What are the key soil stabilization techniques used to ensure safe crane operation on unstable ground?

Key soil stabilization techniques for safe crane operation on unstable ground aim to increase the soil's bearing capacity, which is its ability to support the crane's weight without excessive settlement or failure. These techniques include soil compaction, which involves mechanically increasing the density of the soil by reducing air voids, often achieved through the use of rollers or vibratory compactors. Another technique is the use of engineered fill, which involves removing unsuitable soil and replacing it with well-graded, compacted material like gravel or crushed stone, providing a stable base. Matting, using timber or steel mats, distributes the crane's load over a larger area, reducing the ground pressure on the soil. Chemical stabilization, involving the addition of chemicals like lime or cement to improve the soil's strength and stability, can also be employed. An example is using timber mats under the outriggers of a mobile crane to distribute the load on soft ground, preventing the outriggers from sinking into the soil and causing the crane to become unstable. These techniques are often used in combination to achieve the required soil stability for safe crane operation.