A study on the performance of stone column in soft clay by using PLAXIS 2D

Abstract

Nowadays, diminish in suitable sites for constructions become a big challenge for engineers and encouraged them to consider improving of the in situ soils. Out of all methods for ground improvement, stone column became more popular these days according to its simple construction and economic consideration. Installation of stone column especially in loose and fine graded soil works effectively to reduce settlement of foundation soil and improve the bearing capacity. This paper investigates the performance and behaviour of stone columns in soft clay by modelled on several design parameter of stone column which are different stone column diameter, friction angle of gravel as column material and spacing between the columns. Finite element analyses were carried out using 15-noded triangular elements in PLAXIS 2D Version 8.2 software. An analysis was carried out using Mohr-Coulomb’s criterion model for stones column and soft soil clay. From this parametric study, the effect of various design parameter and the most suitable design to works effectively in terms of settlement reduction and improvement bearing capacity can be identified.