Rate of Consolidation of Stone Column–Improved Ground Considering Variable Permeability and Compressibility in Smear Zone
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 17, Issue 6
Abstract
Use of stone columns in soft soil reduces the excessive settlement and improves the bearing capacity with the additional advantage of providing a drainage path, which accelerates the rate of consolidation of the soil. Because of stone column installation in soft soil, surrounding soil properties are altered in such a manner that permeability and compressibility of the soil in the smear zone reduces and increases toward the drain, respectively. In the present paper, the effect of variable permeability and shear strength or compressibility in the smear zone due to stone column installation on the rate of consolidation of the stone column–improved ground was studied. The equal strain approach was considered in the analysis. The following three possible variation patterns of horizontal permeability and volume compressibility within the disturbed zone were considered: (1) reduced constant permeability with reduced constant compressibility, (2) linear variation of permeability with linear variation of compressibility, and (3) parabolic variation of permeability with parabolic variation of compressibility. The degree of consolidation computed by considering parabolic distribution of permeability and compressibility in the smear zone gives close prediction with field observation. Reduction of permeability in the smear zone increases the time requirement to achieve a particular degree of consolidation, and reduction of shear strength further increases the required time in the range of 5–21%. Degree of consolidation is significantly influenced due to strength reduction in the smear zone for lower diameter ratio, higher extent of smear zone, and lower stress concentration ratio.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 17 • Issue 6 • June 2017
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 17, 2016
Accepted: Sep 13, 2016
Published online: Oct 26, 2016
Discussion open until: Mar 26, 2017
Published in print: Jun 1, 2017
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