Purpose: This study aims to study the load – settlement behaviour of circular footing rested
on encased single stone column.
Design/methodology/approach: The effect of vertical, horizontal and combined verticalhorizontal
encasement of stone column on the load carrying capacity were examined
numerically. The effect of stone column dimension (80 mm and 100 mm), length (400 mm
and 500 mm), and spacing of reinforcement on the load carrying capacity and reinforcement
ratio were assessed.
Findings: The obtained results revealed that the load carrying capacity of geotextile
encased stone columns are more than ordinary stone columns. For vertically encased stone
columns as the diameter increases, the advantage of encasement decreases. Whereas, for
horizontally encased stone column and combined vertical- horizontal encased stone column,
the performance of encasement intensifies as the diameter of stone column increases. The
improvement in the load carrying capacity of clay bed reinforced with combined verticalhorizontal
encased stone columns are higher than vertical encased stone columns or
horizontal encased stone column. The maximum performance of encasement was observed
for VHESC1 of D = 80 mm.
Research limitations/implications: For this study, the diameter of footing and stone
column was kept same. The interface strength factor between stone column and clay bed
was not considered.
Practical implications: The encased stone column could be use improve the laod
bearing capacity of weak soils.
Originality/value: Many studies are available in literature regarding use of geosynthetic as
vertical encasement and horizontal encasement of stone column. The study on combined
effect of vertical and horizontal encasement of stone column on load carrying capacity of
weak soil is very minimal. Keeping this in view, the present work was carried out.