Different approaches to predict the ground settlements reinforced by rigid inclusions

Excessive ground settlements associated with building loads in highly compressible soils are among the most challenging geotechnical engineering problems, which can adversely affect the performance of the structures. Improving the performance of the soil using rigid inclusions is one of the most innovative methods to reduce the differential and overall settlements under the buildings. Rigid inclusions are not connected to the structures but are separated by a load transfer platform, usually consisting of a dense- graded aggregate layer with or without geogrids. Due to the complex nature of the load transfer mechanism and the interaction between the soil and the rigid element, there are still significant challenges to predict the settlements of the rigid inclusions. This paper draws a comparison between the possible methods including finite element modelling and analytical approaches for predicting the settlement of the ground improved by rigid inclusions. The results of the analyses are compared against the field measurements from a static load test in a site located in Auckland, New Zealand. This comparison between the predicted and measured settlements aims to assist the engineers to choose the appropriate approach for designing rigid inclusions.