doi:10.3850/GI160

ABSTRACT

Oiltanking Singapore Ltd. has built 40 steel storage tanks, ranging in diameter from 12m to 43.8 m in the vicinity of Seraya Place on Jurong Island. The tanks were built in four phases, from 2005 to 2009. The tank farms spanned reclaimed channels between islands and the shoreline of the old islands, resulting in variable ground conditions. In certain locations, the site was predominantly thick reclamation sandfill followed by firm to stiff clays. In other areas, a thin layer of reclamation sandfill was followed by soft marine clay. Therefore, various foundation techniques were used. These were Vibro Compaction, Vibro Replacement stone columns and partial-depth stone columns. In addition, a single tank in the area was built on driven RC piles. This paper describes the soil investigation programs which were undertaken for each tank farm, highlighting the importance of a timely and thorough site investigation program in efficient foundation design. The paper also describes the quality control procedures that were adopted in the execution of the ground improvement works, both during construction and post-construction. Both comprehensive site investigation and careful quality control are required for a successful ground improvement program.

Keywords: Steel tanks; ground improvement; site investigation; quality control; vibro compaction; vibro replacement.

© 2010 by Geotechnical Society of Singapore (GeoSS)