Behavior of Stone Columns Based on Experimental and FEM Analysis

A detailed experimental study on behavior of single column and group of seven columns is carried out by varying parameters like spacing between the columns, shear strength of soft clay, and loading condition. Laboratory tests are carried out on a column of 100 mm diameter surrounded by soft clay of different consistency. The tests are carried out either with an entire equivalent area loaded to estimate the stiffness of improved ground or only a column loaded to estimate the limiting axial capacity. During the group experiments, the actual stress on column and clay were measured by fixing pressure cells in the loading plate. Finite-element analyses have also been performed using 15-noded triangular elements with the software package PLAXIS. A drained analysis was carried out using Mohr -Coulombʹs criterion for soft clay, stones, and sand. The numerical results from the FEM are compared with the experimental results which showed good agreement between the results. Columns arranged with spacings more than 3 times the diameter of the column does not give any significant improvement. Based on the results, design charts are developed and a design procedure is suggested.