Current Experience With Application of Geotextile Encased Granular Columns - Gec

The system of embankment foundation on gravel or sand columns in cylindrically woven geotextile, so-called “Geotextile Encased Columns - GEC” has been used for about 30 years. It is applied on very weak soils where the undrained shear strength is below 15kN/m2, which is an area where classic solution with compacted gravel columns is not applicable. The paper presents the characteristics, design, installation methods, as well as practical examples where GECs were used as load-bearing elements for embankment foundations, as well as an example of the use of GECs as mega-drains at the inner tailings disposal of the Drmno open-pit mine.The level of research detail was demanding and almost all planned research was realized. Geological and physical-mechanical characteristics of lithological types are more favorable in relation to the morphological character of the slope. According to the results of field research and laboratory tests, geotechnical environments were identified, which are the basis for geotechnical design.