Evaluation of Smear Zone Extent Surrounding Mandrel Driven Vertical Drains Using the Cavity Expansion Theory

Characterization of smear zone caused by mandrel action

In this study, the smear zone due to vertical drain installation is studied using a large, in situ sample to capture the realistic characteristics of the smear zone in relation to the in situ soil structure. The smear zone extent for Bulli clay (New South Wales, Australia) is quantified on the basis of normalised permeability and the reduction in the water content prior to consolidation. The pe...

Design procedure for vertical drains considering a linear variation of lateral permeability within the smear zone

Conceptual model describing smear zone caused by mandrel action

In this study the characteristics and extent of the smear zone are investigated using a large, undisturbed sample. The aim of using such a sample is to capture the realistic characteristics of the smear zone in relation to the in situ soil structure during the installation of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) using a mandrel. The extent of the smear zone for Bulli clay (New South Wales, Aust...

Current state of the art in vacuum preloading for stabilising soft soil

In this paper the analytical solutions for radial consolidation that include time dependent surcharge loading and vacuum pressure are proposed, whilst also considering the impact of the parabolic variation of permeability in the smear zone. The use of the spectral method for multilayered soil consolidation is introduced and verified. The Elliptical Cavity Expansion Theory is used to predict the...

Management of groundwater resources of Mahvelat-Faizabad aquifer and evaluation of extent of saline water zone using numerical simulation

The unmanaged groundwater extraction and inadequate aquifer recharge is the major cause of groundwater depletion in different parts of the world. In this study, the groundwater flow system of Mahvelat-Feizabad aquifer (NE of Iran) has been numerically simulated using MODFLOW code in the GMS interface. The model, primarily, calibrated for steady state condition for the mean hydraulic values of o...