Ground Improvement by Jet Grout Columns for the Foundations of an Automobile Plant in Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review the performance of jet grouting after the Kocaeli Earthquake and to discuss the quality assurance during production. The jet grouting technique was implemented for soil improvement under several structures at the Ford Automobile Plant. The plant's production facilities have been in operation since April 2001 in Golcuk, Kocaeli, Turkey. The structures and their foundations were thoroughly checked and evaluated after the Kocaeli Earthquake on August 17, 1999. The earthquake epicenter was only 1 km away from the site. At the time of the earthquake, 90% of the foundation works were completed. An extensive testing and investigation program was adopted after the earthquake to verify the performance of the jet grouted system and to reassess the soil conditions. It was then decided to proceed with the construction in January 2000, with certain foundation design revisions.