Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Sustainable Use of Steel Slag for Geogrid-Encased Column Involving Its Clogging Effects

This study investigates the sustainable use of steel slag for a geogrid-encased column involving its reinforcement and clogging effects on its consolidation performance in soft foundations through model tests and 3D hydromechanical-coupled finite element analyses. The 3D finite element model is first validated according to test results of an untreated and treated soft soil foundation. Then, a parametric study investigating the effect of clogging on the performance of the geogrid-encased steel slag column (GESSC) is carried out. Steel slags mixed with different percentages of fine (0%, 10%, 20%, and 40%) are used to simulate various clogging conditions. The numerical study shows that the percentage of fines in the GESSC has a notable effect on the dissipation of excess pore water pressure as well as foundation consolidation.