ABSTRACT
This paper presents a numerical and scaled physical modelling study of the engineering performance of soft clayey soils improved by surface crusting through water table lowering. In particular the performance of shallow footings placed on the material has been investigated. Tests were performed on a geotechnical centrifuge where samples of slurry were consolidated to an equilibrium effective stress condition prior to lowering the water table, thereby forming a stronger crustal zone. Shallow footing tests and strength tests were conducted to evaluate the engineering performance of the consolidated and crusted material. The results of the centrifuge tests were compared with finite element analysis of the physical models (using the package CRISP) and the results are presented.
