The main objective of this paper is to examine through 2D and 3D numerical analyses the effect of several important factors on the behaviour of NC clayey soils, reinforced with stone columns. In order to estimate the improvement degree as the settlement reduction factor, p, extensive analyses were performed for a wide range of the parameters involved. Apart from some well known factors, as the replacement ratio and the gravel pile deformability and strength, the effect of other parameters as the loading conditions, the intensity and the undrained shear strength of the clay as well, are investigated. The F.E. programs ABAQUS and PLAXIS (2D and 3D) are used for the examination of typical gravel pile groups, under varying loading level. From the comparison of the results from three dimensional analyses with those of the widely used simple unit cell model, under axisymmetric conditions, useful practical conclusions may be drawn.
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