Analysis of soft ground-granular pile-granular mat system

A simple theoretical approach to analyze soft ground reinforced by granular piles with granular mat on top is presented. The interaction shear stresse s between the granular pile and the surrounding soil are modified due to ov erburden pressure by the granular mat, which in turn affects the stress tra nsfer between the granular pile and the soil. The granular mat is assumed a s a rigid, smooth layer. Numerical evaluations are made to evaluate the eff ect of the presence of the granular mat on treated ground responses. The pr oposed method is validated by comparisons with other numerical models, fini te element analysis and field test results. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.