Abstract
Vertical loading tests of soil-cement columns were carried out in three soft grounds by banking in order to obtain the allowable bearing capacities and distribution of axial force of the columns. The axial strains, head and bottom settlements of the columns were measured during the tests.
The soil-cement columns were placed in situ and their diameters were in the range of 45-47cm and the lengths were 3-6m.
The test results show that the allowable bearing capacities of the columns are 4.7-10tons and the bearing capacities of the columns placed in the soft strata without reaching to the supporting stratum arises mostly from skin friction, while those placed on the supporting stratum from both of skin friction and end bearing resistance. The settlement of the columns in long term loading tests were very small in all grounds.
