Physical modelling of vibro stone column using recycled aggregates

Vibro-stone column (VSC) is one of the most commonly used ground improvement techniques worldwide. Its performance depends on the quality of aggregates and interaction with the surrounding soil. The impact of installation methods used and the choice of aggregates to form the columns are still unknown which can result in short and long-term failures. In this research a primary and three recycled aggregates (RA) which are commonly used in practice were compared in the actual context of the installation and loading of a single column in soft clay. Two sets of large and small unit cell tests were designed for the study of the short-term behaviour in which the dry top feed method of installation was used on the actual aggregates, despite their unacceptable index tests results. In both of the unit cell tests, the RAs behaved comparable to the primary source in terms of load carrying capacity and showed that the aggregate index tests results alone should not be considered for the selection of the materials. The particle size distribution and grading of the aggregates were found to be the most important factors affecting the column formation and ultimately its load carrying capacity