Large-Strain Consolidation of Sludge in Multiple-Drainage Geotextile Tubes

Abstract

This paper presents a profound solution for a novel method of dewatering dredged sludge using a combined geotextile tube and vacuum-assisted prefabricated horizontal drains. Firstly, an analytical model was proposed to provide a basis for the design of the proposed approach. This two-dimensional plane-strain consolidation model was based on Gibson’s large-strain theory, incorporating the horizontal and vertical flows with consideration of the self-weight, nonlinear compressibility, and hydraulic conductivity of soil. Secondly, the numerical solution obtained using the alternative direction implicit method was compared with the existing one-dimensional model for verification. Thirdly, a field trial was carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach and analytical model. Finally, the effects of various major design parameters on the consolidation efficiency of the tube system were also investigated through a parametric study to establish an optimal design. This study showed that a higher consolidation efficiency and an earlier optimal efficiency point could be achieved when decreasing the horizontal drain interval and increasing the tube height. Furthermore, surcharge preloading induces a more significant effective stress increment in soil than vacuum preloading of the same magnitude.