Analysis of stone column-supported geosynthetic-reinforced embankments

In the present paper, the behavior of stone column-supported geosynthetic-reinforced embankments has been studied. The soil arching effect is incorporated in the study to determine the stresses acting on stone columns as well as soft soil. The effect of stiffness of the stone column is also incorporated in the present study. Based on the stress action in the improved ground, stress concentration ratio, axial strain of geosynthetic reinforcement, tension developed in it and settlement of the improved soft ground are determined by using the developed methodology. Present analytical method is also verified with several current design methods. It is observed from parametric studies that modular ratio or stiffness of the stone columns, spacing to diameter ratio, height of the embankment, depth of the soft soil, stiffness of the geosynthetic reinforcement significantly affect the behavior of geosynthetic-reinforced stone column-supported embankments resting on soft soil. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.