Analytical solution for the consolidation of a composite ground reinforced by partially penetrated impervious columns

Composite ground improved by partially penetrated impervious columns consists of a reinforced zone and an underlying stratum. Based on the axisymmetric consolidation model, the governing equations for the average excess pore water pressure were developed within the surrounding soil and the underlying untreated soil. The corresponding solutions were given on the basis of the consolidation theory of a double-layer subsoil ground, and the overall average degree of consolidation of the composite ground was obtained. The accuracy of the proposed solution was examined by FEM. The proposed solution and FEM results show a good match. A parametric analysis of consolidation behavior of the composite ground was then investigated. The results indicate that the consolidation rate of the composite ground strongly depends on the penetration ratio of the impervious columns (ratio of column length to soil thickness) in the way that the higher the ratio, the faster the consolidation rate. In addition, an increasing area replacement ratio of an impervious column decreases the consolidation rate. The consolidation rate of the composite ground decreases with the increasing of the constrained modulus ratio of an impervious column to its surrounding soil for a lower penetration ratio, while it increases with the increasing of the constrained modulus ratio for a higher penetration ratio.     

Numerical analysis of the installation effects on the behaviour of soft clay improved by stone columns

This paper addresses the installation effects of stone columns in soft soils. Focus is made on the lateral expansion of stone material using the vibro displacement and substitution techniques by means of numerical simulations. The behaviour of reinforced soil after stone column installation is investigated to show how the properties of soft soils can be improved prior to final loading. The effect of such an improvement on the prediction of reinforced soil settlement is evaluated. The axisymmetric unit cell model (UCM) served for the comparison between numerical predictions made by the Mohr-Coulomb and hardening soil constitutive laws adopted for the soft soil. An equivalent group of end bearing columns model was investigated in the axisymmetric condition to predict the settlement of reinforced soil by adopting the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model for soft clay. The reduction of settlements predicted by the unit cell and group of columns models, due the improvement of the Young’s modulus of soft clay, were compared. It is concluded that a significant reduction of settlement is expected when the group of columns model is considered.