Analysis of Foundations Reinforced with Jet Grouting

The use of jet grouting columns to increase the bearing capacity and reduce the settlements of foundations is dealt with, the aim being to formulate a complete design procedure where theoretical analyses and site observations are combined. The study is based on experimental results reported in the literature, which show that jet grouting columns are able to transfer high vertical loads to the surrounding soil but also that structural collapse may locally occur because of a sudden narrowing of their cross sections and/or poor soil cementation. Noticeable attention has been then given to these aspects by interpreting the results of full-scale tests specifically performed to investigate the characteristics of jet grouting columns and their mechanical interaction with the surrounding soil. The results of this analysis form the basis of a numerical method developed to simulate the response of vertically loaded rafts supported by arrays of columns. The nonlinear load-settlement response of axially loaded columns is modeled with the load-transfer curves method customized to account for the irregular shape of jet grouting columns. Extension of the analysis to the whole reinforced foundation is accomplished by considering the mutual interaction between the columns and the upper concrete raft. The variation of column properties is statistically evaluated from the results of field trials, simulated with probabilistic models and introduced into the calculation with a Monte Carlo simulation technique. The main advantages of the proposed method is that the design limit load of the foundation can be expressed in terms of acceptable probability of failure and that the uncertainty arising from the jet grouting process can be experimentally quantified and rationally introduced in the analysis. Benefits and limitations of reinforcement with jet grouting are finally discussed by applying the proposed method to a case study.