Soil Failure Mechanisms

Soil failure mechanisms should be studied in order to design and construct safe structures. Once we recognized the possible failure modes, we can take preventive and remedial measures. In this article you will learn about the failure of foundation, its causes and consequences. Signs of foundation issues In simple word when the foundation fails to […]

Aggregate Piers

Aggregate piers are columns made of stone to increase the bearing capacity of the soil mass and to improve its stability. To reach a high performance, different patterns are designed regrading technical and numerical considerations. This technic is a cost-effective solution to reduce the settlement of footings. To construct them, the ground is drilled according […]

Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD)

Introduction In almost all projects which are constructed on compressible, saturated soils, excessive settlement is a problematic issue to deal with. Drainage, can be an effective solution to reduce the soil settlement. Vertical and horizontal drains can be constructed in site, or alternatively manufactured. Obviously using prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) can budget the time and […]

Soil Permeability

All porous materials allow water and other fluids to pass through the voids between particles. This feature is called permeability, and the material is  permeable substance. Sand and gravels are good examples of permeable soils, while clay has a very low permeability. in some cases, such as drainage systems, soil permeability can be used in […]

Geomembrane and how to implement it?

Introduction Geomembrane is a liner with very low permeability installed to control fluid migration. It is usually made of polymeric sheets, however other materials can be used to fabricate it. This material is widely used in different projects such as waste disposal sites, bottom sealing and soil protection. Geomembrane Designing procedure Placement of geomembrane requires […]