Settlements and Consolidation Rates under Embankments in a Soft Soil with Vertical Drains

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Soft Soil Consolidation improved by Prefabricated Vertical Drains

A system of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) with a surcharge load is an effective method for accelerating soil consolidation by promoting radial flow. This study presents a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model for soft soil improved by a single drain. In the finite element analysis, the actual rectangular PVD cross-section is considered, and the equivalent drain diameter is then bac...

Analysis of soil consolidation by vertical drains with double porosity model

The soil around a drain well is traditionally divided into smeared zone and undisturbed zone with constant hydraulic conductivity. In reality, hydraulic conductivity of the soil changes continuously and it may not be always appropriate to approximate its distribution with two zones. In this study, the horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the soil is described by an arbitrary function of radial ...

A large-strain radial consolidation theory for soft clays improved by vertical drains

A system of vertical drains with combined vacuum and surcharge preloading is an effective solution for promoting radial flow, accelerating consolidation. However, when a mixture of soil and water is deposited at a low initial density, a significant amount of deformation or surface settlement occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce large-strain theory, which has been widely used to manag...

Improving Engineering Properties of Soft Soil Using Preloading and Prefabricated Vertical Drains

Preloading and Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD) is a ground improvement technique used to increase the consolidation process of clayey soils by means of shortening the drainage path. This paper discusses a case study of a road construction where a part of road alignment goes through a low laying water logged area. Primary consolidation of soft clay will continue for longer period of time aft...

Analysis of Radial Vacuum-Assisted Consolidation Using 3D Finite Element Method

In this study, a 3D numerical modelling of a single vertical drains consolidation incorporating vacuum preloading considering both vertical and horizontal drainage is presented. The effects of nonlinear soil compressibility, varying permeability and vacuum pressure distribution along the drain are examined through the dissipation of average excess pore pressure and associated settlement. A sele...

Soft soils improved by prefabricated vertical drains: performance and prediction