Of the various ground improvement techniques available in the UK, vibro techniques employing vibroflots (vibrating pokers) to construct (vibro) stone columns are the most commonly used and have been applied in the UK since the 1950 's. Introduction of the vibro stone column technique permitted the application of vibro techniques to a much wider range of soil types. As the soil conditions have a large influence on the result, stone column techniques require an appropriate level of site and ground investigation to permit satisfactory geotechnical characterisation of the soil profile and in turn performance prediction. An understanding of where the differing stone column techniques work and how, to ensure correct and appropriate application, together with consideration of the most appropriate design approach, are essential, as are quality control and monitoring procedures during stone column installation, to ensure successful implementation and performance. Vibro stone column techniques permit the adoption of relatively simple shallow foundations and ground bearing floor slabs. Furthermore, they can also provide significant sustainability advantages in comparison to more traditional deep foundation methods and techniques. Discussion of these aspects together with experiences and recent research activity, from a UK perspective, is provided.
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