SCM wall in sand: Numerical simulation and design implications

The full scale Soil Cement Mixing (SCM) wall was constructed to investigate viability of the wall. Long term behavior of the wall resulted in viability of the wall. However, design guidelines on SCM wall are limited due to its complex geometry. In this paper, the three dimensional finite element method is employed to study the influence of various design decisions for SCM wall. The numerical model is first calibrated with an instrumented case history. Then a parametric study is constructed. The results give information on the influence of the following factors on the wall behavior: size of column, column overlapping, column embedment, existence of relieving platform, and column strength. The implications in design are discussed.

► Size of soil cement column is the most important factor in reducing wall movement. ► Relieving platform reduced wall displacement and increased factor of safety. ► Embedment increases the factor of safety against wall failure. ► Overlapping of column does not improve wall behavior.