Document Type
Patent
Publication Date
January 2010
Patent Number
7651302
Abstract
A method for increasing stiffness of bearing strata formed of soil, rock or other geomaterial includes the steps of injecting non-hardening pre-compression fluids, in the form of viscous non-hardening slurries that are pressurized beneath a foundation tip for extended periods of time, into the bearing strata to cause pre-compression of the bearing strata. This enhances end bearing capacity in poorly draining soils by providing more time to squeeze water from voids in the poorly draining soils. The bearing strata may also be mechanically pre-compressed. The non-hardening pre-compression fluids may be exchanged with grout to fill a void formed by cavity expansion and previously occupied by the non-hardening, pre-compression fluid. This grout is cured without external additional pressure. Grout may be used in lieu of non hardening pre-compression fluids to affect end bearing enhancement provided that external additional pressure is not applied to the grout while it cures.
Application Number
11/676,410
Recommended Citation
Mullins, Gray; Winters, Danny; Stokes, Mike; and Lewis, Christopher L., "Method of enhanced end bearing capacity via post construction preload/reload" (2010). USF Patents. 459.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/usf_patents/459
Assignees
University of South Florida
Filing Date
02/19/2007
Primary/U.S. Class
405/266