Extreme load of soils reinforced by columns: the case of an isolated column.

The improvement of bearing capacity for soft purely cohesive soils reinforced by columns was studied. Using the Yield Design theory, the extreme load of an isolated column was determined based on the plane strain assumption, and then in axisymmetry. Two loading cases were considered, and the influence of gravity was investigated. In order to ensure the improvement of the soil's bearing capacity, the minimum values of the mechanical characteristics of the column material are identified. Quasi-exact values and acceptable bounds for the extreme load were compared to results presented in the literature. The method developed here is considered relevant for better performance.