Construction of geogrid encased stone columns: A new proposal based on laboratory testing

Geogrid encasement has recently been investigated to provide an alternative and perhaps stiffer option to the now established method of geotextile encased columns (GECs). To construct geogrid encasement, the geogrid is typically rolled into a sleeve and welded using a specialized welding frame. However, the process is unlikely to be economical for site construction and therefore an alternative method of encasement construction was investigated in this paper. The technique comprises overlapping the geogrid encasement by a nominal amount and relying on interlock between the stone aggregate and section of overlap to provide a level of fixity similar to welding. A series of small-scale tests were initially used to investigate the technique, followed by medium-scale compression tests using different geogrids and typical stone column aggregates. The results of testing indicate that the “method of overlap” provides a simple and effective method of encasement construction, providing a level of fixity similar to welding. A full circumference of overlap should generally be adopted to achieve adequate fixity. Biaxial geogrids are best suited to the technique, with increased encasement stiffness resulting in increased column capacity and column stiffness. Higher strength geogrids are also more robust, providing a greater resistance to cutting from pieces of angular crushed rock. Site trials are recommended for final confirmation of the technique.