Volume 41, N. 2

May-August 2018

A Case History with Combined Physical and Vacuum Preloading in Colombia

Case Study

Volume 41, N. 2, May-August 2018 | DOWNLOAD PDF (14 downloads)

Abstract

The scope of this paper is the back analysis of soft soil treatment case studies in which prefabricated vertical drains together with physical and vacuum surcharge were applied. Initially, the vacuum surcharge systems in vertical drains used worldwide are reviewed. The radial consolidation theory specifically developed for vacuum and physical surcharges is presented, highlighting the influence of the vacuum efficiency parameter. This parameter represents whether or not there is a loss of vacuum pressure in depth. In the second moment, the local geological-geotechnical parameters of the construction are presented, from which data were used as case studies. This characterization was based on the study of regional geology, field geotechnical tests, the collection of undisturbed samples and further laboratory tests. Based on the specific consolidation theory and the geological-geotechnical characterization carried out, detailed analyzes are presented for 2 specific sites of the case study. The detailed analysis is composed of two steps of numerical modeling. The first step analyzes the vacuum loss in depth, as presented in the literature review and the second step is used to check the geotechnical parameters interpreted by the investigation campaign. At the end, comments and considerations are made about the vacuum consolidation theory and the soil characteristics in the case studies.

Keywords: consolidation theories, sample quality, settlement back analysis, soft soil, vacuum surcharge,


Submitted on July 25, 2016.
Final Acceptance on May 16, 2018.
Discussion open until December 31, 2018.
DOI: 10.28927/SR.412217