The project area is located close to major seismic sources that can produce intense ground shaking. The hydraulic land fill at the site are susceptible to liquefaction and lateral spreading. To mitigate these effects, ground improvement has been undertaken at the site.
While there are no clear legislative requirements for earthquake performance in Myanmar mainly in respect of ground performance, Tonkin & Taylor Consultant team used New Zealand Building Code, U.S building code and guidance documents which are used internationally.
Deep ground improvement will be undertaken along the river edge to mitigate damage from the lateral spreading to the entire development. Shallow (crust) ground improvement has been undertaken for the entire development area behind the deep ground improvement area on the river edge to mitigate damage from the liquefaction.
There are a number of Ground Improvement Techniques available for different types of soils, different purpose and project requirements. Among them, Vibro Compaction technique which is widely used in sectors that require stable ground in sandy soils, has been chosen to improve the soil deposit at the project area. This technique enables the rearrangement of soil particles into a denser configuration with vibration by the use of powerful downhole deep vibrating probes. Vibrocompaction technique has been use extensively in various projects worldwide since its development in the 1930s.
Increases the allowable bearing capacity of the soil
Mitigates the risk of liquefaction (to the design depth) in case of seismic events.
Reduces the size of foundation due to the reinforced ground
Relatively quick executive so subsequent structural works can follow very quickly
Environmentally-friendly as uses natural and in situ materials
Relatively quiet with low vibration
