Application of Constant Rate of Strain Tests in Consolidation Analysis of the Band-Shaped Prefabricated Vertical Drains for Vietnam Clays: The Validation Analysis

Abstract

Band-shaped prefabricated vertical drains in the combination of surcharge preloading have been widely applied in the soft ground improvement cases in Vietnam to eliminate the post-construction settlement of the ground. However, the method of the settlement prediction has remained incorrect on the comparison between the field and calculation. A new procedure for consolidation analysis is proposed to determine the ground settlement more accurately in the routine design of the soft ground improvement. Two case studies are presented to study the ground performance under consolidation with surcharge preloading. The consolidation analysis of the soft ground deposits with the application of the constant rate of strain (CRS) consolidation tests is performed. In addition to that, the input parameters as the coefficient of consolidation and compression indices of the soft ground are characterized based on the CRS tests under the strain rate of 0.02%/min. on undisturbed soil samples that are taken at the two sites by stationary piston sampler. On the comparison of calculated and field monitored data of surface settlement, layered settlement, dissipation of the excess pore water pressure, and undrained strength gain, this analysis is also to confirm the appropriate strain rate for CRS tests, which are utilized in the determination of consolidation parameters.