Rate of Consolidation of Stone Column–Improved Ground Considering Variable Permeability and Compressibility in Smear Zone

Abstract

AbstractUse of stone columns in soft soil reduces the excessive settlement and improves the bearing capacity with the additional advantage of providing a drainage path, which accelerates the rate of consolidation of the soil. Because of stone column installation in soft soil, surrounding soil properties are altered in such a manner that permeability and compressibility of the soil in the smear zone reduces and increases toward the drain, respectively. In the present paper, the effect of variable permeability and shear strength or compressibility in the smear zone due to stone column installation on the rate of consolidation of the stone column–improved ground was studied. The equal strain approach was considered in the analysis. The following three possible variation patterns of horizontal permeability and volume compressibility within the disturbed zone were considered: (1) reduced constant permeability with reduced constant compressibility, (2) linear variation of permeability with linear variation of c...