In the heart of modern urban development, where skyscrapers touch the clouds and underground parking lots sprawl beneath, a silent battle rages against the very ground on which these structures stand. The challenge? Building on loose, compressible soils that threaten the stability of our towering ambitions. Enter Vladimir Krysan, a geotechnical engineer from «Geoprotect» LLC, who has been pioneering a solution that could redefine how we approach high-rise construction.
Krysan and his team have been working on a method to strengthen the base of slab foundations using soil-cement elements. Their recent study, published in the ‘Collection of Scientific Works: Series: Industrial Engineering, Construction’ (a Ukrainian journal), delves into the geotechnical conditions of modern high-rise construction sites, particularly those with loose soils and eolian-deluvial deposits.
The problem is not new, but the solution is. Krysan explains, “The territory is flooded, and loose soils lie up to a depth of 2.2 meters. Below that, we have eolian-deluvial deposits with a deformation modulus of just 5…7 MPa. This poses a significant challenge for construction.”
The team’s innovative approach involves using the drilling-mixing method to place soil-cement elements beneath the slab foundation. This technique not only strengthens the base but also mitigates settlement issues, a common problem in high-rise construction.
The results of their tests on soil-cement samples are promising. Krysan notes, “The uniaxial compression tests showed that the soil-cement elements significantly improved the load-bearing capacity of the ground base.” This means that buildings can be constructed safely and efficiently, even on problematic soils.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. As cities expand and energy infrastructure grows, the need for stable foundations becomes paramount. Krysan’s method could reduce construction costs, minimize delays, and enhance the safety of energy facilities.
Looking ahead, this research could shape future developments in the field. Krysan envisions a future where soil-cement elements are a standard part of high-rise construction. “This method could be a game-changer,” he says. “It’s cost-effective, efficient, and most importantly, it works.”
As we continue to push the boundaries of urban development, Krysan’s work serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most innovative solutions come from looking beneath our feet. His research, published in the ‘Collection of Scientific Works: Series: Industrial Engineering, Construction,’ offers a glimpse into the future of geotechnical engineering, where the ground beneath our feet is not just a challenge, but an opportunity.