Numerical analysis of the geosynthetic reinforced stone columns with Plaxis2D finite element code

Abstract

Stone columns applications are becoming widespread as a ground improvement method owing to their economical and efficient use. Contrary to typical reinforced concrete bored piles, stone columns generally fail to the low confining stresses coming from the soft and loose soils. In order to overcome this problem, geotextile or geogrid wrapping can be a good alternative for soil improvement. Within this study, results of numerical analyses of the stone columns performed with finite element technique were reported. For the simulations, unwrapped and geosynthetic wrapped stone columns were modeled. According to the results of the numerical analyses, the amount of lateral expansional deformation of the stone column under vertical load was 24.76 mm, while this value decreased by 6.82% in the geogrid-wrapped model, 12.29% in the G300-wrapped model and 34.20% in the G1000 geotextile-wrapped model. These results indicate the geotextile and geogrid type reinforcement provides significant contribution to the load bearing capacity of the stone columns.