Soil Improvement and Excavations
Soil improvement encompasses a range of techniques and methods aimed at enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of soils for construction and infrastructure projects. This process is particularly crucial in areas with weak or unstable soils. Soil improvement can increase load-bearing capacity, reduce settlement, and enhance the stability of structures, thereby lowering construction and maintenance costs while mitigating potential hazards.
Various methods are available for soil improvement, including soil enhancement through piles, surface compaction, dynamic compaction, injection methods, thermal systems, additives, nailing and anchoring techniques, stone columns, preloading, and even the removal of unsuitable soil followed by replacement with desirable materials. The choice of efficient method depends on the specific soil type and environmental conditions.
Designing and managing land reclamation necessitates a thorough analysis of soil conditions to determine the most suitable reclamation method. This process typically involves soil mechanics testing, an examination of the area's geological characteristics, modeling and numerical analysis, and an assessment of the project's financial considerations to ensure the effectiveness of the chosen method. Ongoing quality control throughout the reclamation stages is essential and should be monitored through both field and laboratory tests.
Additionally, proper stabilization of deep excavations is critical in the construction of high-rise projects. Neglecting this aspect can lead to the collapse of excavation walls, excessive settlement, damage to adjacent structures, and even pose risks to life. The selection of methods for stabilizing urban-deep excavations depends on geological conditions, the type of structure, and the depth of the excavation. These methods may include retaining walls, lateral restraints, top-down excavation techniques, and nailing and anchoring systems. Retaining walls prevent soil from falling and resist lateral loads, while lateral restraints enhance structural strength by applying reverse pressure to the walls. Furthermore, anchoring systems can stabilize excavation walls against ground and groundwater pressures, providing an effective solution in this context. By carefully selecting and implementing these methods, the safety and stability of urban-deep excavations can be ensured.
As a prominent member of the Iranian Geotechnical Society with extensive experience in soil improvement projects, Abgeer stands out as one of the most active consulting engineering firms in this field. The company offers a range of services, including various design methods and oversight of the implementation of diverse land improvement techniques, as well as the stabilization of urban-deep excavation walls. Among its notable projects is the design and monitoring of the stabilization system for the Mojdeh project, Niavaran, Tehran.