Model Test of the Suspended Lightweight Cement-soil Columns Ground Under Graded Loading
摘要
A physical model was used to investigate the performance of a lightweight cement-soil column composite ground system based on the Pearl River Xianghai Bridge project. A series of laboratory tests were carried out, with column length, column spacing, and cushion layer thickness considered as key variables. Under incremental loading conditions, surface settlement, column-soil stress distribution, and pore water pressure were monitored. Results were compared with those obtained from a conventional composite ground. Findings indicated that the use of lightweight cement-soil columns significantly enhanced the stability of deep soft soil grounds. Increasing the column length and cushion thickness led to reduced settlement, increased column-soil stress, and decreased pore water pressure. Wider column spacing resulted in greater settlement, a reduced column-soil stress ratio, and elevated pore water pressure. These results provided both theoretical insights and experimental evidence to support the design and optimization of lightweight composite grounds in deep soft soil regions, offering practical guidance for improving ground performance and ensuring structural safety.