Improving bearing capacity of weak soils: A review

Abstract

Weak soils, such as soft clay and loose sand, have a poor bearing capacity, making them incapable of bearing the load of superstructures that will be imposed on them. As a result, engineers must have a solution to the issue of poor bearing capacity in weak soils before embanking into building on them.   This paper reviewed the use of stone columns, piled rafts, and geogrids for improving the bearing capability of weak soils. Important findings from recent research are also discussed. From the review of the previous researcher’s findings, it was found that modelling approaches such as physical modelling (full scale, centrifuge, laboratory scale) and numerical modelling are used to study bearing capacity improvement.