Modeling the Performance of Stone Column–Reinforced Soft Ground under Static and Cyclic Loads
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 2
Abstract
Installing stone columns is a convenient method of soft ground improvement. Although several analytical and numerical solutions are available to predict the performance of stone column–improved soft ground, these models are incapable of capturing the influence of cyclic loading on transport corridors, such as highways and railways. The authors developed a novel finite-difference model adopting modified Cam clay theory to analyze the response of stone column–reinforced soft soil under static and cyclic loadings. Apart from predicting excess pore water pressure dissipation and the resulting settlement, the model also captures the effect of cyclic loading by considering yield surface contraction. The solutions developed were validated using available field observations and laboratory test results. The model was successfully applied to a selected case study at the Australian National Field Testing Facility at Ballina, New South Wales, Australia. The limitations of the proposed model are highlighted as well.
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Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support received from the Australian Research Council and industry partners, namely, Coffey Geotechnics and Keller Ground Engineering, in the form of an industry linkage project. The authors are grateful to Dr. Rohan Walker for editing the manuscript for better clarity.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 2 • February 2016
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© 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 15, 2014
Accepted: May 28, 2015
Published online: Jul 29, 2015
Discussion open until: Dec 29, 2015
Published in print: Feb 1, 2016
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