Introduction

Vibro-replacement is a ground improvement technique that can be used to transfer structural loads to
suitable levels in poor ground conditions. Another term that can be used for this technique is vibro stone
columns (VSC).

The effect of vibration consolidates and strengthens the ground, helping to stabilise granular soils that
would otherwise be unsuitable for construction.

It can be a cost-effective alternate method to piled foundations and grouting that can be used
for structures such as buildings, embankments, dams, tanks and towers. However, the sitemust be large
enough to accommodate and justify the plant that is required.

The amount of stone fill material must be carefully calculated to ensure that the process does not become
uneconomical compared with conventional piles which also have the advantage of having higher bearing
capacities.

Another similar method is vibro-compaction.

Technique

Vibro-replacement works by using a crane-suspended downhole vibrator to

construct stonecolumns through weak soils, improving their load-bearing and settlement capacities. The
vibrator is usually up to 4 metres long, although sometimes it may be necessary, if strata are particularly
dense, to pre-drill down to the design depth. There are two processes that can be used:

Dry process

Weak soil is penetrated to the desired depth and stone used to fill the cavity through a feed pipe attached
to the vibrator. The vibrator is then used to compact the stone and ensure it interlocks tightly with the
surrounding ground. Successive charges of stone are added and compacted to form a column that is built
up to ground level.

Wet process

Weak soil is penetrated to the design depth by means of the vibrations as well as water jetting from the
vibrator’s tip. The stone backfill is then inserted as the vibrator is removed and then used to compact
the stone. A water supply of 10,000-12,000 litres per rig hour is usually required for this method.
Both processes can be aided by computers on-board the rigs that monitor specific parameters, allowing
operators to respond quickly to any deviations that may occur.