Method of compacted stone column construction

Abstract

Compacted granular or stone columns are constructed in soil to increase the load-bearing capacities or drainage capabilities of the native soil. A vibratory probe is penetrated down into the soil to the desired depth. As the probe is incrementally withdrawn, the cavity is filled with granular material that is compacted in place by the probe. Granular material is transported directly to the tip of the probe through a transfer pipe running along the length of the probe. A material container located at the top of the probe mechanism contains the granular material that feeds the transfer pipe. The rate and quantity of flow of the granular material from the material container is visually monitored in real-time by the operator on a closed-circuit television monitor so that the construction process can continue uninterrupted and the operator can adjust the contents of the material container according to the in situ soil response.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.