Title: | Rapid Load Testing of Stone Columns |
Authors: | John Touma Salah Sadek Shadi Najjar |
Issue Date: | 12-March-2017 |
Conference: | Geotechnical Frontiers 2017, March 12-15, 2017. Orlando, Florida. |
Abstract: | Stone columns are an economic solution for improving the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on soft soils. A novel impulse load test was developed and used to quantify the load-displacement response of shallow foundations, on stone columns, at a clay site. The testing methodology used is the Rapid Plate Load Tester. Static and dynamic tests were conducted on a 2 m x 2 m footing, supported on slightly over consolidated clay, reinforced with stone columns and the results are presented. The stone columns were 6 m deep and were constructed using the dry method at different area replacement ratios, by varying the spacing and diameter of the stone columns. Static and dynamic field tests were performed to target loads of 2000 kN and equivalent bearing pressures of 500 kPa. Displacement time histories were acquired by both photocells and accelerometers. The Unloading Point Method was used to derive an equivalent static load settlement curve for the footing on clay soil, both prior as well as post improvement. The derived static curves show good correlation with measured load settlement curves in the static mode. |
Publication status: | Published |
Title: | Development of a rapid load test method for shallow foundations |
Authors: | John Touma Salah Sadek Shadi Najjar |
Issue Date: | 2-June-2016 |
Conference: | 4th International Conference on New Developments in Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 2-4 June 2016, Near East University, Nicosia, North Cyprus |
Abstract: | Ideas for testing shallow and deep foundations using full scale load tests, both static and dynamic loads, have always been intrinsic to the study and development of geotechnical engineering practice. Prior testing reduces risk associated with foundation settlement, in particular in poor and / or complex ground conditions ground such as clay soils requiring improvement by stone columns. |
Publication status: | Published |