Geotechnical performance of combined stone columns and piles capped with reinforced concrete raft foundation in soft clay soil

Stone columns consist of granular material compacted in long cylindrical holes. They are used for improving the strength and consolidation characteristics compressible soils. However, they still less effective at supporting heavy loads, since cannot transfer applied stresses to deeper layers soil. The main objective this numerical study was investigate geotechnical performance a combined foundation system composed stone piles grouped together under rigid raft failure mechanism hybrid examined, configurations optimizing were explored. An analytical model developed predicting ultimate carrying capacity It deduced that combining one improved considerably system’s capacity. Moreover, uppermost improvement observed when installed on periphery or edge foundation, while stones placed center area raft. started from noticeably extended its edges. Due presence system, did not interact. areas affected influenced by soil–pile interaction also overlap.