Silt Layers Research Articles

Hydrophysical Characteristics of Lake Manzherok after Dredging

Data on seasonal and long-term dynamics of hydrophysical characteristics in the water area of Lake Manzheroksky (Altai Republic) after dredging in 2017–2018 are presented. The expedition studies were conducted during the ice age in April 2021, as well as the summer warming of the lake in July 2021 and 2023. The spectral index of light attenuation in the range of 400–800 nm, the relative transparency of water over a white disk, the velocity of water movement in surface and bottom horizons, as well as temperature stratification are studied. It was found that the discovered bottom groundwater sources contributed to the erosion and dissolution of the not completely removed silt layer, which determined high values of the spectral index of light attenuation and low relative transparency of the water. The research results in July 2023 showed significant changes in hydrophysical characteristics compared to 2021, indicating an improvement in the ecological condition of the lake in a long-term aspect for the period from 2018 to 2023.A comparison of spring and summer data on the dynamics of the spectral index of light attenuation at different depths for Lake Manzheroksky with other freshwater low-flow lakes showed that this hydro-optical parameter for the studied lake is maximum during the ice age, while for other lakes its minimum is noted in this phase of the annual limnic cycle.

Induced polarization in the transient electromagnetic method for detection of subsurface ice on Earth, Mars, and the Moon

The transient electromagnetic method (TEM) can capture an induced polarization (IP) signature of subsurface ice. Using numerical modeling of a horizontally layered earth, we investigate how IP in TEM can be exploited for subsurface ice detection on Earth, Mars, and the Moon. In the model we implement electrical parameters from laboratory measurements of ice, planetary regolith simulants, and terrestrial soil from the literature. In contrast to currently applied forward models, we include two Cole–Cole relaxation terms to model the dielectric relaxation of adsorbed water or salt hydrate in addition to the relaxation of ice. On Earth, IP signals of shallow layers of silt mixed with 44–100 vol% ice embedded in resistive host layers of 3 kΩm can be detected. Both at mid (45∘ N) and lower (35∘ N) latitudes on Mars, meter thick layers of massive ice can be detected at 10 m depth if the ice contains salts. Corresponding layers of 60 vol% ice mixed with Martian regolith simulant show similar detectability. For IP signals of lunar ice to be detected in ice volume fractions of 7.4%–46%, a development in TEM technology is required, including mitigation of early time interference, or enhancing the signal to noise level.

Numerical Study on the Liquefaction Potential Analysis Using Constitutive Models for Sand and Silt in Mamuju, West Sulawesi

Background Sulawesi Island, located in the Eastern Indonesian archipelago, is known for its high seismic activity. In 2021, West Sulawesi experienced an earthquake with a mainshock of 6.2 MW, which resulted in liquefaction characterized by sand boil and lateral spreading at various locations, including near the North coast of Mamuju. Objective This study aims is to assess the potential for liquefaction at a nearshore location in Mamuju, West Sulawesi. The assessment focuses on the increase in pore water pressure in an area characterized by multiple layers of sand, silt, and clay soils. Methods Numerical analysis was conducted by modeling one-dimensional soil column using PM4Sand and PM4Silt constitutive models calibrated using PLAXIS 2D soil test feature with the Cyclic Direct Simple Shear (CDSS) test method. Furthermore, the study included spectral matching of the ground motion from the 2021 Mamuju earthquake to the spectral response at the research site as motion input. Results Analysis results indicate the potential for liquefaction in silty sand and sandy silt soils with sand-like behavior, as evidenced by an excess pore water pressure ratio exceeding 0.8. Meanwhile, sandy silt and sandy clay soils, with a plasticity index (PI) greater than 7, showed no liquefaction potential at a peak ground acceleration of 0.478 g. Conclusion In conclusion, soil relative density plays an important role in influencing pore water pressure and liquefaction susceptibility, which should be considered when planning and designing in earthquake-prone areas, shallow groundwater tables, sand, silt, and clay layers.

Slope Stability Analysis Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Limit Equilibrium Method: A Case Study from Girimulyo, Kulon Progo

Girimulyo sub-district is one of the areas with high landslide risk in Kulon Progo Regency. On March 12, 2018, a landslide occurred in the area. Seven families were affected, and landslide material blocked the road. This study aims to determine slope conditions through electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and slope stability analysis using the limit equilibrium method. Based on the interpretation of the ERT profile, it is known that a layer with a resistivity value of <5 Ωm is wet clay; 5-15 Ωm is wet silt; 15-150 Ωm is silt-to-sand; and >150 Ωm is bedrock. The sliding surface is thought to be at the boundary between the wet clay and wet silt layers. The interpretation of the ERT profile is confirmed by data from laboratory tests on soil samples. Slope stability analysis was carried out using ERT profile interpretation and soil sample laboratory test data. The slope stability analysis results show that both the slopes that experienced landslides in 2018 and those that did not experience landslides were stable when the water table was 3 meters deep. However, the landslide slopes are in critical condition as the groundwater level rises, while the non-landslide slopes are remains stable.

Assessment of Siltation Impact and Mitigation Strategies for Sustaining Storage Capacity in Lwanyo Dam, Tanzania

The ongoing generation, transportation, and deposition of silt in the Lwanyo Dam has significantly reduced the storage capacity of the Lwanyo Reservoir, originally constructed to support irrigation and the surrounding ecosystem. The objective of this paper was to assess the extent of siltation in Lwanyo Dam, evaluate its impact on the dam's storage capacity, and propose measures to mitigate silt accumulation. The upstream catchment area, approximately 39.6 km², includes around 128,991 m² allocated for rain-fed crop cultivation and 5.89 km² for pastoral activities. Frequent overtopping of the reservoir has been observed, largely due to siltation reducing its live storage capacity. In the reservoir trial pits were excavated and assessed, and they indicate that average silt layers range in thickness from 0.54 m to 0.98 m per rainy season. The deposited material consists of a silt layer from 0 to 540 mm, followed by an intermediate clay layer from 540 mm to 3100 mm. The impounded silt depth was measured at 1270 mm, with an estimated siltation volume of 58,349.4644 m³. The reservoir's original storage capacity of 210,153 m³ has been reduced by 27.765% due to siltation. The reservoir’s structural design inadequately addresses silt management, lacking both silt flushing tunnels and upstream silt check dams. The analysis indicates that storage capacity decreases by 3.085% annually, and if this linear trend continues without any intervention measures, the dam will lose all storage capacity within 24 years. The study recommends urgent measures to mitigate silt accumulation.

Effects of Wooden Embers Cover on thermo-hydrological response of silty volcanic cover and implications to post-wildfire slope stability

Wildfires striking vegetated hillslopes appear to increase the hazard towards rainfall-induced landslides. One mechanism little investigated in the literature consists in the formation of Wooden Embers Cover (WEC) following the wildfire. This layer has very peculiar thermohydraulic properties and may affect the interaction between the atmosphere and the subsoil. The paper presents an experiment conducted in an outdoor lysimeter filled with pyroclastic silt (SILT) up to 75 cm covered with 5 cm of WEC. Water storage in the SILT layer, soil water content, suction, and temperature were recorded for several years, initially under bare (no-WEC) condition (4 years), then vegetated (no-WEC) condition (5 years) and, finally, with a WEC placed on the top of the SILT (SILT+WEC condition; 3 years). The hydrological effect of the WEC was assessed by comparing the response of the SILT+WEC with the SILT under bare or vegetated conditions. The WEC reduces water losses by evaporation, thus increasing the average water content in the underlying SILT, an effect that is detrimental to slope stability. To discriminate whether the barrier effect was associated with the lower thermal or hydraulic conductivity of the WEC, a numerical simulation was carried out by considering the case of a WEC with its real thermal and hydraulic properties and the case of a fictitious top layer placed on the top of the SILT having the same hydraulic properties of the WEC but the thermal properties of the SILT. It is concluded that the barrier effect of the WEC is mainly associated with its hydraulic properties, i.e. the WEC acts as a capillary barrier. To demonstrate the practical implications of this findings, a case study of rainfall-induced landslide has been reanalysed by simulating the presence of a WEC layer having the same thermohydraulic properties as the material characterised in this study. It is shown that a WEC can substantially reduce the severity of the triggering rainfall event, thus increasing the vulnerability of the slope to rainfall-induced failure.

Seismic site characterization baseline data for microzonation and site response analysis of Otuasega Town, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta region of Nigeria

This study presents the findings of a comprehensive geotechnical and seismic site investigation conducted at Otuasega Town located in Bayelsa State within the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Subsurface exploration involved advancing 10 boreholes to 30 m depth using hollow stem auger drilling. Continuous disturbed and undisturbed soil sampling was performed at 1.5 m intervals for detailed geotechnical testing. Laboratory tests on the recovered soil samples established the index properties, classification, densities and consistency limits of the stratified deposits. The subsurface profile comprised alternating layers of clay, silt and sand typical of deltaic sediments, with the clay fractions exhibiting medium to high plasticity. Shear wave velocity (Vs) profiling using Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (WASW) techniques categorised the site predominantly as Site Class C and D based on international standards. The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) N-values ranged from 5 to 10, indicating soft normally consolidated clay conditions typical of the Niger Delta region. Predictive empirical models developed from the field and lab data showed strong correlations for estimating key geotechnical parameters such as SPT blow count, Vs and liquefaction resistance. Ground response analyses using the Vs and SPT data indicated significant site amplification potential, with peak ground accelerations up to 1.5 times the bedrock motion. Liquefaction analysis based on the empirical SPT-based methods revealed a high potential for liquefaction in the sandy layers, especially under strong earthquake shaking. The study characterized the complex sedimentology and provided baseline information for seismic microzonation and site-specific ground response analyses to advance understanding of geohazards in this delta environment.

Large deformation problems arising from deep excavation in silt strata: A case study in Shenzhen, China

Deep excavations in silt strata can lead to large deformation problems, posing risks to both the excavation and adjacent structures. This study combines field monitoring with numerical simulation to investigate the underlying mechanisms and key aspects associated with large deformation problems induced by deep excavation in silt strata in Shenzhen, China. The monitoring results reveal that, due to the weak property and creep effect of the silt strata, the maximum wall deflection in the first excavated section (Section 1) exceeds its controlled value at more than 93% of measurement points, reaching a peak value of 137.46 mm. Notably, the deformation exhibits prolonged development characteristics, with the diaphragm wall deflections contributing to 39% of the overall deformation magnitude during the construction of the base slab. Subsequently, numerical simulations are carried out to analyze and assess the primary factors influencing excavation-induced deformations, following the observation of large deformations. The simulations indicate that the low strength of the silt soil is a pivotal factor that results in significant deformations. Furthermore, the flexural stiffness of the diaphragm walls exerts a notable influence on the development of deformations. To address these concerns, an optimization study of potential treatment measures was performed during the subsequent excavation of Section 2. The combined treatment approach, which comprises the reinforcement of the silt layer within the excavation and the increase in the thickness of the diaphragm walls, has been demonstrated to offer an economically superior solution for the handling of thick silt strata. This approach has the effect of reducing the lateral wall displacement by 83.1% and the ground settlement by 70.8%, thereby ensuring the safe construction of the deep excavation.

Hotspots of Dissolved Arsenic Generated from Buried Silt Layers along Fluctuating Rivers.

Previous studies along the banks of the tidal Meghna River of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta demonstrated the active sequestration of dissolved arsenic (As) on newly formed iron oxide minerals (Fe(III)-oxides) within riverbank sands. The sand with high solid-phase As (>500 mg/kg) was located within the intertidal zone where robust mixing occurs with oxygen-rich river water. Here we present new evidence that upwelling groundwater through a buried silt layer generates the dissolved products of reductive dissolution of Fe(III)-oxides, including As, while mobilization of DOC by upwelling groundwater prevents their reconstitution in the intertidal zone by lowering the redox state. A three end-member conservative mixing model demonstrated mixing between riverbank groundwater above the silt layer, upwelling groundwater through the silt layer, and river water. An electrochemical mass balance model confirmed that Fe(III)-oxides were the primary electron acceptor driving the oxidation of DOC sourced from sediment organic carbon in the silt. Thus, the presence of an intercalating silt layer in the riverbanks of tidal rivers can represent a biogeochemical hotspot of As release while preventing its retention in the hyporheic zone.

Determination of Constrained Modulus of Granular Soil from In Situ Tests—Part 2 Application

The paper demonstrates how the concepts presented in the companion paper: “Determination of Constrained Modulus of Granular Soil from In Situ Tests—Part 1 Analyses” can be applied in practice. A settlement design based on the tangent modulus method is described. Extensive in situ tests were performed on a well-documented test site consisting of sand with silt and clay layers. The field tests comprised different types of penetration tests, such as the cone penetration test, the flat dilatometer, and the seismic down-hole test. The modulus number and the constrained tangent modulus were derived from the cone penetration test with pore water pressure measurement and the flat dilatometer test. In addition, the shear wave speed was determined from two seismic down-hole tests, from which the small-strain shear modulus could be evaluated. The constrained modulus obtained from the cone penetration test with pore water pressure measurement (CPTU) and the flat dilatometer (DMT) was compared with that from the seismic down-hole tests. The importance of the stress history on the constrained modulus was demonstrated. The range of modulus numbers, derived from different in situ tests, compares favorably with empirical values reported in the literature.

Leakage detection applied to the Da Hedong Reservoir dam (China) based on the flow-field fitting method

Detecting leakage in concrete gravity dams presents a formidable challenge. The flow-field fitting (FFF) method is used to identify leaks in China’s Da Hedong Reservoir dam. We develop vertical- and horizontal-gradient approaches based on the transmitted signal electrical field. A plastic frame is developed to allow the probe to measure horizontal gradients. We determine the exact location of leaks at the reservoir’s bottom and upstream face, respectively, assuming that current leakages are located in hydraulic leakage zones. Numerical experiments and water pressure tests reveal that the conductive silt layer beneath the reservoir can lower the response of the potential values at the leakage inlet, and the effect of the silt layer should be considered and not ignored when interpreting measured data. In addition, with regard to the principle of superposition, the contribution associated with metal pipes in the dam body can be roughly determined by subtracting it from the original potential field data, thereby aiding in locating leaks around the metal pipes. In addition, the FFF measurements from the reservoir’s bottom also confirm the position of existing faults in the substratum at the reservoir site. Last, the results of the FFF method are tested against supporting evidence, such as ground penetrating radar and water pressure tests. In conclusion, these independent data confirm the effectiveness of the FFF method for leakage localization in the concrete gravity dam.

Geoelectric Interpretation of Wenner-Schlumberger Configuration Using Res2Dinv Software: A Case Study of 2D Mapping of Seawater Intrusion in a Landslide Potential Area, North Halmahera District, Indonesia

Research has been carried out on landslides in Saluta-Pelita Village, North Galela District, North Halmahera Regency, Indonesia using the Wenner-Schlumberger method using a Geoelectric Resistivity tool - Naunira NRD 300 HF. This research aims to determine the structure of the subsurface layer in the potential landslide area of Saluta-Pelita Village. In addition, this research aims to determine the slip plane (boundary layer) of sea water intrusion in the research area. The measurement results are processed using Res2Dinv software for 2D resistivity which describes the subsurface layer shown in color. The measurement results on track 1 show a clay layer with a resistivity value of 3.1 ohm -27 ohm at a distance of 1-80 meters (blue and green), a silt layer of 44.3 ohm - 184.1 ohm at a depth of 1-20 meters (Yellow) which is a slip plane (boundary layer) of sea water intrusion with a path length of 40 meters, conglomerate 210 ohm (red) at a depth of more than 7.50 meters. In track 2 there is a layer of clay with a resistivity of 1.4 ohm - 39 ohm at a depth of 1-24 meters (blue and green), silt 43.1 m-185.6 m (yellow) is the slip plane (layer boundary) of sea water intrusion with a 95 meter long track, a conglomerate layer with a resistivity of 203.4 ohm - 407.8 ohm (red) at a depth of more than 12.8 meters. On track 3 there is a layer of clay with a resistivity of 0.186 ohm - 31.4 ohm (blue and green) at a depth of up to 24 meters with a length of more than 120 meters, silt with a resistivity value of 44.4 ohm - 189 ohm (yellow) which is a slip plane (boundary layer) sea water intrusion with a path of 65 meters at a depth of 2.50 meters-24.9 meters.

Microbial-induced desaturation and precipitation in stratified soils with fine sand and silt layers

Microbial-induced desaturation and precipitation in stratified soils with fine sand and silt layers

Study on drainage consolidation characteristics and pore-pressure reversal control of water-rich loess under the combined action of electroosmosis–vacuum

The phenomenon of “pore pressure reversal” occurs in the later stage of electroosmosis–vacuum combined drainage of water-rich loess, which causes the mutual interference of water flow directions in the later stage of the drainage process. Based on the theory of porous media and unsaturated soil mechanics, this study establishes a mathematical model for the coupling of the electric, pore pressure, and displacement fields in the drainage consolidation process of water-rich loess under the combined action of electroosmosis and vacuum. The conservation equations of energy, momentum, and mass are coupled under a solid-liquid-gas three-phase system, considering nonlinear variations of parameters, such as electrical permeability coefficients, electrical conductivity, and hydraulic permeability coefficients. Subsequently, the drainage consolidation process of water-rich loess under different electroosmosis and vacuum combination methods is simulated using finite element software. Moreover, applying vacuum loads in a graded manner and conducting electroosmosis at a later stage of the loading procedure can effectively delay the generation of the “pore pressure reversal” phenomenon and the formation of silt layers.

Wave-induced residual response and liquefaction of a nonhomogeneous layered seabed

Numerical studies were conducted on the wave-induced residual liquefaction of a silt–coarse sand layered seabed. Fully dynamic soil equations and residual seabed response equations were incorporated into the development of a numerical model. The numerical results were compared with theoretical solutions and experimental data from previous studies. Relatively good agreement was found in this comparison, validating the reliability of the proposed numerical model. The present model was applied to systematically investigate the wave-induced residual response with a silt–coarse sand layered seabed. The effects of coverage thickness, permeability, Young’s modulus in the upper silt layer on the residual response of the seabed were carefully examined. Numerical simulations indicate that the potential liquefaction is prone to occur with low permeability of the upper silt layer and shallower water depth, and the effect of coverage thickness of the silt layer on pore pressure and liquefaction potential is determined by shear stress ratio (χ) and effective normalized spreading parameter (Se) which represent the “generation power” and “dissipation potential” for residual pore pressure. The performance of the pore pressure and liquefaction in the layered seabed is the result of a trade-off between two non-dimensional parameters.

Assessing soil vulnerability in Petobo post-liquefaction zone, Palu, Central Sulawesi: A microzonation study utilizing microtremor measurements

On September 28, 2018, a 7.5 Richter magnitude earthquake struck the Palu City neighborhood of Petobo. The tectonic activity along the Palu-Koro fault generated this earthquake, which resulted in soil liquefaction. The purpose of this study is to use microtremor measurements at 33 distinct places to investigate the properties of the soil layer after liquefaction. The obtained data was then evaluated utilizing Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) methodologies such as Ground Shear Strength (GSS), amplification factor, and vulnerability index to determine the soil layer's properties and susceptibility. The dominant frequency ranges from 0.19 to 4.75 Hz, while the dominant period ranges from 0.21 to 5.17 seconds, according to the measurement results. According to these measurements, the silt layer varies between 5 and 30 m. GSS values in the 10-4 to 10-2 range indicate that soil cracking, subsidence, liquefaction, landslides, and compaction are likely. The soil vulnerability and amplification index values range from 2.36 to 4.37, respectively. These values show the potential level of danger, which might be low, medium, high, or extremely high. Peak ground acceleration varied from 299.52 to 301.52 gals, suggesting high to extremely high danger levels. The microzonation map created for this study is considered to be a useful resource for training disaster mitigation approaches and facilitating infrastructure development planning in the region.

Wolffia globosa (Araceae s. l. / Lemnaceae s. str.), a new aquatic alien species in the flora of Ukraine

In Europe, Wolffia globosa was first recorded in 2002 in the RF, and not in Bulgaria, as it was previously believed. Over the past 20 years, the species has expanded its secondary range. As of 2023, it is known from seven European countries. In Ukraine, W. globosa was first found in 2023 in two localities in Zhytomyr Region (Zhytomyr Polissia). The plant communities with W. globosa in Ukraine belong to the association Lemno-Spirodeletum polyrhizae of the alliance Lemnion minoris of the class Lemnetea. In the reported localities W. globosa occurs in eutrophic stagnant waterbodies with depths of 0.2–0.5 m and weakly flowing waterbodies with depths of 1.2–1.5 m; silty bottom is covered by a silt layer 5–20 cm thick, lighting is full. It is suggested that due to the observed climate warming, further migrations of W. globosa to other regions of Ukraine are possible.

Comprehensive distribution characteristics and factors affecting the migration of chromium in a typical chromium slag-contaminated site with a long history in China.

The contamination of abandoned chromium slag-contaminated sites poses serious threats to human health and the environment. Therefore, improving the understanding of their distribution characteristics and health risks by multiple information is necessary. This study explored the distribution, accumulation characteristic, and the role in the migration process of chromium. The results showed that the contents of total Cr and Cr (VI) ranged from 12.00 to 7400.00mg/kg, and 0.25 to 2160.00mg/kg, respectively. The average contents of both total Cr and Cr (VI) reached the highest value at the depth of 7-9m, where the silt layer retaining total Cr and Cr (VI) was. The spatial distribution analysis revealed that the total contamination area percentages of total Cr and Cr (VI) reached 7.87% and 90.02% in the mixed fill layer, and reduced to 1.21% and 34.53% in the silty layer, and the same heavily polluted areas were located in the open chromiumresidue storage. Soil pH and moisture content were the major factors controlling the migration of total Cr and Cr(VI) in soils. Results of probabilistic health risk assessment revealed that carcinogenic risk was negligible for adults and children, and the sensitive analysis implied that the content of Cr(VI) was the predominant contributor to carcinogenic risk. The combination of chemical reduction and microbial remediation could be the feasible remediation strategy for soil Cr(VI) pollution. Overall, this study provides scientific information into the chromium post-remediation and pollution management for various similar chromium-contaminated sites.

Seismic Failure Mechanisms of Concrete Pile Groups in Layered Soft Soil Profiles

So far, little attention has been paid to the investigation on the seismic failure mechanisms of flexible concrete pile groups embedded in the layered soft soil profiles considering the material non-linearities of soil and concrete piles. The purpose of this study is to investigate seismic failure mechanism models of flexible concrete piles with varied groups in silt layered loose sand profiles under horizontal strong ground motions. Three-dimensional finite element models of the pile–soil interaction systems, which include nonlinearities of soil and concrete piles as well as coupling interactions between the piles and soil, were created for Models I, II, and III of the soil domains, encompassing 1x1, 2x2, and 3x3 flexible pile groups with diameters of 0.80 m and 1.0 m. Model I consists of a homogenous sand layer and a bedrock, Models II and III are composed of a five-layered domain with homogeneous sand and silt soil layers of different thicknesses. The linear elastic perfectly plastic constitutive model with a Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion is considered to represent the behavior of the soil layers, and the Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model is used for the nonlinear behavior of the concrete piles. The interactions between the soil and the pile surfaces are modeled by defining tangential and normal contact behaviors. The models were analyzed for the scaled acceleration records of the 1999 Düzce and Kocaeli earthquakes, considering peak ground accelerations of 0.25 g, 0.50 g, and 0.75 g. The numerical results indicated that failure mechanisms of flexible concrete groups occur near the silt layers, and the silt layers have led to a significant increase in the spread area of the damaged zone and the number of damaged elements.

Investigating stone column effectiveness for sabkha soil improvement: field tests and numerical model

This study explores the application of stone columns to improve the bearing capacity of sabkha soil for the construction of a Lattice Communication Tower foundation in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Geotechnical investigation report, an on-site footing loading test to evaluate the foundation's bearing capacity and settlement behavior following stone column installation, and post-cone penetration tests (CPT) to assess soil densification are all part of the study data. The uppermost 4 m of the soil profile comprise a medium to dense layer of sand with silt, followed by a 12-m layer of weak sabkha soil (SPT, N less than 4). Below the sabkha layer, the strata exhibit varying densities, ranging from medium to dense and very dense layers, extending to the maximum depth of investigation. The comparison of Pre- and Post-CPT data revealed significant improvements in the sand and silt layer above the sabkha layer, as well as moderate improvements in the upper portion of the sabkha layer. However, the majority of the sabkha soils and underlying soil layers did not show significant improvement. Plaxis 3D numerical models were employed to provide insights into the performance of the composite area encompassing stone columns and the surrounding soil. Comparing field tests and numerical models showed that neglecting stone column installation effects in numerical models led to overestimating settlements. However, when examining the field data and numerical results with a raised coefficient of lateral earth pressure when of K∘=2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${K}_{^\\circ }=2$$\\end{document}, a distinct alignment between settlement values consistent with those derived from field testing. The findings highlight the importance of including site-specific conditions and installation effects in numerical modeling to accurately predict the behavior of stone columns in sabkha soils.