Centrifugal and numerical modeling of stiffened deep mixed column-supported embankment with slab over soft clay

A stiffened deep mixed (SDM) column can significantly increase the bearing capacity, reduce settlement, and enhance the slope stability of soft clays as compared with a conventional deep mixed (DM) column. This technique involves inserting plain concrete, reinforced concrete or a steel pile into the center of the DM column after the DM column is constructed. In this paper, a series of centrifugal modeling tests were conducted to investigate the performance of an SDM column-supported embankment over soft clay. A model embankment supported only by DM columns was constructed for comparison. Two ideal numerical models of column-reinforced soil under equal stress and equal strain conditions were established to explore the role the column played in accelerating soil consolidation. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the influence factors of the length of the core pile, column spacing, thickness of the underlying soil, modulus and thickness of the cushion, and modulus of the slab on the load transfer of the system, and some recommendations were proposed for its application. The load-transfer mechanism of an SDM column-supported embankment system with a slab was established based on the development of the volumetric strains and the principal stresses in the numerical models.