3D Numerical Study on Geosynthetically Reinforced Stone Columns

In regions where natural soils lack sufficient bearing capacity, ground improvement becomes a critical component of geotechnical design. Among various stabilization techniques, stone columns, both ordinary and geosynthetically reinforced, are widely utilized to enhance load-bearing performance and reduce settlement in weak soils. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of ordinary and reinforced stone columns using three-dimensional finite element modeling in ABAQUS. The analysis examines the influence of key parameters, including soil friction angle, reinforcement stiffness, and column geometry, on the performance of stone columns. The findings provide insights for optimizing stone column design under static loading conditions, while also identifying future directions for studying cyclic and seismic effects.