Stone Column Load Test
(Ground Improvement Verification)

Static load test on stone columns (granular piles) installed for ground improvement to verify their load-carrying capacity and settlement performance under design loads.

Overview

What is the Stone Column Load Test?

The Stone Column Load Test verifies the load-carrying capacity and settlement characteristics of stone columns (vibro-compacted granular piles) installed for ground improvement in soft, cohesive or loose granular soils. The test applies a static vertical load to an individual stone column or a group of columns.

Conducted as per IS 15284, stone column load tests are essential for projects involving reclaimed land, soft marine clay, loose fill or any site where ground improvement is specified. Global Lab conducts these tests using calibrated kentledge reaction systems with precision settlement measurement.

Ground Improvement Verification

Directly verifies that installed stone columns meet the specified load-settlement criteria.

Single and Group Testing

Both single column and group (composite) load tests conducted per IS 15284.

Settlement Performance

Provides actual settlement at design load — critical for floor slab and footing design.

Acceptance Criteria Verification

Test results compared against project-specific acceptance criteria per design.

NABL Certified Reports

All results issued on NABL-accredited letterhead per IS 15284.

Control Modulus Testing

Control Modulus Column (CMC) test also conducted as a complementary test.

Test in Action

Stone Column Load Test — Site Images

Stone Column Head Preparation

Loading Plate and Jack Setup

Settlement Measurement During Test

Test Procedure

How the Stone Column Load Test is Conducted

1

Column Selection & Preparation

Representative stone columns are selected for testing. Column heads are trimmed and levelled for uniform load distribution.
2

Loading Platform Construction

A rigid loading plate (equal to column diameter or group area) is placed on the column head.
3

Reaction System & Instrumentation

Kentledge reaction system, calibrated load cell, hydraulic jack and settlement gauges installed.
4

Incremental Load Application

Load applied in increments per IS 15284. Settlement recorded after stabilisation at each load stage.
5

Analysis & Acceptance

Load-settlement curve plotted. Settlement at design load compared against acceptance criterion. NABL report within 7 days.

Standards & Specifications

Applicable Test Standards

Standard	Title	Scope	Type
IS 15284	Design and Construction for Ground Improvement — Guidelines (Stone Columns)	Stone Columns	Indian Standard
IS 1888	Method of Load Test on Soils	Load Test	Indian Standard
ASTM D1196	Standard Test Method for Nonrepetitive Static Plate Load Tests	Plate Load	ASTM
IRC SP 89	Guidelines for Soil and Granular Material Stabilisation	Ground Improvement	IRC

Applications

Where is the CAPO Test Used?

Reclaimed land and coastal development sites with soft marine clay

Highway embankment foundations on soft compressible soils

Industrial floor slab foundations on loose fill or made ground

Tank farm foundations requiring post-improvement settlement control

Airport runway and apron subgrade improvement verification

Railway embankment on soft ground requiring settlement control

Why Choose Global Lab

Our Advantages

NABL Accredited ReportsLegally valid certificates for ground improvement acceptance and QA.

IS 15284 ExpertiseExperienced in stone column testing for highways, ports and industrial projects.

Autovity Digital ReportsLoad-settlement data and acceptance status accessible digitally.

Combined Ground TestingStone column test combined with plate load and field density for full QA package.

Pan-India CoverageTeams across 7 lab locations including coastal areas for marine projects.

Fast MobilisationEquipment and team deployed within 48 hours across India.

Stone Column Load Test(Ground Improvement Verification)