Vertical Drains Research Articles

A study on settlements of road embankments on soft ground using vertical drains

In civil engineering, the study of embankment settlement on soft ground is a vital geotechnical task in order to maintain serviceability of the road embankment, pavement, and facilities. This paper presents a study on settlements of road embankment on soft ground using vertical drains, including prefabricated-vertical drain (PVD), sand drain (SD), and sand compaction pile (SCP) on a number of packages of Hanoi – Haiphong Expressway Construction Project. The effectiveness of settlement prediction of vertical drain solutions is evaluated considering the ratios between the observed consolidation settlements and settlements predicted in the Detailed Design, in relation to the thickness of soft soil and the depth of treatment. Regression analysis is used to establish the correlation between the observed settlement and the height of embankment. The results show that (i) the design generally overestimated settlements; (ii) the ratios between observed and predicted settlements tend to positively correlate with the thickness of soft soil and the depth of treatment, and (iii) there are positive correlations between the height of embankment and the observed settlement. These correlations can be a valuable source of reference for anticipating settlements in basic design of highway projects with soft ground treated by vertical drains, in the regions that have geological stratum similar to Thabinh and Haihung formations of Bacbo Plain

A Novel Consolidation Analysis Framework: Universal Function Approximators Regularized by Physical Principles

Analytical and numerical techniques are widely used to analyse and interpret soil consolidation problems. An important limitation is the requirement for significant geotechnical knowledge and expertise to derive ‘true’ solutions. This study proposes an alternative: a universal function approximator regularized with known physical principles. The proposed approach here advances previous work to solve one-dimensional (1D) consolidation considering both self-weight and large strains, as well as two-dimensional (2D) consolidation by vertical drains. Initial and boundary conditions of the studied consolidation problems are first strongly and weakly enforced for comparison. A neural network is adopted here as the function approximator. To boost prediction accuracy, a novel strategy is proposed to adaptively sample data points for training. An estimate of epistemic uncertainty is achieved using the confidence interval of ensembled multiple outputs. The results show that the proposed approach accurately predicts the behaviours of complex consolidation processes. Results also indicate that regularization using weak physical constraints can alleviate the imbalance of back-propagated gradients of different loss terms and, in turn, achieve higher accuracy. The proposed method is generic, mesh-free, more robust and can be applied to a wide range of geotechnical problems.

Unit cell consolidation of a PVD incorporated soft soil: Comparative of 2D axisymmetric and plane strain analysis considering ideal and actual drain

The paper presents two-dimensional (2D) finite element-based study of a surcharge-induced consolidating unit cell model comprising fully saturated soft soil. Radial drainage in the unit cell is ensured through a single prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) along with vertical drainage through the top surface. Finite element based 2D axisymmetric and plane strain modelling has been conducted by considering the smearing of cohesive medium. The PVD is represented by both 1D drain element (ideal drain) and through geometric modelling considering well resistance. The parameters for the ‘Soft Soil’ model for the cohesive medium are adopted from the subsurface data at Krishnapatnam Ultra Mega Power Project (KUMPP), India. Comparative assessment of unit-cell consolidation is carried out between the 2D axisymmetric and equivalent plane strain condition based on Hird’s permeability compatibility approach. The two approaches yielded noticeable disparity in the time rates of consolidation for time factor ≤ 0.4, beyond which the disparity decreases, and the two methods lead to identical results beyond time factor = 4. Further, the influence of permeability of a geometrically modelled PVD and the height of unit cell on the time-rate of consolidation is elucidated, thereby manifesting the importance of well resistance and drainage length in such analyses.

Analysis of Soil Improvement Through PVD and Vacuum Preloading with Several Equivalent Permeability Methods

Vacuum preloading combined with prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) is one of the common soft soil improvement methods. Soft soils often pose significant problems in construction projects due to their low shear strength and high compressibility, leading to settlement issues and potential structural instability. The PVD combined with vacuum preloading method addresses these problems by accelerating the consolidation process and minimizing settlement during service period. The acceleration occurs due to the presence of PVD, allowing dissipation of excess pore water in horizontal direction towards the PVD. Thereafter, the water in the PVD is drained to the surface. When modelled in 2D, PVD behaves as a continuous drain in the plane strain direction, causing the flow conditions to deviate from the actual conditions. To address this issue, equivalent soil permeability values is required, allowing the 2D model to produce results closely resembling the actual conditions. This research explores the improvement of PVD vacuum preloading through three equivalent permeability approaches. Utilizing field monitoring data, which includes settlement measurements from settlement plates, changes in pore water pressure recorded by piezometers, and lateral deformation data captured by inclinometers, the study evaluates the effectiveness of these approaches. Comparative analyses with field monitoring data reveal that Indraratna equivalent permeability method has the best fit. The integration of PVD and vacuum preloading, coupled with the refinement of equivalent permeability methodologies, offers a promising solution for addressing soft soil problems in geotechnical engineering. This research contributes to the practical application of these methods in construction projects, emphasizing their potential to enhance soil stabilization and reduce settlement-related risks.

Study on Pile Bearing Capacity Improvement in Soft Soil After Vacuum Consolidation

The main problem in developing property over soft soil is significant settlement due to the consolidation process. The soil settlement, which will occur gradually throughout the years, will disrupt existing infrastructures, in this case bridges. To mitigate this issue, the common method is by speeding up the consolidation. The consolidation process must be sped up to avoid the differential settlement problem at the bridge abutments. Due to the limited supply of fill material, a vacuum consolidation method is adopted. In this method, a Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD) is installed, and a vacuum is applied to impose pressure as preloading. Because of the consolidation process, theoretically, the effective stress of the consolidated soil increases, and the soil shear strength does as well. Increasing the shear strength of the soils will increases the pile capacity. However, the interesting question is how much the shear strength of the soil can increase and impacts the pile capacity. In this paper, the shear strength improvement of the consolidated soil and the effect on pile bearing capacity is evaluated. This study used a series of in-situ tests that were carried out before and after the vacuum consolidation. A pile loading test using the Pile Dynamic Analyzer (PDA) method was carried out to verify the pile bearing capacity improvements. From the comparison result, it is shown that the theoretical capacity of the piles after consolidation were close to the pile test results.

Double Drainage Consolidation Theory of Vertical Drains Based on Continuous Drainage Boundary Conditions

Double Drainage Consolidation Theory of Vertical Drains Based on Continuous Drainage Boundary Conditions

Investigating the impact of straw-to-tailings sand ratios on combined vertical drain performance

Investigating the impact of straw-to-tailings sand ratios on combined vertical drain performance

Numerical Analysis of Soil Deformation in Earth Dams Using a Stiffness Variation Technique

Small earth dams have been used since ancient times and are often the main source of water in semi-arid regions. In this particular type of engineering work, soils saturated by water present changes in their mechanical properties (especially in the first filling), which usually cause a simultaneous loss of stiffness and shear strength. In this context, the software UNSTRUCT presents itself as a very useful tool, as it allows calculating the final state of stress x strain for a plane strain state, using the Finite Element Method, both for saturated and unsaturated embankments, considering an elastic model and the effect of suction (and its variation), through a stiffness variation technique. The present research used UNSTRUCT to assess the behavior of the embankment of a hypothetical earth dam, varying the features of its typical cross-section: homogeneity; internal drainage structures; geometry along a longitudinal profile; and the influence of the compaction level. The results showed that the soil responded better to strains for the scenario of better compaction along the dry branch of the compaction curve, as well as with the use of a vertical drainage element. It was also observed that the strains were higher when greater sections considered, which, in a real situation, would cause distortions along the longitudinal profile of the dam. The software UNSTRUCT proved to be efficient in obtaining and visualizing the modeling results, also making it possible to analyze the development of failure over time after the dam was filled. With UNSTRUCT, a more realistic analysis of the behavior of the hypothetical dam – considering factors that are specific to unsaturated soils – was possible. Worth mentioning also that the software allowed the appraisal of multiple changes in the dam’s geometry and parameters.

Large‐strain consolidation of vacuum preloading combined with partially penetrating prefabricated vertical drains

AbstractA system of vacuum preloading combined with partially penetrating prefabricated vertical drains (PP‐PVDs) is an effective solution for promoting the consolidation of the dredged marine clay. However, a significant and traditionally challenging‐to‐predict amount of deformation or settlement occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a three‐dimensional large‐strain consolidation model to consider the length of the vertical drain to determine the consolidation time and degree of consolidation (DoC), and associated settlement. The predictions using the proposed analytical model provide fair agreements with the field data and those in the literature. Parametric studies reveal that to achieve a 90% DoC within 100 days in soft soil, the optimal penetration depth for PP‐PVDs would be 0.7 times the depth of the soil layer. With the increase of DoC, the ratio of excess pore water pressure to applied vacuum pressure (u/P) in the whole soil layer moves toward 1.0. With the increase of PVD penetration ratio (H1/H), more DoC is required to dissipate the excess pore water pressure in the top improved soil layer.

Cost and Duration Analysis on the Variation of Soil Improvement Method on Port Development at West Java

Several port facilities, including a container terminal, was built in a port reclamation project in Subang Regency, West Java. The soil improvement method employed in most reclamation projects usually involves prefabricated vertical drains, deep cement mixing (DCM), pile method, etc. This study aims to analyze the varying soil improvement methods, specifically deep cement mixing method and the pile method using bamboo piles and compare them for work efficiency based on time and cost. The methodology used in this study included literature studies, and qualitative analysis based on keyword. Based on the analysis results on the aspect of duration, the preparation, installation/design, and installation of barriers with geotextile reinforcement, backfilling, and pavement for the DCM and pile method required 743.15 days and 763 days respectively. The cost review, which referred to the unit price of Minister of Public Works and Housing Regulation No. 1 year 2022, found that the DCM method requires higher costs than piles. The analysis results also shown that the DCM method is more efficient due to the process in the DCM method has a fast installation duration, does not require many human resources on one job, and the materials used are environmentally friendly and more durable in water.

Vacuum consolidation of dredged slurry improved by horizontal drainage-enhanced geotextile

The vacuum consolidation behavior of dredged slurry improved by horizontal drainage-enhanced geotextile (HDeG) application was investigated. For comparison, vacuum consolidation tests using a prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) and layered prefabricated horizontal drains (PHDs) were conducted. Based on the test results, it was found that by using HDeG, the consolidation rate of the dredged slurry was significantly increased. Thus, the effectiveness of the HDeG method was verified. The nonwoven geotextile sheet of HDeG could provide a sufficient vacuum pressure and drainage and therefore greatly shorten the drainage path. The HDeG-induced consolidation settlement generally matched the calculated 1D consolidation settlement well using a representative coefficient of consolidation. The analysis of scanning electron microscopy images shows that after the vacuum consolidation test, the porosity of the PHD filter (vacuum PHD treatment) was only 11% (21.1% of the initial porosity), while the porosity of the PHD filter of the HDeG was 22.16% (42.6% of the initial porosity), suggesting that the geotextile effectively reduced the apparent clogging of the drains.

Experimental study of ground improvement techniques of soft Kaolin soil using sand drain and jute wrapped with polyamide polyester vertical drain”

Thick alluvial deposits of soft clayey soils are characterized by low shear strength, high compressibility and low hydraulic conductivity. In recent years, soil improvement is required to provide adequate bearing capacity and improve shear strength of the soft cohesive soils to satisfy the need for various type of construction on sites underlain by such soft soils. Amongst various ground improvement techniques like vibroflotation, compaction with explosive, electro-osmosis, heavy tamping, stone column etc., the technique of preloading or pre-compression used in combination with vertical drains is one of the oldest and most widely used techniques to preconsolidate and strengthen weak compressible soils in situ. To accelerate the time of Primary consolidation, Prefabricated Vertical drains are used in soft clays as they decrease the drainage path. In this paper, we investigate the consolidation rate of soft soil with Sand drain and jute wrapped with polyamide polyester drain as PVD. The present paper focuses on Study of pore water dissipation, effect on consolidation due to radial drainage flow and gain in strength using 254 mm diameter Rowe Type Oedometer for both the drain materials. The load in increment of ΔP/P = 1 is applied and measurement of settlement by conventional method is done. It is observed that Jute wrapped with polyamide polyester drain as PVD performs better in comparison to Sand Drain.

Finite strain elastic visco-plastic consolidation model for layered soils with vertical drain considering self-weight loading and nonlinear creep

Prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) combined with vacuum and/or surcharge loading have been widely adopted to improve the strength of soft soils. Precise consolidation analysis is the theoretical basis for the design of preloading method with PVD. Current consolidation theories for layered soils with PVD seldom consider the influence of large strain, nonlinear creep, and self-weight loading simultaneously. This paper, thus, presents a finite strain elastic visco-plastic consolidation model, called RCS-EVP, for radial consolidation of layered soils with PVD. RCS-EVP is developed based on the piecewise-linear method. It takes into account nonlinear creep with limit creep strain, variable boundary conditions, anisotropy of soil hydraulic conductivity, and variable compressibility and hydraulic conductivity during the consolidation under self-weight, time-dependent surcharge and/or vacuum loading. The performance of RCS-EVP is evaluated by comparing with the results from finite element simulations and a laboratory physical model test. The variations of settlement and pore pressure of a soft soil ground improved by vacuum preloading with PVD are estimated using RCS-EVP. The results indicate that RCS-EVP provides good estimates of long-term consolidation of layered soils with PVD under both laboratory and in-situ conditions.

Semi‐analytical solution for double‐layered elliptical cylindrical foundation model improved by prefabricated vertical drains

AbstractThis work proposes a semi‐analytical solution for a double‐layered elliptical cylindrical soft foundation improved by prefabricated vertical drains. The governing equations, continuity conditions are boundary conditions in the elliptical cylindrical system are introduced first. The Laplace transform is employed to convert the time variable t in partial differential equations into the Laplace complex argument s. Based on the boundary condition and continuity condition, the solution in the frequency domain is derived. By using Abate's fixed Euler Algorithm, the solutions in the time domain are obtained. A finite element analysis is performed to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed solution. Then, parametric studies reveal that soil permeability and soil compressibility have great influences on the second layer of soil in the elliptical cylindrical system, but relatively small effects on the first layer. Neglecting differences in the hydraulic conductivity and the coefficient of volume compressibility of multi‐layered soil in the elliptical cylindrical system could not predict the excess pore pressure in the second layer correctly.

Optimizing Cervical Target Volume in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Cancer Based On Nodal Drainage Distance.

To determine the potential nodal drainage distances of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by investigating spatial distribution of metastatic lymph nodes (LN). Patients with NPC harboring at least two ipsilateral metastatic LNs were enrolled. LN spreading distances were analyzed in nonrestricted direction, cranial-to-caudal direction, and between the two most caudal LNs. Euclidean distance (ED) and vertical distance (VD) between any two LNs were computed. The nearest-neighbor ED and VD covering 95% of LNs or patients (p95-ED and p95-VD) were considered drainage distances, and were further validated by independent internal and external cohorts with recurrent LNs. In all, 5,836 metastatic LNs in 948 patients were contoured. Corresponding to the three scenarios, per-LN level, the p95-EDs were 2.83, 3.28, and 3.55 cm, and p95-VDs were 2.17, 2.32, and 2.63 cm, respectively. Per-patient level, the p95-EDs were 3.25, 3.95, and 3.81 cm, and p95-VDs were 2.67, 2.81, and 2.73 cm, respectively. In internal validation, over 95% of recurred LNs occurred within ED of 2.91 cm and VD of 0.82 cm to the neighbor LN, and the corresponding distances in external validation were 2.77 and 0.67 cm, respectively. In NPC, the maximum LN drainage distance was 3.95 cm without considering the direction. Specifically, in cranial-to-caudal direction, the sufficient vertical drainage distance was 2.81 cm, indicating that a 3-cm extension from the most inferior node may be rational as caudal border of the prophylactic clinical target volume (CTV). These findings promote in-depth understanding of nodal spreading patterns, uncovering paramount evidence for individualized CTV.

Analyzing Embankment Displacement: PVD and Vacuum Consolidation with Sheet Pile Protection

The global widespread adoption of Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD) in conjunction with vacuum consolidation is driven by its robust and cost-efficient attributes. However, this construction method is not without challenges, as it has been linked to substantial displacements, posing risks to adjacent structures. Addressing such concerns in a Vietnamese road construction project, this study focuses on the innovative contribution of sheet pile protection as a highly effective solution. Utilizing numerical analysis with an anisotropic model, we examine the impact of sheet pile protection on embankment displacement. Through comparative analysis with field data, our study demonstrates the remarkable efficacy of the sheet pile method in significantly reducing both vertical and lateral settlements. Acting as a protective membrane, it effectively counters suction from the PVD vacuum zone. These findings make a substantial contribution to the field, providing engineers handling similar structural protection scenarios with invaluable insights and a novel approach to mitigating displacements associated with PVD and vacuum consolidation.

Effects of Filter Material on the Permeability of Sapric Peat in Flexible Wall Permeability Tests

Introduction Installation of Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs) is one of the alternatives for ground improvement used in peatland deposits. However, filter paper is commonly used as standard filter material to determine the permeability of peat rather than the PVD material itself. Aims This paper presents preliminary data on the effect of using two different filter materials on the permeability behavior of Sapric peat. Methods A series of flexible wall permeability tests (FWPTs) was conducted to evaluate the peat permeability behavior under compression using two filter materials. This study compared Whatman standard filter paper and Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD), which is a non-woven geotextile filter material. Results The results showed that both tests using filter paper and a PVD filter exhibited a high initial coefficient of permeability, which depends on the hydraulic gradient. The coefficient of permeability significantly decreased until a certain period and then diminished with time. The coefficient of permeability from PVD filter tests was found to be approximately 2.6 times higher than that of the standard filter paper under the same compression. The duration required to reach a semi-steady state flow condition from the PVD test was 0.9 times faster than the standard filter paper. The random error of the coefficient of permeability data from the tests using the PVD filter was lower than the data of the standard filter paper. Conclusion This preliminary result suggests that standard filter material might not represent the actual coefficient of permeability of Sapric peat. The coefficient of permeability value was less consistent compared to the PVD filter. The selection of filter material plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and reliable results, especially when dealing with PVD construction in peat. Using the PVD filter in FWPT appears to be suitable for the design of PVD in peat. The findings of this study contribute to evaluating the correct parameters for engineers to design and analyze the effectiveness of the ground treatment method using PVD in peat.

Variation of negative vacuum pressure in vertical drains with time and depth under variable well resistance

AbstractMost solutions for the large strain nonlinear consolidation of soils with vertical drains are based on the assumption that the negative vacuum pressure only depends on the depth. In response to the shortcomings of this assumption, a large strain nonlinear consolidation model of soils with vertical drains under vacuum preloading is developed by considering the time‐and depth‐dependent well resistance. By fitting the data under different well resistances, the influence of well resistance parameters on the negative vacuum pressure variation in vertical drains is investigated, and the relevant empirical formulas describing the negative vacuum pressure variation in vertical drains are provided. The results obtained from the empirical formulas are in good agreement with the theoretical results as well as the experimental data, by which the reliability of the proposed empirical formulas is verified. The advantages of proposed empirical model can be identified by comparing it with the conventional model in which negative vacuum pressure is only linearly distributed with depth.

Air-boosted vacuum preloading method for land reclamation with vertical drains: Numerical and analytical solutions

As an emerging ground treatment technique, the air-boosted vacuum preloading method accelerates the consolidation process of soils with vertical drains and enhances the bearing capacity and stability of grounds. This improvement is achieved by augmenting the horizontal pressure differential between the drainage body and the surrounding soils. In the realm of existing theories, consolidation models are primarily established under the assumption of linear characteristics of soils. Nonetheless, for marine sedimentary soft soils characterized by high compressibility, the application of nonlinear consolidation theory becomes more appropriate. The well resistance effect of the drainage body over time is also considered in this study, and a comprehensive consolidation model tailored to soft soils with air-booster pipes and vertical drains is proposed. Subsequently, the analytical and numerical solutions for this consolidation model are derived, respectively. Comparisons are made with existing conventional linear consolidation models to substantiate the validity of the proposed consolidation model. This investigation delves into the influence of nonlinear compressibility and permeability of soils, variable well resistance, and drain spacing ratio, on consolidation behaviors. Particular emphasis is placed on the determination of the startup time for the air-boosted system. Finally, the proposed consolidation model is applied to the actual field prediction, affirming the accuracy and applicability of the developed consolidation model in practical soft soil treatments.

Flood Risk Reduction Strategy With Vertical Drainage In Medan City, Indonesia

As the population of a city increases, there will be excessive exploitation of nature, uncontrolled land use change, and a decrease in the environment’s carrying capacity. These impacts cause flood disasters to increase in quantity and quality. Floods are still difficult to predict and avoid. Medan City is still haunted by the same problem as other cities in Indonesia, namely flooding. The government has focused on flood management by building a horizontal drainage network system, normalizing rivers, building embankments, but flooding still occurs frequently. Therefore, vertical drainage is needed for flood management. Vertical drainage drains surface water directly into the soil layer that horizontal drainage cannot accommodate. This research aims to study the ability of vertical drainage in Medan City to reduce flood risk. Based on the test results, vertical drainage has a discharge of 0.812 liters/second. Based on technical calculations, vertical drainage can distribute potential rainwater collected on the surface and with the addition of possible water from other sources at the research site within 9 minutes 1 second until it runs out as much as 440 liters. As a result, one vertical drainage system can effectively accommodate an area of 25 m2.