Determination of Vibro - Compaction Parameters by Making a Test Board in a Port Site in Morocco

Abstract Vibro-compaction is a recent technique for treating soils in the mass, thus improving its mediocre geo mechanical properties. In addition, this treatment makes it possible to minimize the risk of liquefaction, it is closely linked to the grain size of the soil to be treated. The soil underlying the construction project of the port of Nador in Morocco requires treatment to improve its characteristics and in particular to minimize the risk of liquefaction, given that Morocco is in a collision zone, near the border between the two African-Eurasian plates that are seismically active (earthquake in the city of Al Hoceima in 2004 in Morocco). The purpose of this work is to test the different parameters of vibro-compaction (mesh, vibration frequency, height of passes, duration of compaction) necessary to obtain the objectives set for the work (relative density ≥ 77 %), through the carrying out of an embarkation test on the substitute sands of the main breakwater of this Port. The in situ control tests (CPT) of the main dam, which were carried out by the substitution sand, made it possible to confirm the results of the test bench. These results stipulate on the one hand that the vibro-compaction mesh of 4.00 m is the most optimal and on the other hand that the relative density is an important parameter of liquefaction control.