Nonlinear Model Analysis of Radial Bulging Deformation of Geosynthetic-Encased Stone Columns

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical solution to predict the radial bulging displacement and vertical settlement behaviors of geosynthetic-encased stone columns (GESCs) considering the nonlinear-elastic and elastoplastic models of stone-column materials. This method was verified via comparison with elastic model and testing data in the literature. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the influences of geosynthetic encasement stiffness, area replacement ratio, and soil parameters on the vertical settlement and radial bulging displacement behaviors of GESCs.