HEATING UP THE GROUND: TEMPERATURE-INCLUSIVE CONSOLIDATION ANALYSIS OF GRANULAR COLUMN-REINFORCED COMPOSITE FOUNDATIONS UNDER VARIABLE LOAD

Abstract

Granular columns have emerged as a prevalent and effective solution for the treatment of soft soil foundations, owing to their remarkable strength and superior water permeability. While analytical solutions, such as those based on Barron's equal strain condition, have been developed for scenarios involving immediate loading, practical engineering applications rarely involve instantaneous load application. In response to the real-world complexities, this study delves into the impact of variable loads on granular column-reinforced composite foundations. The foundational work laid by Xie [2] and Tang [3], utilizing Barron's equal strain condition for immediate loading scenarios, forms the basis of existing analytical solutions. However, the inherent variations in load application in practical engineering necessitate a more nuanced approach. Existing research, as evidenced by [4-9], has addressed the consolidation theory of composite foundations, specifically considering the influence of variable loads. This paper builds upon this foundation, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between granular columns and varying loads in the context of composite ground. The study incorporates theoretical analyses and practical insights to elucidate the behavior and performance of granular column-reinforced composite foundations under variable loading conditions. By exploring the consolidation theory within the realm of variable loads, the research aims to contribute essential insights for optimizing the treatment of soft soil foundations in practical engineering applications. Through a synthesis of theoretical advancements and empirical findings, the study offers a valuable resource for engineers and researchers seeking to enhance the efficacy of granular column-based solutions in addressing the challenges posed by soft soil foundations.