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The stone dust column was used to strengthen the sample and had a significant effect on improving the shear strength of the kaolin clay. The application of stone columns, which can improve the overall carrying capacity of soft clay as well as lessen the settlement of buildings built on it, is among the most widespread ground improvement techniques throughout the globe. The performance of foundation beds is enhanced by their stiffness values and higher strength, which could withstand more of the load applied. Stone dust is a wonderful source containing micronutrients for soil, particularly those derived from basalt, volcanic rock, granite and other related rocks. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the properties of soft clay reinforced with encapsulated stone dust columns to remediate problematic soil and obtain a more affordable and environmentally friendly way than using other materials.

In this study, the treated kaolin sample's shear strength was measured using the unconfined compression test (UCT). 28 batches of soil samples total, 12 batches of single stone dust columns measuring 10 mm in diameter and 12 batches of single stone dust columns measuring 16 mm in diameter. Four batches of control samples are also included. At heights of 60 mm, 80 mm and 100 mm, respectively, various stone dust column diameters were assessed. The real soil sample has a diameter of 50 mm and a height of 100 mm.

Test results show when kaolin is implanted with a single encased stone dust column that has an area replacement ratio of 10.24% and penetration ratios of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0, the shear strength increase is 51.75%, 74.5% and 49.20%. The equivalent shear strength increases are 48.50%, 68.50% and 43.50% for soft soil treated with a 12.00% area replacement ratio and 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 penetration ratios.

This study shows a comparison of how sample types affect shear strength. Also, this article provides argumentation behind the variation of soil strength obtained from different test types and gives recommendations for appropriate test methods for soft soil.

This study aims to examine the effect of digitalization and sanitary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the African context. While CSR has traditionally been analyzed in developed markets, this paper explores how multinational subsidiaries can leverage CSR practices to create financial opportunities and market stability for themselves and their communities in Africa.

The authors use a panel of data from six listed African companies for the period ranking from January 2006–2022 to analyze the effect of financial performance (FP), digitalization and health measures on the social responsibility of these companies. The authors provide a robust test that improves the understanding of the impact of pandemics and innovation on CSR, using Machine Learning (ML) linear regression.

The results show that the social responsibility of African companies is highly dependent on FP and digitalization. On the other hand, the authors demonstrate that the moderating role of epidemic instability negatively affects social responsibility through FP, but on the other hand strengthens CSR in the presence of digitalization. The results of the initial analysis remain largely unchanged, demonstrating the validity and robustness of the empirical results through ML models. This article highlights some of the obstacles and opportunities for CSR adapted to the crisis context. The authors conclude that adjusting innovation strategies improves the forecasting performance of responsible companies, especially in a context of instability.

The paper clearly shows that CSR literature varies across different regions. Given that the financial market in Africa is characterized by a lack of opportunity for innovation as well as financial stability, this paper represents an important first step in the elaboration of a CSR development strategy. In light of the results presented above, the study makes an important contribution to the literature on CSR, in particular the CSR practices of multinationals in developing countries and also provides CSR managers with various insights into the types of support they will need to leverage and improve the internal underpinnings of their CSR strategies and collaboration.

The results of this study contribute to the understanding of digital transformation in responsible business, offering empirical evidence of its benefits in tackling the health crisis. In addition, the study highlights the role of an innovative approach in enhancing reputation and developing sustainable, trusting relationships with stakeholders.

This research pioneers the academic link between innovation and epidemic crisis in responsible business, filling a notable gap and introducing a new academic perspective. In concrete terms, it provides women entrepreneurs with actionable insights into the digital strategies essential to improving business performance in a context of instability. Methodologically, the study sets a benchmark for research innovation, using ML to provide a reproducible model for exposing robust results and for future research in this evolving field.