EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL MODELLING OF FLOATING ENCASED SAND COLUMNS SUPPORTING RIGID FOOTINGS IN VERY SOFT CLAY

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of partially penetrating encased sand columns on the settlement, and bearing capacity. In addition, consolidation process, stress transfer mechanism, and developed hoop strains are investigated through small-scale experimental model tests and numerical modelling. An experimental test for a partially penetrating GEC was modelled using the 3D finite element program (Plaxis 3D) for verification purpose. Using GECs with penetrating length ratios of 1.0, 0.8, and 0.6 resulted in settlement reductions of 82%, 80%, 68%, respectively, at a vertical applied load of 36 kPa. Bearing Capacity increased with increased the GECs penetration ratio. Hoop strains increased significantly at a penetration ratio of 0.6. Good agreement was observed between the results of the experimental and numerical models Disclaimer