Recent advances in the design and calculation methods of stone columns. Part I: A calculation example

Abstract

This paper comprises recent theoretical advances that may be useful for the design and analysis of stone columns. In this first part, a calculation example is developed using different methods to study the settlement reduction and the consolidation process. The calculation methods used for this example have generally provided satisfactory results, considering the possibilities and limitations of each method. Semi-empirical methods are easy to use because the settlement reduction is obtained directly, or almost directly, from the area replacement ratio. Recently developed analytical methods based on the unit cell model consider the influence of other parameters, but information about the value of those input parameters is usually limited. Finally, finite element analyses are highly flexible, but a deep understanding of the calculation hypotheses, constitutive models and input parameters is required.