Soil Stabilization using Stone Column

Published on 19 Apr 2022. Written by Vinay Raj

The ground improvement techniques are generally made at the places where the soil conditions are very ill. These techniques which are used to increase the performance of the soil are called soil stabilization techniques or soil improvement techniques.

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These methods make the soil high in strength and give stiffness to the soil despots. Currently available methods for the improving of the soil are broadly divided into four types:

• Drainage Technique (done to minimize the porewater pressure by providing drains)
• Densification techniques (done by compacting the soil mass)
• Grouting Techniques (involves injection of fluid into the soil mass)
• Reinforcement techniques (steel or concrete is used to make soil stronger)

Stone columns is also been as a technique for improving the soil strength and decreasing the compressibility. It is used in both cohesive and non-cohesive soils. This method can improvise the by reinforcement, densification and drainage functions.

Out of many methods used out there for increasing the soft clay, stone column is most suitable one. This technique is economical and makes the construction faster if the soils are having less safe bearing capacity. In this technique we place vertical columns of the coarse aggregate which is more compacted in nature through the soil which is meant to be improvised. 

Requirements:

Knowledge of Geotechnical engineering.

Knowledge of Concrete Technology.

Test the parameters for the soil

Project Implementation:

1. Loose soils are found on the ground and are tested for the soil characteristics tests.
2. Test like plate load test or CPT are performed.
3. The stone columns are introduced into the loose soil.
4. Same tests are again performed on the improvised soil.
5. Compare and make a report of the difference between the soil before and after the improvisation of the soil.

Software Requirements:

• If you need to plot the graph for the values you can use software like MS-Excel, Origin Pro etc…

Advantages:

• This method can be used in improving the slopes.
• Post settlements are not observed in this method as the stone are every granular.
• Reduction of foundation settlements.
• Increase in resistance to soil liquefaction
• This method can also resist lateral loads.
• Construction is very simple and effective.

Conclusion:

This project is used to increase the soil strength which is a live project and this can also be improvised by changing the type of aggregate that is been used.  Modifications can also be done and can check for the improvements of the projects. People interested in doing masters in the stream of Geo technical Engineering can do or improve this project and will be helpful for them.

Kit required to develop Soil Stabilization using Stone Column:

• No Kit is required

Technologies you will learn by working on Soil Stabilization using Stone Column:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Soil Stabilization

Any Questions?