Enhancing stone column performance in peaty soil foundations through additive-induced stress reduction

Abstract

This paper analyses the efficacy of dynamic compaction and the stone column method in enhancing the settlement of the peaty soil. Dynamic compaction was experimented on with the drop weight of 4, 6, and 8 kg and the drop height of 400, 600, and 800 mm, as well as with stone columns of one, two, and three units. The findings indicate that dynamic compaction significantly lowers the settlement compared to an untreated soil, and the greatest enhancement was realized at a weight of 8 kg and a drop height of 800 mm. The growth in settlement is in a 3-stage trend where in Stage I, settlement growth is slow with a reduction of 9.48% to 7.14%, in Stage II, growth is rapid with a reduction of 18% to 17.86%, and in Stage III, growth is rapid with a reduction of 72.41% to 75%. Stone column insertion provides even higher reduction in settlement, especially where the application of three columns has been used, and the extent of improvement is highest. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of each method to increase soil stability, and stone columns yield better outcomes, particularly in areas that are defined by soft, peaty soils, like those experienced in Iraq.