Numerical investigation of the settlement behavior of hybrid system of floating stone columns and granular mattress in soft clay soil

Abstract The composite system of stone columns reinforced soil overlaid by granular mattress (GM) has been given more attention as a hybrid improvement technique. This work presents 3D finite element analyses using PLAXIS software for floating group constructed in deep soft clay deposit Port-Said Egypt. limited area loading was investigated conjunction with the key parameters, i.e., length, diameter, and GM main properties. Results validated effectiveness settlement reduction behavior enhancement. thickness results considerable up to value 1.5d where d is column diameter. increase can be an economical substitution instead increasing length new factor named “Mattress factor: Ƞ gm ” defined represent occurring due existence. also show notable limiting L = 1.8B B footing width.