Composite Materials for Soil Improvement Applied to Saturated Clays—Requirements for the Material Properties

Clayey soils represent a challenge in geotechnical engineering worldwide, which is dealt with using soil improvements. In particular, the choice of a suitable soil improvement method requires expertise already in the design phase. In addition to the planning aspects that must be considered for foundations in saturated clayey soils, the results of laboratory tests on an innovative composite material are presented. The research focuses on an innovative composite material made of gravel and polymer, whose mechanical and hydraulic properties are suitable for dealing with the difficult soil conditions in saturated clayey soils. Among other things, it is shown that the load-bearing capacity of the composite material is comparable to concrete, but the material has an effective pore space and remains permeable. These drainage properties are a great advantage in soils otherwise characterized by low permeability.