Experiment and numerical analysis of the progressive deformation and failure of deep cement marine clay improved with deep cement mixing column

Finite element analysis incorporated with a highly nonlinear 3-D anisotropic elastic viscoplastic (EVP) model is performed for a deep cement mixing (DCM) column improved marine clay foundation. The 3-D anisotropic EVP model is used for the unimproved soft marine clay (MC); and a hyperbolic model is used for DCM soil column before and after local failure. A simple yet workable method is presented for finite element solution to local failure induced strain softening of DCM soil column. The measured and predicted settlements and pore water pressures are compared, interpreted and discussed. Numerical results are in good agreement with measured data.