The use of geosynthetic-encased stone columns (GESCs) to modify soft or unsuitable ground conditions has increased over the last decade, allowing them to accept loads transmitted by building infrastructure works, including deep and shallow foundations, as well as by pavement and railroad infrastructure.Initially, such columns were constructed using crushed stone or gravel without encasement; however, encasement was later introduced to prevent contamination of the materials, thereby preserving their drainage and strength.Further progress in application methodology was achieved through environmental considerations, including minimizing the carbon footprint by reducing the use of materials and methods that produce large volumes of carbon dioxide and reducing the depletion of nonrenewable resources by utilizing recycled materials.The authors' paper presents a comparative assessment of the performance of geosynthetic-encased steel slag column (GESSC) composite foundations, the GESC composite foundation, and an untreated foundation, based on results from a large-scale laboratory experimental study.The assessments were undertaken by examining pressure-settlement relationships, radial deformation characteristics, soil stress distribution, column-soil stress ratio, and the evolution of excess pore-water pressure.Cone penetrometer tests were also conducted on the untreated soil and the GESSC composite foundation to compare soil strengths before and after loading.Details of the materials used, their characteristics, experimental setup, and experimental procedure are provided in the authors' paper.Comments on the results, their interpretation, and findings provided by the authors are addressed in relation to the following.
Vishnu Diyaljee (Thu,) studied this question.