Parametric study on the lateral deformation of the granular column using recycled materials

This research article presents the results of lateral displacement behaviour of granular columns filled with stiff and flexible recycled materials reinforced in soft soil. In this investigation, finite element analysis was carried out to analyse the lateral displacement response with depth of granular column reinforced into soil stratum. Design parameters of granular columns have been varied including centre to centre spacing varied from 2 m to 4 m and the ratio of depth of columns to depth of soil stratum varied from 0.5 to 1.0. Homogenous soil stratum of 11 m square section has been analysed by varying lateral displacement with depth of columns and variation of principle effective stress with lateral displacement of granular columns. The outcomes reveal that with the increase in depth of granular column, lateral deformation decreases and principle effective stress increases. Similarly, lateral deformation increases for spacing to diameter ratio from 3 to 4 and for spacing to diameter ratio of 2, the zone of high concentrations has been observed due to disproportionate lateral interface among closely spaced columns, resulting in increased lateral deformation and compromised stability. These findings emphasize the critical importance of improving geometrical parameters in the design of granular columns incorporating recycled materials to enhance structural integrity and performance in geotechnical applications.