Optimization of the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Reinforced Soft Soils through the Concept of the Critical Length of Stone Columns

The objective of this paper is to develop an analytical equation based on the concept critical-length columns in order optimize ultimate bearing-capacity soft soils, supporting a strip footing and reinforced by group floating stone columns. Optimization procedure was performed three-dimensional numerical models simulated Flac3D computer code, for various soft-soils with different undrained-cohesions (Cu=15–35kPa), varying lengths (L) area replacement ratio (As=10-40%), considering widths B. Obtained results indicate that optimal (Ultimate soil/unreinforced soil) reached column (Lc/B) increase later ratio, depending As Cu. Analysis also showed values soils remain bounded between lower higher (1.28-2.32), respectively minimal maximal (1.1) (4.4). Based these results, useful proposed authors, expression critical-length; thus ensuring pre-dimensioning compared data available literature good agreement. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091737 Full Text: PDF