Soil Consolidation

Drainage Solution

Soil Consolidation is one of several ground modification methods available to improve the properties of soils. AWD’s AMERDRAIN™ PVD products, also known as wick drains, have been an integral part of the soil consolidation method for over 40 years. Advancements in ground modification methods have accelerated in recent history as prime building sites become scarce, necessitating a move to marginal and problematic sites.

Soil Consolidation

Within infrastructure construction there are many applications where ground modification can benefit the project’s timeline and final result. Embankments, bridges, pavement widening and support and working platforms all benefit from the primary results of a ground modification approach. Some of these are:

• Increase soil shear strength and bearing capacity
• Increase soil density
• Decrease permeability
• Controlling the results of differential settlement
• Increase drainage within the soil mass
• Accelerate soil consolidation
• Increase lateral stability
• Decrease potential liquefaction
• Transfer vertical loads

The consolidation of soft soils using vertical drains with or without preloading has been used since the 1920’s. Vertical Drains provide preferential, shortened drainage pathways within the soil mass for pore water to exit the mass. Initially sand drains or columns were used before a progression to paper-based cardboard drains and finally to the current PVD’s consisting of a geotextile wrapped or encased drainage core.