Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) is an advanced technology where several drilling parameters (operational and ground response parameters) are continuously measured during the drilling (site exploration and/or production drilling) using different sensors installed on the drilling equipment. The ultimate objective of MWD technology is to enhance the characterization of subsurface variability and improve the evaluation of the geotechnical properties of soil and rock strata.
Ground Improvement
Ground improvement refers to a range of techniques and technologies used to enhance the engineering properties of soil or rock to meet specific project requirements. These methods are applied when natural ground conditions are inadequate to safely or economically support structures such as foundations, embankments, tunnels, or retaining systems. Common objectives of ground improvement include increasing strength and stiffness, reducing compressibility and settlement, and enhancing permeability control. Common ground improvement and soil stabilization techniques include compaction, grouting, soil mixing, rigid inclusions, stone columns, vibro-replacement, and chemical/bio stabilizations.
Foundation Design
Deep foundations are structural systems designed to transfer
loads from the superstructure to deeper, more competent strata when near-surface soils are insufficient to provide adequate support. Conventional systems include driven piles and drilled shafts, while modern applications increasingly incorporate helical piles, micropiles, and emerging bio-inspired pile technologies. Bio-inspired piles, a recent innovation, draw on natural analogues such as tree root networks or marine organisms to improve load
transfer and soil pile interaction through novel geometries and materials. The design of these deep foundation systems involves rigorous evaluation of geotechnical and structural performance as well as soil-structure interface behavior, through site-specific investigations and advanced modeling.
