Theoretical elastic solutions for foundations improved by geosynthetic-encased columns

摘要

ABSTRACT: Based on an axisymmetric elastic model, a theoretical solution is obtained for anfoundation improved by geosynthetic-encased columns (GEC). The expressions for stress,ndisplacement, and hoop force of the geosynthetic, as well as stress ratio and improvement factor ofnthe GEC composite foundation, are derived in detail. To validate the current analysis, a comparisonnwith the solution proposed by Balaam and Booker is carried out. It is shown that the solutionndeveloped by Balaam and Booker confirms the presented solution for the case of an unreinforcedncolumn. Using the proposed method, the radial displacement and hoop force of the geosynthetic,nwhich are affected by its stiffness, area replacement ratio and oedometric modulus ratio, arendiscussed. The results indicate that the main function of the geosynthetic is to provide sufficientnlateral support to the columns. Decreasing the area replacement ratio is advantageous innmaximising the confining effect of the geosynthetic. The oedometric modulus ratio has littleninfluence on the confining effect provided by the geosynthetic encasement.