A method for increasing stiffness of bearing strata formed of soil, rock
or other geomaterial includes the steps of injecting non-hardening
pre-compression fluids, in the form of viscous non-hardening slurries
that are pressurized beneath a foundation tip for extended periods of
time, into the bearing strata to cause pre-compression of the bearing
strata. This enhances end bearing capacity in poorly draining soils by
providing more time to squeeze water from voids in the poorly draining
soils. The bearing strata may also be mechanically pre-compressed. The
non-hardening pre-compression fluids may be exchanged with grout to fill
a void formed by cavity expansion and previously occupied by the
non-hardening, pre-compression fluid. This grout is cured without
external additional pressure. Grout may be used in lieu of non hardening
pre-compression fluids to affect end bearing enhancement provided that
external additional pressure is not applied to the grout while it cures.