Settlement analysis of column-like elements

In recent years, column-like elements have been recognized as an effective ground improvement method to support superstructures constructed on soft soils. Different types of columns are characterized by different construction techniques, rigidity and materials used to construct these columns. This paper uses a new analytical method derived to assess the performance of columnlike elements under applied external loads. The critical length of column-like element is determined to estimate the column length required to resist applied load solely by the floating column. The analytical method is used together with the Finite Element Analysis to investigate the effectiveness of stone columns in reducing the settlement of pad and strip footings using the relative settlement reduction (RSR). Overall, the simplified analytical model yields reasonable results when predicting the settlement improvement of small group footings due to the installation of stone columns.