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Design Procedure For Vertical Drains Considering A Linear Variation Of Lateral Permeability Within The Smear Zone, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn, Buddhima Indraratna

Buddhima Indraratna

A system of vertical drains with surcharge preloading is an effective method for promoting radial drainage and accelerated soil consolidation. This study presents a procedure for the design of vertical drains that significantly extends the previous technique proposed by the authors to include: (i) a linear reduction of lateral permeability in the smear zone, (ii) the effect of overlapping smear zones in a closely spaced drain network, and (iii) the gain in undrained shear strength due to consolidation. Design examples are provided for both single stage and multi-stage embankment construction demonstrating the convenient use of the proposed solutions in practical …