This paper deals with the influence of the earth pressure at rest coefficient K 0 on stone columns behavior. This parameter is related to the initial stresses caused by the compression of in situ soil and by the installation (expansion of column material). Numerical calculations based on finite element method are compared to analytical methods and conventional engineering methods addressed to the design of stone columns. The presented results led to a better comprehension of previous methods for the design of stone column and highlighted the importance of well defining the initial stress level due to stone columns installation.