Geotechnical Investigation and Improvement of Ground Conditions covers practical information on ground improvement and site investigation, considering rock properties and engineering geology and its relation to construction. The book covers geotechnical investigation for construction projects, including classic case studies with geotechnical significance. Additional sections cover soil compaction, soil stabilization, drainage and dewatering, grouting methods, the stone column method, geotextiles, fabrics and earth reinforcement, miscellaneous methods and tools for ground improvement, geotechnical investigation for construction projects, and forensic geotechnical engineering. Final sections present a series of site-specific case studies.

Shear and compression wave velocities have been demonstrated to be quite useful for determining basic engineering properties of the soil mass by earlier researchers. To achieve this, resonant column, cyclic triaxial and tortional shear tests have been employed. However, these methods are not only quite elaborate and expensive but require skilled manpower, are cumbersome and time consuming. This calls for development of an alternate methodology that can be employed for characterizing the soil mass, which is not very intricate and is cost-effective. In this situation, usage of piezoceramic elements seems to be a good option. With this in view, an attempt has been made to develop a simple and cost-effective methodology for measuring these parameters in different types of soils, compacted to different compaction states. The suitability of the methodology has been demonstrated for characterization of the soil mass for engineering purpose.