Abstract
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 manage dredged disposal sites in one-dimensional theory, into radial consolidation theory. A governing equation based on Gibson's large-strain theory and Barron's free-strain theory incorporating the radial and vertical flows, the weight of the soil, variable hydraulic conductivity and compressibility during the consolidation process is therefore presented.
Highlights
Soft clays often have low bearing capacity, high compressibility with high water content and large void ratios, affecting the long-term stability of buildings, roads, rail tracks and other forms of major infrastructure (Geng et al, 2011)
Vertical drains combined with vacuum pressure and surcharge preloading are widely used to accelerate the consolidation of soft clay, decreasing excess pore-water pressure and increasing effective stress (Hansbo, 1979; Atkinson & Eldred, 1981; Runesson et al, 1985; Holtz et al, 1991; Hird et al, 1992; Mesri et al, 1994; Indraratna & Redana, 2000; Zhu & Yin, 2000; Fox et al, 2003; Walker & Indraratna, 2006; Indraratna et al, 2009; Ghandeharioon et al, 2010)
When a mixture of soil and water is deposited at a low initial density, a significant amount of deformation or surface settlement occurs, especially when prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) and vacuum preloading techniques are used
Summary
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. When a mixture of soil and water is deposited at a low initial density, a significant amount of deformation or surface settlement occurs. It is necessary to introduce large-strain theory, which has been widely used to manage dredged disposal sites in one-dimensional theory, into radial consolidation theory. A governing equation based on Gibson’s large-strain theory and Barron’s free-strain theory incorporating the radial and vertical flows, the weight of the soil, variable hydraulic conductivity and compressibility during the consolidation process is presented
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
