Sustainability Approaches in Ground Improvement Measures

This paper presents an overview of sustainability approaches followed in ground improvement techniques. A review on research works performed in ground improvement techniques such as solar prefabricated vertical drains and microbial induced partial saturation and the way these techniques promotes the global sustainability. The tools used for evaluating the sustainability applicable to ground improvement are discussed and a comprehensive review is done for the research studies performed in ground improvement which contributes to the sustainable development. Accordingly, multi criteria-based sustainability evaluation framework consisting of Environmental Impact Assessment, Life Cycle Cost and Life Cycle Assessment was reviewed and its contribution towards global sustainability was presented. By estimating sustainability index through detailed sustainable assessment and evaluation, new and innovative ground improvement measures can be developed which enable global sustainability and eco-friendly geotechnical engineering. Also in this paper, the sustainable ground improvement developments in India and abroad are presented through available case studies.