Which method is least effective in addressing postconstruction settlement of highly compressible clay soils?

Which method is least effective in addressing postconstruction settlement of highly compressible clay soils?

• A. Vibroflotation
• B. Dynamic compaction
• C. Blasting
• D. Precompression

Answer: (C)

The method identified as least effective for addressing postconstruction settlement of highly compressible clay soils is blasting. This approach primarily involves the use of explosive charges to achieve soil densification or to create space in the ground. While blasting can indeed lead to short-term changes in soil structure, it is not specifically designed to improve the long-term stability or reduce settlement issues in compressible clay soils. These soils typically experience significant settlement over time due to their high plasticity and low shear strength, especially when loaded. Other methods like vibroflotation, dynamic compaction, and precompression are tailored for better performance in such settings. Vibroflotation utilizes vibratory equipment to densify soil by rearranging particles, effectively reducing void spaces. Dynamic compaction involves dropping heavy weights onto the ground to increase density and reduce compressible layers, making it effective for addressing settlement. Precompression involves applying additional load to the soil before construction to expedite settlement, reducing future postconstruction settlement. In contrast, blasting lacks the specific mechanisms needed to improve the structural integrity of compressible clays, making it an unsuitable choice for mitigating settlement issues effectively in these conditions.

The method identified as least effective for addressing postconstruction settlement of highly compressible clay soils is blasting. This approach primarily involves the use of explosive charges to achieve soil densification or to create space in the ground. While blasting can indeed lead to short-term changes in soil structure, it is not specifically designed to improve the long-term stability or reduce settlement issues in compressible clay soils.

These soils typically experience significant settlement over time due to their high plasticity and low shear strength, especially when loaded. Other methods like vibroflotation, dynamic compaction, and precompression are tailored for better performance in such settings.

Vibroflotation utilizes vibratory equipment to densify soil by rearranging particles, effectively reducing void spaces. Dynamic compaction involves dropping heavy weights onto the ground to increase density and reduce compressible layers, making it effective for addressing settlement. Precompression involves applying additional load to the soil before construction to expedite settlement, reducing future postconstruction settlement.

In contrast, blasting lacks the specific mechanisms needed to improve the structural integrity of compressible clays, making it an unsuitable choice for mitigating settlement issues effectively in these conditions.