OasisLMS

Abstract: Stone columns inclusions are an effective ground improvement technique, offering reinforcement, soil densification, and facilitating radial consolidation. Ideally well graded granular stone materials are preferred for the purpose. However, alternate granular materials such as copper slag, steel slag aggregate, crushed concrete aggregate and shredded tire chips etc. may also be adopted for stone columns. Further, the performance of stone/granular columns would be differeing in different types of soils or stratified soils. The present study evaluates the performance of copper slag (CS) as an alternative column material, contributing to waste management and sustainability. The Finite Element program PLAXIS 2D is used, with an emphasis on comparing CS efficiency to Ordinary Granular Columns (OGCs) in enhancing the mechanical and hydraulic characteristics. The analysis considers varying subsoil profiles - sand and clay; different length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios of columns to examine their impact on ground improvement performance. The results demonstrate that CS consistently outperforms OGCs, showing higher efficiency in reducing settlement, making it a suitable alternate material. Furthermore, the performance of both granular columns are observed to be more effective in cohesive soils compared to cohesionless soil. The study also highlights higher L/D ratios generally improve load-bearing capacity and settlement reduction, though excessively high ratios may lead to diminishing effects due to lateral bulging.

Ms. K Kavinmalar; Ms. Kiruthika P

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