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Numerical Plane-Strain Modelling of Stone Columns: Installation Process, Single and Group Column Behaviour

  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Published:
KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Aims and scope

Abstract

The scope of this paper is to emphasize the critical issues related to the axisymmetric and plane-strain modelling of single and group of stone columns constructed to stabilise soft soils. A simple technique based on the expansion of the column shaft was used to simulate the column installation so that the excess pore pressures during this process were calculated for a single column under axisymmetric conditions. Classical cavity expansion theory was also used for the same purpose. The group behaviour of stone columns was discussed by two-dimensional plane—strain numerical models. Plane-strain modelling of stone columns should consider the conversion of stiffness and the drainage properties of the columns and the soft soils to the plane-strain conditions. The validity of two different conversion methods based on the equivalent plane-strain stiffness and equivalent plane-strain permeability coupled with the expansion of the column shaft technique were investigated. An existing well-documented centrifuge test data were used as a reference for numerical models of axisymmetric single column and plane-strain column groups. The measured and calculated results were in good agreement for the case where the finite element model was constituted based on the equivalent plane-strain permeability. The results of this study intend to bring insight to the plane-strain modelling of a group of stone columns.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa. Project numbers: 8371 and 8373. The first author is particularly grateful to Prof. Dr. Sarah M. Springman for the opportunity to work on this topic and be part of her group at ETH Zurich during his postdoctoral visit. In addition, the authors are grateful to Prof. Dr. Jan Laue and Dr. Thomas Weber, whose comments and suggestions have helped greatly improve the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, 34320, Turkey

    M. Kubilay Kelesoglu

  2. CPD Engineering & Project Consultancy, Istanbul, 34320, Turkey

    Caner Durmus

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  1. M. Kubilay Kelesoglu
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  2. Caner Durmus
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Correspondence to M. Kubilay Kelesoglu.

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Kelesoglu, M.K., Durmus, C. Numerical Plane-Strain Modelling of Stone Columns: Installation Process, Single and Group Column Behaviour. KSCE J Civ Eng 26, 3402–3415 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-022-1671-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-022-1671-3

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