Ground Engineering Using Prefabricated Vertical Drains: A Review

Abstract

Improvement of soft ground by preloading with prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) is a common practice in the field of ground engineering. PVDs accelerate the consolidation process of soft soils by providing a shorter drainage path for the pore water and thereby increase the strength and stiffness of soft soils over time. This paper presents a review of recent analytical, laboratory, numerical and field studies performed using preloading with PVDs for improvement of soft ground. The focus of the paper is on conventional PVDs without the use of vacuum, thermal and electro-osmosis techniques. Summary tables, which provide quick and easy access to the latest information from various research efforts, have been prepared and discussed. The review is complemented by two case histories that highlight the performance of PVDs in the field.