<p><p><strong>References:<br></strong><em>Barksdale and Bachus (1983a)<br>Schaefer et al. (2016)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>Field load tests can be used to verify the capacity of stone columns. Three types of load tests can be used:<br><ul> <li>Short-term tests, which are the most common type, are used to evaluate stone column bearing capacity.</li> <li>Long-term tests, which are used to measure the consolidation settlement characteristics.</li> <li>Horizontal or composite shear tests, which are used to evaluate the composite stone-soil shear strength for use in stability analyses.</li></ul>Short-term load tests, which are similar to pile load tests, should be performed after all excess pore pressures induced during construction have been dissipated (Barksdale and Bachus 1983a). The load may be applied over a single column cross section or over an area consisting of the column plus the surrounding tributary area within the pattern of columns, depending on whether individual column or composite column plus soil properties and behavior are to be determined.</p><p>During construction, a few short-term load tests can be performed for quality control purposes. The maximum applied load for such tests is usually 150 to 200% of the allowable/design load (Barksdale and Bachus 1983a).</p><p><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>Load tests provide direct measurements; however, the load applied to a single column may not reach the bottom of the column, as would be the case for a large loaded area containing many columns, and may not be a true indicator of the column capacity.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>Load tests measure the performance of the column; however, it would be time and cost prohibitive to test every column using load tests.</p><p><strong> </strong><strong>Implementation Requirements </strong></p><p>Load tests require the mobilization of specialized equipment and instrumentation.</p><p><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>Load tests can be used to measure the axial capacity of a single stone column or the composite stone column load-settlement and shear strength, making this method suitable for slope stabilization and structural support applications.</p></p>