Load-Settlement Characteristics of Stone Column Reinforced Soft Marine Clay Deposit: Combined Field and Numerical Studies

Foundations supporting infrastructure built on soft and compressible marine soil are unlikely to sustain due possibility of undrained shear failure or excessive settlement the soil. This necessitates importance implementing an adequate ground improvement strategy. Among different techniques, reinforcing by installation stone columns is one most successful methods in terms long-term stability foundations. To investigate load-settlement characteristics such reinforced soil, a group closely spaced was constructed at location along eastern coast Australia. The site geology revealed thick layers soft, clay deposit. These were loaded constructing earthen embankment resulting measured array sensors. A two-dimensional plane strain analysis performed using finite element modeling simulations. Comparison numerical results with field data demonstrated accuracy model. Additional studies carried out efficiency paper integrates new findings from full-scale study advanced simulations while drawing pertinent conclusions.