VALUE ENGINEERING FOR FOUNDATIONS ON SOFT SOIL USING PRELOADING TECHNIQUE AND PILES

Abstract

The concept of value engineering has been recently applied with civil projects through finding out a lower cost alternative for a specific engineering problem, where the project performance function is preserved and both construction accessibility and structure safety are exerted. The efficient application of value engineering requires profound understanding of the encountered engineering problem and keen knowledge of different technical alternatives, construction techniques and associated costs. The soft clay is widely spread in some region in Egypt especially along the east north part on the Mediterranean Sea coast (e.g. Damietta, Portsaid and east Suez Canal) where a lot of mega projects are planned and some of them are already under construction. Constructions on soft and very soft clay deposits are usually addressed with problems of very low soil bearing capacity and large amount of long-term settlements. Piles foundations and soil improvement with or without preloading are two common alternatives that can be examined to provide serviceable and safe foundations on soft clay.