Since vibrosinking method was invented in 1937

gravel columns foundation has been widely applied in engineering . Up to now

great achievements have been attained in the research of gravel columns foundation. In this paper the recent advances in theoretical research and dynamic analysis and criteria for liquefaction resistance of gravel columns foundation are reviewed. Firstly

the reinforcement effects of gravel columns are recognized gradually; i.e.（1）densifing the soil by squeezing and vibrationg in the progress of forming columns;（2）draining away water through gravel columns and reducing waterpressure;（3）liquefing in advance in the progress of forming columns; （4） reinforcing soil. Secondly

many achievements in the theoretical research have been made

especially in the mechanisms of drainingawaywatercolumns and focusing stress by gravel. In the past

the research was mostly concentrated on the total stress method or only the waterpressure change

while at present the research has already turned to the effective stress method and combined action between soil and water. With the development of computer

numerical simulation is provided to solve complicated problems

thus deformation of soil and change of waterpressure during an earthquake can be simulated by computer. Thirdly

the development is very slow in the criteria for liquefaction resistance of gravel columns foundation

due to the slow development in the criteria for liquefaction resistance of sand foundation. Present criteria for liquefaction of sand foundation are based on insitu tests

such as standard penetration test（SPT）

cone penetration test（CPT） or shearwave velocity measurements（VS）. Corresponding criteria for liquefaction resistance of gravel columns foundation are obtained by that of sand foundation. At last a few deficiencies are pointed out in restraches of liquefaction resistance of gravel columns foundation. To overcome these deficienies

further studies are sugsested which includes:（1）influence of superstructure loads on gravel columns foundation;（2）some effective factors for the design of reinforce depth of gravel columns;（3）interact between reinforced foundation and surrounding;（4）criteria for liquefaction of gravel columns foundation considering influence of draningawaywater and focusing stress of gravel columns and additional stress for superstructure loads.