An estimation method for predicting final consolidation settlement of ground improved by floating soil cement columns

A simplified estimation method for final consolidation settlement is proposed using a stress distribution ratio which considers the contribution from skin friction at the surface of floating columns. The advantage of this method is that is possible to determine the consolidating layer thickness as a function of simple parameters such as the degree of improvement, loading conditions and undrained soil strength. The predicted settlements of the improved ground correspond well to that measured in full scale case studies.