Analysis of bearing behaviour and deformations of geotextile encased columns in a large-scale test

Analysis of bearing behaviour and deformations of geotextile encased columns in a large-scale test. The foundation system Geotextile Encased Columns (GEC) for embankments on soft subsoil started in Germany about 15 years ago and has become state-of-the-art. The recent German Code for design of geosynthetic reinforced soil systems (EBGEO 2010) of the German Geotechnical Society comprises design and dimensioning procedures and provides useful recommendations regarding concepts and construction as well. Based on the permanently increasing practical experience, it seems that the system has higher bearing resources than formally calculated. A 1 : 1 field test was designed "on the edge" in order to provoke a limit state of the system and to identify its "upper limits". The most important first test results are shown, evaluated and commented and possible tendencies for modifications regarding some design and calculation aspects are explained.