A Study on the Response of Coral Sand Foundations with Different Particle Gradations Reinforced Using a Vibroflotation Method

Vibroflotation has proven to be an effective method for treating loose and unevenly graded coral sand foundations formed through hydraulic filling. In this study, a series of model tests were conducted to investigate the effects of particle gradations on the response of coral sand foundation reinforced by vibroflotation. The main focus was on analyzing the changes in excess pore water pressure (EPWP) and horizontal earth pressure. Cone penetration tests (CPTs) were then used to evaluate the effectiveness of vibroflotation. The results indicate that the maximum settlement occurs after the first vibroflotation, with surface settlement significantly increasing as the distance to the vibro-point decreases. The reinforcement range expands radially, and the foundation can achieve a medium or dense state after vibroflotation. During the penetration stage, the EPWP rapidly peaks and increases with depth. Shallow foundations exhibit a higher excess pore pressure ratio compared to deep foundations. Foundations with lower coarse particle content show higher EPWPs compared to those with higher coarse particle content. Lower vibration frequency results in diminished reinforcement effects in foundations with high coarse particle content and increases the difficulty of penetration. Additionally, the residual soil pressure in foundations with high coarse particle content significantly rises after three vibroflotation reinforcements. The increase in strength after reinforcement is more pronounced because the foundation has a greater coarse particle content. The reinforcement effect diminishes with increasing distance from the vibrator.