Patent ID: 6354766
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: E02D,E21B

Abstract:
A method of constructing a short aggregate pier in a soil matrix comprising, in combination, the steps of:a) forming a cavity in the soil matrix by withdrawing material from the soil matrix to form the cavity; b) at least partially filling the cavity with successive lifts of aggregate, at least some of said lifts being compacted in serial order as the said lift is filled into the cavity to thereby form a short aggregate pier in the cavity comprised of multiple lifts at least some of which are compacted subsequent to their placement in the cavity and prior to placement of further lifts thereon; and c) loading the totality of lifts comprising the aggregate pier subsequent to the placement and compaction of the separate lifts and subsequent to formation of the total pier, and prior to placement of a structure on the pier by placing a post pier construction load comprising a loaded plate on the uppermost lift to effect at least partially irreversible compression of the pier and at least partially irreversible strain of the soil matrix adjacent the pier.