Bearing capacity of soil reinforced with vertical columns of recycled concrete aggregates

Abstract

With the increase in environmental concerns and decrease in availability of suitable construction sites, the need to utilise what were once thought of as poor soil areas for construction is increasing. In the present study, efforts have been made to explore the possibility of using recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) for improvement of bearing capacity of soil. Use of RCA will further ensure sustainable development of society with savings in natural resources, materials and energy. In this study, plate load tests were performed on poorly-graded sand reinforced with RCA. Sand beds prepared at different densities were stabilised with vertical columns of RCA. Model tests were conducted using a square plate of size 0.3m 0.3m 25 mm thick. The vertical columns of 32 and 63 mm diameter were used to increase the bearing capacity of soil. The improvement in ultimate bearing capacity and settlement of a square footing supported on a sand bed reinforced with vertical columns has been studied in detail.