Small scale physical model tests evaluating the settlement of vibrated stone columns

This paper reports on a series of laboratory experiments carried out to investigate the settlement performance of a rigid foundation supported on soft soil reinforced with Vibrated Stone Columns. A large triaxial system capable of testing samples of 300 mm diameter was developed. The parameters investigated included area replacement ratio (As) and column length to diameter ratio (L/d) beneath the footing. The significant findings of the work include (i) optimisation of As for settlement performance and (ii) the importance of foundation shielding to provide adequate column confinement.