discussion of “geosynthetic-encased stone columns: analytical calculation model” by bostjan pulko, bojan majes, and janko logar, geotextiles and geomembranes 29 (2011) 29–39

this paper presents a closed-form solution for analysis of pilesupported systems that utilize geosynthetic-encased stone columns as the deep foundation elements. the analytical model that is presented is an extension of earlier works (balaam and booker, 1985; raithel and kempfert, 2000), and its formulation and associated assumptions are clearly described. the validity of the proposed method is evaluated using finite element analysis, and the results of a parametric study are presented at the end of the manuscript. throughout this paper, the only performance indicators of interest that are presented are vertical and horizontal displacements, either in a non-dimensional form or indirectly, as a settlement reduction factor (b). other significant design parameters of interest can also be found from the proposed analytical model; e.g., the stress concentration ratio (hc) on the columns, or the hoop tension forces (fr) in the encasement.