3D Numerical Analysis of a Single Footing on Soft Soil Reinforced by Rigid Inclusions

Abstract

In the absence of high-quality soils, the rigid inclusion reinforcement technique has been extensively used in geotechnical engineering practice to meet the serviceability requirements of construction projects. This article aims to investigate the behavior of a single footing placed on soft soil reinforced by four rigid inclusions using three-dimensional (3D) finite difference modeling (FDM). A set of full-scale experimental tests are used as references for the development of the numerical approach. The concurrence of the numerical and experimental data allows us to assess the load transfer platform thickness influence on the system under centered and eccentric loading conditions. Some preliminary insights can thus be obtained based on this analysis for the soft soil improvement using rigid inclusions at the design stage.