Abstract: The sand column construction procedures and results are compared at a test embankment site in order to study the feasibility of applying sand column method in the high speed rail embankment construction. Two types of sand column installation methods are used: Vibration Method and Percussion Method. Both types of equipment have the similar penetration depth and column installation quality, however, the equipment with vibration method has obvious advantages over the percussion equipment. In addition, the percussion installation method generates excessive noise and therefore has the limited applications under the urban and night installation environment. Base on the test embankment results, it is recommended that the vibration installation method is used in the construction.

Key words: High Speed Rail, Soft Soils, Soil Improvement, Sand Columns, Installation Procedures