Performance Enhancement of Stone Columns with Geocell Overlay: Numerical Insights

Granular blankets are usually provided above the stone columns to ensure proper drainage and also to enhance the performance of the stone columns. The present study investigates the overall performance of the stone columns with geocell reinforced granular blanket. The effect of geocell overlay has been studied using the finite element analysis software package ABAQUS. Geocell with three different infill materials, namely aggregate, sand, and silty clay, were considered in the study. The equivalent composite approach was adopted to simulate the geocell in a two-dimensional framework. It was observed that the use of geocell in the granular blanket resulted in a 60% increase in the peak stress concentration ratio value as compared to the ordinary stone column. Similarly, a 13% reduction in ground settlement and a 42% increase in the load-carrying capacity of the stone column was observed in the presence of geocells. Maximum improvement in the load-carrying capacity was observed when the geocell was infilled with aggregates. Further, geocells were found to reduce the stress intensity on the stone columns by distributing the load to wider areas. As a result, the lateral bulging of the stone column was found to be reduced by 16% in the presence of geocell.