Soil is a complex material with varying properties that affect its ability to support structures. Weak or compressible soil can cause foundation settlement and structural damage, making it essential to improve its load-bearing capacity. One popular ground improvement technique is the use of stone columns, which involves constructing vertical columns of crushed stone in the ground to increase soil strength and reduce settlement. Due to their capacity to increase the load-bearing capacity and stiffness of weak soils, stone columns are widely utilized in geotechnical engineering. This ground improvement technique has been used for decades and has proven effective in a variety of soil conditions. Stone columns are cost-effective, easy to install, and provide long-term stability to structures built on weak soil. This paper provides an overview of stone column installation methods, advantages, and the various failure mechanisms involved in stone columns.
