Abstract
Stone columns are an efficient ground improvement technique for treating problematic soils. The confidence in the prediction accuracy of bearing capacity remains unsatisfactory. This paper aims to investigate the bearing capacity of single stone column using three-dimensional numerical analysis. Failure modes were observed and the effect of key parameters such as column’s friction angle, undrained shear strength of surrounding soil and modular ratio were investigated. Numerical results showed bulging and a combination of bulging and punching are two dominant failure modes for the single stone column. Ultimate bearing capacity is mainly influenced by the column’s friction angle and the undrained shear strength of the surrounding soil. Based on the results, a new prediction method is developed and compared reasonably well with the existing analytical solution and the field measurements.
Highlights
Stone columns are widely applied in treating soft soils
Most of the stone columns are constructed with the toe rested on the hard stratum which termed as end bearing columns, but occasionally floating stone columns are built with toe terminated at non-bearing stratum [1]
The higher the initial horizontal stress state, the higher the passive soil resistance to prevent the column from bulging [2]. This failure mode can be seen in the end bearing column or when the column length is more than four times its diameter [3] or else the punching mode will prevail [4]
Summary
Stone columns are widely applied in treating soft soils. The effectiveness of the treatment method is evidenced through the increase in bearing capacity and the reduction of compressibility of the treated ground. It was found that the differences in compaction methods either vibration or tamping did not produce large differences in the ultimate bearing capacity and the value was controlled by the inherent variability in the stiffness and strength of the surrounding soils. The influence of compaction effort in terms of the different friction angle of stone column material was investigated for very soft to soft clay condition represented by different undrained shear strength. The results of this numerical study were compared against the analytical approach and the field recorded measurement.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
