Marmot Lock and Dam United States Army Corps of Engineers Belle, West Virginia Back to Project List   Vibratory Ground Improvement Over 1,000 stone columns are installed to a depth of 42 feet using the dry bottom feed system. Project Overview: A 2 acre tract of land adjacent to the Marmot Lock and Dam and Kanawha River was required to provide permanent storage for excavated spoils removed during the construction of a new lock. Soft soils underlying the site were not suitable for the heavy surcharge loading that could cause a landslide if ground treatment was not performed for the area. Layne GeoConstruction strengthened these soft and unstable soils by installing over 1,000 stone columns using the dry bottom feed method on an equilateral triangular grid pattern. The stone columns, which were installed to a depth of approximately 42 feet, resist shear and compressive loads, and provide a drainage path for the dissipation of excess porewater pressure. Pre-drilling was required, in some instances, prior to the installation of the required 36-inch diameter stone columns.   Value of Work Performed: $440,000 Project Duration: 2 months Project Completion Date: June 2002 Project Reference: General Contractor Madison Coal & Supply Company Eddie Hammock (304) 926-1140