Influence of Stone Column Length on the Settlement of Soft Clayey Layer

Abstract

Currently, geotechnical engineers use stone columns to strengthen weak soils. The usage of stone columns to strengthen soft soil has proven successful, increasing their bearing capacity, reducing the settlement and decreasing the consolidation time. The present study was carried out to investigate the impact of the length of stone columns on the behaviour of soft soils and determine the effective length of stone columns, within which they have the greatest impact on the process of settlement of the soft clay layer. The analysis was performed utilizing a three-dimensional limited distinction numerical model FLAC3D. The results of the study confirmed that with the increase in the length of the stone columns, the settlement of the clay layer decreases. This decrease in settlement is significant to a depth corresponding to the relative length of the piles (L/d) = 10, after that the decrease in settlement practically stops.