Ground improvement by stone column of soft silty soil bed

Abstract

Stone columns are extensively used to improve the bearing capacity of poor ground and reduce the
settlement of structures built on them. A stone column is one of the soil stabilization methods that is used to increase
strength, decrease the compressibility of soft and loose fine graded soils, accelerate a consolidation effect and reduce
the liquefaction potential of soils. They are mainly used for stabilization soft soil such as soft clays, silts and siltysands. It may be possible to limit settlement and increase the strength of foundation. During an earthquake, stone
columns can also act as a gravel drain column to release pore water pressure and the liquefaction potential of a
ground can be reduced.
coarse aggregate, quarry dust. The test was performed in laboratory to understand geotechnical engineering
properties. The Atterberg limit, Specific gravity, Standard compaction test, Unconfined compressive strength, model
plate load test, were performed on very soft silty soil. The optimum moisture content of the soil bed is 26 percent which
is higher than its liquid limit.