Shallow ground improvement methods involving

Tensar TriAx Geogrids in accordance to MBIE

Guideline published April 2015 Version 3a

10 June 2015 Rev.1

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) latest published guidelines provides updated information on the use of ground improvement to mitigate
liquefaction-induced foundation damage. This version 3a of the guidelines published end of April 2015 incorporates the results of additional field trials in December 2013
commissioned by the Earthquake Commission (EQC), in conjunction with MBIE and other parties. Several shallow ground improvement methods to create a non-liquefiable
'crust' were subjected to blasting induced liquefaction and the performance accessed and measured.
The following table shows the type of shallow foundation improvement methods incorporating the use of Tensar TriAx Tx160 geogrids used during the trials1and their
reference to MBIE guide, Table 15.4.
Group

Type

Description

G1 Shallow
Densified
Crust

G1a

Excavate and re-compact

Re-use of on site
in-situ excavated material
Nominal replacement depth 2.0m
Bidim A19 non-woven geotextile
separator
2 layers of Tensar Tx160 geogrid
spaced at 200mm without wrapping
Additional (3rd layer) Tensar geogrid
for areas with major lateral spread
risk2

Densified crust without major lateral spread risk

Densified crust with major lateral spread risk2

1.0m

1.0m

2.0m

2.0m

BidimA19 Geotextile
TensarTx160 Geogrid
Additional TensarGeogrid2,3

BidimA19 Geotextile
TensarTx160 Geogrid

G1d

Reinforced crust gravel raft

Importation of granular fill
Nominal replacement depth of
1.2m
Bidim A19 non-woven geotextile
2 layers of Tensar Tx160 geogrid
space at 200mm without wrapping
Additional (3rd layer) Tensar
geogrid for areas with major lateral
spread risk2

1.0m

1.0m

1.2m

1.2m

Bidim A19 Geotextile

TensarTx160 Geogrid

BidimA19 Geotextile
TensarTx160 Geogrid
Additional TensarGeogrid2,3

Shallow ground improvement methods involving

Tensar TriAx Geogrids in accordance to MBIE
Guideline published April 2015 Version 3a
Group

Type

G2
Shallow
Cement
Stabilised
Crust

G2

Description

Densified crust with major lateral spread risk2

Densified crust without major lateral spread risk

Reinforced stabilised crust

Re-use of on site in-situ excavated
material or importation of sand soils
fill with cement mix
Nominal replacement depth of 1.2m
Bidim A19 non woven geotextile
1layer of Tensar Tx160 geogrid
without wrapping
Additional (2nd layer) Tensar geogrid
for areas with major lateral spread
risk2

1.0m

1.0m

1.2m

Bidim A19 Geotextile

TensarTx160 Geogrid

1.2m

Bidim A19 Geotextile

TensarTx160 Geogrid
Additional TensarGeogrid2,3

1. Tensar TriAx Tx160 geogrid and Bidim A19 non woven geotextile were used in the trials
2. MBIE states that for areas subject to 'major' lateral spread an additional layer Tensar Tx160 geogrid is required. It also states that this is out of the scope of application for this guidance but may be applicable with
specific engineering design.
3. Geofabrics suggests that for areas with complex foundation situations, e.g non homogeneous sub-soil across the base of the crust; may require the use of uniaxial geogrids to resist the calculated horizontal
forces. In such circumstances, specific engineering design is required.
4. Disclaimer: The above information does not constitute a design but is a suggestion for information purposes related to the MBIE guide and the usage of Geofabrics products. It should be noted that the information
has been developed from information provided to or assumed by Geofabrics which has not been independently verified and which may contain assumptions and inaccuracies regarding geotechnical, hydraulic or
other relevant parameters. We therefore strongly recommend the Client and their Engineer;become familiar with the methodologies used and the implications of all the information required, and
ensure that any assumptions and all other factors relating to the project for which these notes have been produced are checked and confirmed by a registered consulting engineer familiar with the project.
We wish to emphasise the point that we have provided these notes for evaluation purposes only and it is not to be considered a full design as;we are not registered consulting engineers, and
we are not privy to all the information pertaining to this matter, and
we have no control over the project, construction or installation of the product.
We accept no responsibility for design verification and no warranty is implied or granted in any advice, suggestion, design suggestion or assistance we may give. This document is not to be considered a full
design and is provided without obligation. Accordingly, we recommend that complete engineering design and that certification for consent purposes be performed by a suitably qualified registered engineer.