Apart from the construction works we see around us, infrastructure strengthening procedures are applied. In order to get these, the stone column applications are used.
What is a Stone Column Application?
Stone columns are a soil improvement method used in solving soil problems such as consolidation on the ground, increasing slope stability and bearing capacity, liquefaction and settlement. In the manufacture of stone columns, wells with a diameter of 0.60-1.0 m and a maximum depth of 20 m are drilled into the ground using various methods. From the bottom of the well, granular material is placed at certain intervals and rigid columns are obtained by compressing each time. The stone column method can be applied on all kinds of grounds.
In its simplest form, stone column application can be explained as follows:
- Holes are drilled at regular intervals and diameters perpendicular to the floor.
- Stone material of certain diameters is filled gradually into the drilled holes.
- The material filled into the holes is compressed horizontally and vertically by the effect of vibration or impact.
Stone column application, which has many areas of use today, is a technique that is successfully applied against the liquefaction problem, which is the behavior under the effect of seismic force that occurs during an earthquake. On the other hand, stone column application can be used to increase soil consolidation, slope stability and bearing capacity, and reduce settlements.
Stone columns; It is applied in different diameters and depths for the purpose of improving loose, non-cohesive soils and soft, cohesive soils. It is preferred that the application process is fast and economical compared to other soil improvement methods.
Where are we?
Kinco K506-24DR PLC and MT4434TE HMI (Touch Panel) are used in this application. According to the sensor data from the field, the current depth and how long the process took place are checked. The user can see the distance of each step according to the type of head he uses while drilling the well and how deep it is according to the total step. The depth is reset to zero according to the area where it works in the field, and the measurement starts from this zero point.
Apart from the current depth, it is also permanently stored at the maximum descended depth. After the operator completes the process, he records the maximum depth and how long the process was done by pressing the record button.
The operator must name the wells he drilled during the day. With these names, folders are created in the USB Memory attached to the HMI and the data is saved as an Excel file. At the end of the day, the authorized manager receives these data via a USB memory and the working stages are checked. Thus, the quality of the work done is kept under constant control.