Performance of Geosynthetic-Encased Stone Columns in Embankment Construction: Numerical Investigation
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 136, Issue 8
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a numerical investigation into the performance of geosynthetic-encased stone columns (GESCs) installed in soft ground for embankment construction. A three-dimensional finite-element model was employed to carry out a parametric study on a number of governing factors such as the consistency of soft ground, the geosynthetic encasement length and stiffness, the embankment fill height, and the area replacement ratio. The results indicate among other things that additional confinement provided by the geosynthetic encasement increases the stiffness of the stone column and reduces the degree of embankment load transferred to the soft ground, thereby decreasing the overall settlement. It is also shown that the geosynthetic encasement has a greater impact for cases with larger stone column spacing and/or weaker soil. Also revealed is that unlike isolated column loading conditions, full encasement may be necessary to ensure maximum settlement reduction when implementing GESCs under an embankment loading condition. Practical implications of the findings are discussed in detail.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by Korea Ministry of Construction and Transportation under Grant No. UNSPECIFIEDC105A1000017-05A0300-01700 and by the Basic Research Program of the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation under Grant No. UNSPECIFIEDR01-2004–000-10953–0. The financial supports are gratefully acknowledged.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 136 • Issue 8 • August 2010
Pages: 1148 - 1160
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Feb 9, 2009
Accepted: Jan 4, 2010
Published online: Jan 6, 2010
Published in print: Aug 2010
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