On settlement of stone column foundation by Priebe's method

Several contributions have been suggested to estimate the assumed linear elastic settlement of foundations on columnar reinforced soils. A number of authors have considered the so-called Priebe's method, which has been extensively used worldwide, and they have made suggestions especially for soft clays reinforced by stone columns. This paper first offers a critical analysis of the semi-empirical Priebe method by pointing out some inconsistencies related to assumptions made and the theoretical derivation of the settlement formula. A discussion of the limitation of Priebe's method for settlement estimation of foundations on soft soil reinforced by stone columns, with respect to other methods is included. Second, a comparison has been undertaken between predictions by Priebe's method and other design methods for three stone column projects in which some in situ data were recorded. On the basis of the studied case histories, it is concluded that recourse to other available and simple methods of design is more suitable than the use of Priebe's method.