In cohesive soils it is not possible to rearrange the grains. In the vibro-displacement densification (VDD), the added material is transported directly to the vibrator tip, compacted by multiple displacement stages and pressed into the surrounding soil. This creates a crushed rock or gravel column which improves the surrounding cohesive soil due to the greater rigidity of the installed added material. Selection of the most suitable method depends primarily on the ground at the site and on the loads to be carried.

Compaction of soils by tamping has been practiced for centuries using relatively small weights, and was however limited to shallow depths. Nowadays this technique by involving of heavy tamping and droping from greater height has become a well-established process and known as dynamic compaction.

Foundation techniques such as the various ground improvement methods are especially economical. A good technical construction and an understanding of the foundation soil – structure interaction enables achievement of the required bearing capacity in nearly all natural and artificial soils – and under controlled conditions. Liquefaction prevention is also a result of applying these techniques such as vibro-displacement and vibro–flotation.