Consolidation Behavior and Stress Concentration Ratio of SCP Composite Ground

The sand compaction pile (SCP) method is a widely used ground-improvement technique, especially in soft marine clay. Effects of the SCP method on soil improvement are often assessed using the stress concentration ratio, but previous studies have produced conflicting results of stress concentration ratio. The authors employed a finite-element model, with Modified Cam-Clay model, to analyze the consolidation behavior of SCP composite and evaluated the stress concentration ratio. Based on the results of parametric studies, it is concluded that the use of a stress concentration ratio of 3 is reasonable and conservative regarding the strength of the composite. New equations for the settlement reduction factor were developed, and these provide reasonable prediction when stress concentration ratio of 3 is used.