Chapter 38 Use of explosion in soil improvement projects

Explosion has been used in several soil improvement methods in granular fill densification and in removing and replacing soft soil layer. These methods are briefly reviewed and discussed. A new method, the so-called explosive replacement method, is described. The new method uses energy of explosion to remove and replace soft clay with crushed stones. Explosive charges are placed in the soil to be improved according to a certain pattern. Crushed stones are piled up next to the area where charges are installed. The explosion creates cavities in the soil and causes the pile of crushed stones to slide into the exploded area. A case study on the use of this new method to the soil improvement works for a highway is present.