Improvement of Soft Clay Using Geosynthetic Encased Stone Columns, Considering Pre-bulging

The use of geosynthetic encased stone columns as a method for soft soil treatment is extensively used to increase the bearing capacity and reduce the settlement of raft foundations and the foundation of structures like embankment. Pre-bulging is an effect occurring during stone column installation due to the compaction of the material in the column. The present study uses Plaxis to present a numerical analysis of the soft clay bed reinforced by geosynthetic encased stone column and the pre-bulging action in the encased column during installation has been considered in the analysis. The results of the analysis show that improved stiffness of the encased stone column is not only due to confining pressure offered by geosynthetic after loading; but the radial expansion of the stone column occurred during installation also contributes to the enhancement stiffness of the stone column and the reducing settlement

کلیدواژه ها:

Stone columns ، Geosynthetic encasement ، Unit-cell model ، Hoop tension force ، Pre-bulging