Development of Muscat International Airport

Sultanate of Oman

Ground Improvement with Stone Column

Method of Construction
January 14, 2009

Kaskta A..

1.

Introduction
This work shall consist of construction of stone columns being part of the ground
improvement works to treat the in-situ soils beneath part of the access roads and high
embankment areas as well as Sultan Qaboos Interchange and Distributor Interchange. The
objective is to improve the stability of embankments, to increase the rate of settlement and to
reduce long term settlements and to mitigate the risk of seismic induced liquefaction. Ground
treatment work shall be carried out by the dry bottom feed stone column method.

2.

3.

Machinery / Equipment (per set)

Soilmec SR 40

: 1 no

PTC Vibrolance 140HR

: 1 no

Atlas Copco XAHS 285

: 1 no.

Welding Machines

: 1 no.

Construction Method
The stone column locations will be arranged so as to accommodate varying combinations of
loads and foundation configurations. The configuration of the columns will be subjected to
change depending on foundation load and local soil conditions and in accordance to the
Engineers design. The nominal stone column diameter is 850 mm. However, the column
diameter depends on the existing soil conditions. The diameter is larger when the soil is looser
and softer.

4.

Sequence of Works:
Immediately before treatment, each treatment position (stone column) shall be marked by the
contractor with suitable identifiable marker pins.

After the site is leveled and compacted at working platform level, stone column locations
will be staked out.

The probe is positioned at the selected stone column location. Air is used to aid initial
penetration of the probe and to facilitate movement of the gravel through the tube to the
probe tip (Fig.1, Fig.2) . Upon reaching the design depth, the charging material of coarse
gravel and/or crushed stone is added from the top and conveyed to the tip of the probe
using an eccentric tube attached adjacent to the probe. Then, the probe gradually raised,
compacting the ground as it is withdrawn. The probe is raised in stages while a pressure
is attained. (Fig.3 to Fig.5)

During the compaction process, an electronic measuring device shall be used in order to
collect and control the compaction data. (such as; pressure, depth, time)

A high modulus stone column of 850 mm nominal diameter is formed. (Fig.6)

A daily report for each stone column will be prepared and submitted daily. The records
shall comprise the following information for each stone column:

5.

Stone column number, location,

The installation date,

Amount of charging materials used,

Details of obstructions, delays and any unusual ground conditions.

Quality Control Program

5.1. Trial Parameter Tests

The trial test shall be conducted in accordance to the Clause T Testing : Field Verification of
2700 Stone Column Special Specification. The objectives of the Trial Installation are to:

Verify the installation process, including duration of probe penetration and time required
to construct vibro-compacted stone columns.

Modify the installation process, if necessary to achieve the specified compaction

parameters.

Determine the consumption of stone during column installation and the following
vibrocompaction, by measuring volume of consumed stone as a function of the depth of
probe.

Develop a production monitoring procedure, including documentation of stone volume

and compaction parameters (e.g. vibrator frequency, power consumption of vibrator) as
function of depth of vibrator during penetration and extraction.

Propose a production schedule for stone column installation, comprising the time
required to set up the equipment, complete the installation of the stone column, which
meet the specified compaction criteria, and moving the equipment to the next installation
point.

Establish criteria which can be used to assure that the required depth with respect to the
given penetration criteria have been achieved. For this purpose, CPTU tests shall be
performed.

5.2. Quality Control Tests

The following tests shall be carried out to verify the performance of the production stone
columns.

5.2.1. Stone Column Production Monitoring

During the compaction process, an electronic measuring device shall be used in order to
collect and monitor the actual compaction data (such as; pressure, depth, time) in real time.

5.2.2. CPTU tests

CPTU tests shall be carried out as follows in order to determine the extent of the treatment
area, the depth of treatment and to ensure that the required compaction effect in silt and sand
layers has been achieved.

5.2.2.1. Pre-Treatment CPTU Testing

Pre-treatment CPTU tests shall be carried out to determine the depth and extent of the
treatment/extent of the Stone Columns and in accordance to the Clause T.2.1.1. PreTreatment CPTU Testing of 2700 Stone Column Special Specification. The CPTU tests
shall be conducted in an approximate grid of 50 m by 50 m, i.e. approximately 1 no. of
CPTU test per every 2,500m2. The CPTU location shall be at the mid points between
installed columns and the locations shall be determined in consultation with the Engineer.

5.2.2.2. Post-Treatment CPTU Testing

In order to determine the post treatment properties of the soil, CPTU tests shall be carried out
at the mid points between stone columns approximately 4 weeks after installation and in
accordance to the Clause T.2.1.2. Post-Treatment CPTU Testing of 2700 Stone Column
Special Specification.. CPTU tests shall be carried out at locations to be determined by the
Engineer. 1 no. of CPTU test per every 2,500 m2 of improved area will be carried out.

5.2.3. Plate Load Tests

Plate load tests shall be carried out in order to verify the stiffness of the upper part of the
Stone Columns and in accordance to the Clause T.2.1.4. Plate Load Tests of 2700 Stone
Column Special Specification. A total of 20 no. of plate load tests shall be carried out in
general accordance with ASTM D1143 Quick Load Test Method at locations indicated by
the Engineer.

ISO 9001

METHOD STATEMENT FOR

BOTTOM FEED STONE COLUMN
003

Certificate No : FS 57945

Stone Tank

Stone Tank