DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF STONE COLUMNS VOLUME I

Abstract

Stone columns have been used since the 1950's as a technique for improving both cohesive soils and silty sands. Potential applications include (1) stabilizing foundation soils to support embankments and approach fills, (2) supporting retaining structures (including Reinforced Earth), bridge bent and abutment structures on slightly marginal soft to stiff clays and losse silty sands, (3) landslide stabilization and (4) reducing liquefaction potential of clean sands. Also, stone columns under proper conditions can greatly decrease the time required for primary consolidation. The report describes construction, field inspection, and design aspects of stone columns. Also, several case histories are described. Bearing capacity, settlement and stability design examples are given in the appendixes contained in Volume II, (FHWA/RD-83/027) as follows: Appendix A--Selected Contacts for Stone Columns; Appendix B--Local Bearing Failure of an Isolated Stone Column; Appendix C--Example Bearing Capacity Problems; Appendix D--Example Settlement Problems; Appendix E--Example Stability Problem; and Appendix F-Rammed Franki Stone and Sand Columns. (FHWA)