improving terrain.
