Centrifuge model studies on set-up due to single sand compaction pile

Abstract

The research focuses on the behaviour of a single sand compaction pile (SCP) installing in soft clay stratum with respect to set-up in soft clay and SCP. An in-flight SCP installer is used for the research. Experiments have been conducted to study the set-up stresses in soft clay and SCP owing to installation of SCP. The set-up stress was studied based on transducersa?? measurements due to installation of SCP. Test results indicate that there are significant amounts of set-up stresses in SCP and in the soft clay bed. Interpretation by cavity expansion theory and finite element simulation agrees reasonably with the experimental data at deeper depth. However, interpretation by modified cavity expansion theory agrees reasonably for most of the depth ranges. From the findings, so as to mobilize significant amount of set-up stress in the improved ground, there must be substantial further cavity expansion during the formation of SCP.