<p>This study investigates the performance of ring footings on soft clay reinforced with annular stone columns (ASC) and annular granular columns based on recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), through a combined experimental and numerical approach. The research examines the performance of ring footings on reinforced soft clay with annular stone columns (ASC) and RAP-based annular granular columns. Laboratory model tests and finite element simulations using PLAXIS 3D were conducted to investigate the influence of reinforcement type, RAP replacement percentage, annular width, and footing embedment depth on the pressure–settlement behavior, improvement factor, stress concentration ratio, and deformation characteristics. A large-scale numerical model was developed to approximate field conditions. The results reveal that ASC significantly enhances bearing capacity and reduces settlement compared to unreinforced clay. Among the RAP-modified columns, a 25% replacement of natural aggregates (RAP25) achieved performance nearly equivalent to ASC, balancing a slight reduction in friction angle with a notable gain in cohesion. However, higher RAP contents progressively diminished efficiency, with RAP100 showing the weakest response. Numerical analyses further identified a critical annular width of 1.2B, beyond which additional thickness provided negligible benefit, while footing embedment improved confinement and load transfer. Overall, the study demonstrates that limited RAP replacement in annular granular columns offers a sustainable and technically viable solution for soft soil improvement, though excessive replacement may compromise reinforcement efficiency.</p>