Reliability of the Priebe method for estimating settlements

Many estimating methods have been developed for predicting the settlement of stone column reinforced ground. The Priebe method is the most common method used in practice. Even though the Priebe method does not capture all the parameters that affect the performance of stone column reinforced ground, the method is preferred due to its simplicity. An extensive literature search provided data to evaluate the Priebe method. The concept of reliability was incorporated to provide the framework for analysing the prediction method. The Priebe method was found to have an approximately 89% probability that the measured settlement will be smaller than the estimated settlement. The Priebe method was found not always to be conservative, with some possibility of settlement exceeding the estimated amount.