Stability of Embankment Constructed on Soft Soil Treated with Soil–Cement Columns

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of soil–cement (SC) columns, provided either individually or in combination with lime columns, on the stability of embankment constructed on soft consolidating soil. The stability of the embankment was evaluated in terms of both the settlement and factor of safety at various time intervals during the consolidation. The effectiveness of columns was studied numerically using the two-dimensional plane strain finite element method. Settlement, excess pore water pressure and factor of safety were obtained at various time intervals. From the study, it was concluded that SC columns were effective in improving both the settlement and factor of safety of embankment throughout the consolidation of foundation soil. Provision of SC columns with lime columns was also effective in improving the stability of embankment. In addition, the stability of the embankment was affected by the arrangement of columns in the lime and SC composite system. The arrangement most effective to improve the settlement need not be the most effective system to improve the factor of safety after the construction of the embankment.