Laboratory modelling of T-shaped soil–cement column for soft ground treatment under embankment

This technical note presents a laboratory modelling of a T-shaped soil–cement column for soft ground treatment under an embankment, and compares it with a conventional column. A thick sand layer was placed between the column-treated ground and the loading plate to simulate the embankment effect, and the stress, excess pore pressure and settlement of the ground were analysed. Since the T-shaped column had an enlarged column cap, it took more applied load than the conventional column, resulting in less stress on the soil. This effect reduced the soil settlement and differential settlement of the ground, and increased its consolidation rate.