Case Histories of Foundations With Stone Columns

The paper presents case histories of performance of foundations where stone columns were provided, along with relevant data regarding structural systems, soil conditions, construction methods and field control criteria. A wide range of applications are included comprising stone columns for area treatment and stone column in small and large groups for isolated footings, pipe pedestals and bridge abutments. In some of the cases design load exceeded the estimated yield load over a part of the stone column length yet collapse did not occur because the soil stress around the stone column increased as more load was passed on to the soil when yield stress was exceeded. There was also the benefit of drainage afforded by the stone columns. Load test data are furnished to substantiate the design approach which takes into consideration the strengthening of the soil annulus around the stone column resulting from compaction and subsequent consolidation.