Studies into the reinforcing effect of stone columns in soft clay

A proposed major extension to an iron ore handling yard was located in an area underlain by soft alluvial clay. Stone columns were proposed to limit settlement of rails supporting the stacking/reclaiming machines. As part of the investigation for the project, a series of centrifuge model tests were undertaken to examine various aspects of the project, and to test some of the design assumptions. Some of the results of these model tests are presented and discussed in the light of current design methods for stone columns.