ABSTRACT
Lime or lime/cement columns have been successfully used in a number of cases and applications for stabilizing soft soils. When comparing the results from predictions and those monitored as performance, it is important to note all the different steps in the design procedure. The comparison only become meaningful if the assumptions made during the design are sound and followed during installation and construction. This is pointed out in the paper and then several different areas of application are addressed. Numerous cases, where lime/cement columns were used to reduce settlement of embankments, showed that the settlements predicted in the design were generally larger than those eventually measured. Reasons for this is discussed, and it is concluded that generally sound results are obtained and that the design methods can be considered adequate. This is also true for lime/cement columns used for improving the stability of embankments, as long as the columns are placed in an interlocking pattern to accommodate large bending and shear stresses. Several case records were found where lime/cement columns were used for reducing the settlements for foundation of different structures. Generally it worked well, even if the design methods seems to be a little on the conservative side. Some other applications are also briefly mentioned.
