Numerical Evaluation on the Different Shapes of Gravelly Sand Columns to Increase the Loading Capacity of Soft Clay

Sif Allah Meghzili,Mohd Fairus Yusof,Saiful Azhar Ahmad Tajudin,Mohd Ashraf Mohamad Ismail,Aziman Madun,M.J Zainorizuan,L Alvin John Meng Siang,L Yee Yong,O Mohamad Hanifi,A Mohd Shalahuddin,R Siti Nazahiyah

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201710307005

Abstract

Improvement on soft clay by the installation of stone column is one of the most popular methods followed worldwide. Different analytical and numerical solutions have already been developed for understanding the load transfer mechanism of soft soil reinforced with stone column. This study investigated a bearing capacity of the gravelly sand column, installed in soft clay bed at 15kpa of undrained shear strength. The column variable of length and diameter ratio at 7, 8 and 9 were evaluated. On top of that, the combination of two diameters in single column was tested and the uniform diameter was used as a control. In the numerical analysis, Mohrcoulomb model was adopted in the idealization of the behaviour of the gravelly sand column and soft clay materials. The results revealed that the optimum design that gave the highest loading capacity of the combination 11=12 of column diameter was the length and diameter ratio of 8.

Highlights

There are a numerous amount of methods for ground improvement were developed throughout the world
Amongst the wide range of ground improvement methods is stone column, which is often considered as cost-effective and environmentally friendly comparing to other types of stiffening column techniques [1]
The bearing capacity was remained constant for the floating stone column at length to diameter ratio (L/D) of 10 [4,5,6]

Summary

Introduction

There are a numerous amount of methods for ground improvement were developed throughout the world. Amongst the wide range of ground improvement methods is stone column, which is often considered as cost-effective and environmentally friendly comparing to other types of stiffening column techniques [1]. The stone column technique of ground improvement has been proven to be successful in improving slope stability of both embankments and natural slopes, via increasing ground bearing capacity and accelerating the period of settlement. The stiffening column technique has been adopted the floating stone column, when the soft ground is too deep. The bearing capacity was remained constant for the floating stone column at length to diameter ratio (L/D) of 10 [4,5,6]. The ultimate bearing capacity, settlement, and general stability are the parameters to identify the stone column performance

Methods

Results

Conclusion