Laboratory Model Tests on Tyre Chips-Aggregate Columns

The stone column technique is a very efficient method of improving the strength parameters of soil like bearing capacity and reducing consolidation settlement. It offers a much economical and sustainable alternative to piling and deep foundation solutions. Ground improvement when implemented through stone column technique aids in a much stable solution to construction in weak cohesive soils. Considering the cost aspect of stone column, the major portion owes to the cost of stone aggregates. Stone aggregates are scarce, natural resource and it is diminishing. Hence it is advisable to use some other cheaper material which can replace the stones without affecting the performance of stone column. This paper involves the study of load - settlement response of stone columns in which aggregates are partially replaced by shredded tyre chips. The variation in load carrying capacity of stone columns with different mix proportion of aggregates and shredded tyre chips are also determined. The results indicate that waste tyre chips can be effectively used as partial replacement of stone aggregates.