Ground Improvement - Tunnels

How to guarantee solid foundations?

Ground improvement is a critical step in tunneling and deep excavation projects, particularly in soft soils or heterogeneous ground. It ensures stability, reduces settlement risk, and enables safe construction in conditions that would otherwise be unsuitable. VSL, through its specialist geotechnical brand Intrafor, delivers engineered ground improvement solutions tailored to complex urban, coastal, and infrastructure environments.

The role of Ground Improvement in infrastructure development

Ground improvement techniques enhance soil behavior to ensure stability, control deformation, and create safer construction conditions across transport and underground infrastructure projects. They are essential where weak, variable, or saturated soils would otherwise limit constructability or increase geotechnical risks.

Reduces differential settlement risks during tunneling or excavation.

Enables construction on low-strength soils.

Limits seepage, supports dewatering, and improves excavation safety.

Minimizes ground movement and protects existing infrastructure.

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VSL’s Ground Improvement Services

VSL provides a range of ground improvement techniques designed to enhance soil performance, improve stability, and support safe construction in challenging geotechnical environments. Each method is selected based on project-specific conditions, performance requirements, and constructability constraints.

Jet grouting

Used to construct Soilcrete® columns by injecting high-pressure grout into the ground. VSL applies single, double, or triple fluid systems depending on the project’s geotechnical profile.
Applications: Underpinning, excavation support, groundwater cut-off walls.

Permeation grouting

Involves injecting low-viscosity grout into porous soils to fill voids without displacing the ground.
Applications: Pre-tunneling stabilization, utility protection, shaft construction in sandy soils.

Compaction grouting

Grout is injected to densify loose granular soils or fill voids under existing structures.
Applications: Settlement correction, foundation remediation, tunnel crown reinforcement.

Ground freezing

Pipes are inserted into the ground to be frozen, and then refrigerants are run through the pipes, freezing the soil. In some cases, frozen soil can be as hard as concrete.
Applications: Excavation support, groundwater control, face stabilization for tunneling.

Vibro-compaction

Vibro-compaction is used to densify loose granular soils by inserting a vibratory probe into the ground and compacting the surrounding soil using vibration and, where necessary, water or air jets.
Applications: Foundation preparation for embankments, tanks, and port structures

Vibrocompactación

Se utiliza una sonda vibratoria que, mediante vibración (y en algunos casos agua o aire), densifica suelos granulares sueltos.
Aplicaciones: preparación de suelos para terraplenes, tanques, estructuras portuarias.

Why Choose VSL for Ground improvement?

  • Multimethod capability

    VSL offers all major ground improvement techniques in-house, adapting to varying soil profiles.

  • Urban project experience

    Proven track record working in constrained environments near sensitive infrastructure.

  • Geotechnical-engineering integration

    Ground improvement works are supported by VSL’s in-house geotechnical and structural design teams.

  • Real-time monitoring

    Execution is guided by instrumented controls to verify performance during installation.

FAQs about Ground Improvement

These are some of the most common questions we receive. Got another one? Reach out to us!

Selection depends on soil conditions, groundwater levels, and project objectives. VSL conducts geotechnical analysis and trial tests to determine the most effective approach.

Yes. VSL uses low-impact methods such as permeation grouting and compaction grouting to minimize ground movement in urban environments.

Instrumentation may include inclinometers, piezometers, and settlement markers, depending on the method and structure sensitivity.

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Need ground improvement for a tunneling or infrastructure project?

Contact VSL to speak with our geotechnical specialists and request a tailored technical assessment.