Behavior of Soft Clay Treated with Vibro Stone Columns Under Earthen Embankment Loads—Field Study

Construction of high earthen embankments on soft clays experiences geotechnical concerns. In the present case,performance of a 10-m-high earthen embankment constructed over marine clay treated with vibro stone columns is studied. The subsoil below earthen embankment consists of 13m thick soft clay which cannot support required loadings. A selected portion of embankment was fully instrumented with settlement gages, inclinometers, and piezometers for monitoring its performance. The present study discusses the observed results with respect to design soil parameters and its behavior of treated soft clays. In addition, pre- and post-ground improvement soil investigation test results are reviewed to confirm improvement of soil stiffness. Pre-and post-soil investigation results clearly indicate improvement of shear strength and soil stiffness of the treated ground. This implies more than 1/10 reduction in the estimated service stage settlement compared to unimproved case.