Comprehensive design of columnar reinforced foundations

What is it about?

This paper presents the results obtained after investigations conducted on reinforced soils by columns through funded collaborative Tunisian French research program. The predictions of bearing capacity, based on limit analysis approaches, and settlement estimation, based on linear elastic behavior, by using the group of columns model, constitute essentially the first requirement to undertake and optimized design of columnar reinforced foundation. Further, the prediction of settlement evolution based on a poroelastic model and improved soft soil characteristics due to stone column installation appeared as interesting components to complete the aimed design in more realistic manner. The illustration of results is discussed after recorded data from experimental studies and case histories. Finally, new trends for the design of columnar reinforced foundations are presented and some perspectives of the research program to be pursued on this subject are discussed.

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Why is it important?

The paper details all steps of new methodology of design of foundations on reinforced soils by columns.