Granular Column Stabilisation of a Variable Fill Reclamation

A Bulk Handing and Storage Facility has been constructed on a foundation of variable rock and clay fill, which formed an existing reclamation at Lascelles Wharf in Geelong, Victoria. Granular columns of compacted rock were used to improve the settlement and strength properties of the fill. It was demonstrated that this stabilisation was mainly achieved by densification of the existing fill rather than by the granular columns behaving like piles. Construction monitoring and testing was adopted, which enabled identification and additional stabilisation of the poorest areas of fill. The method proved to be successful and warrants consideration on other projects as means of stabilising variable fill.