Abstract
Clay ground improved by Sand Compaction Pile (SCP) method is a composite of compacted sand piles and a soft clay layer. This type of composite ground shows complicated deformation and failure patterns under backfill loading because of the component materials with different characteristics. In the present study, centrifuge model tests were conducted to investigate the ultimate state of SCP improved ground. Results of model tests showed that fixed-type improved ground failed with bending mode and that floating-type improved ground failed with sliding mode. The model tests were also simulated by circular slip analyses in order to evaluate the calculation accuracy.
