Design chart for prefabricated vertical drains improved ground

In this study, an interconnected design-chart is developed to design prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) improved ground taking into account the effect of the following factors on the radial consolidation rate where the case of uniform subsoil is assumed: (i) soil permeability and compressibility changes during the consolidation process, (ii) transition smear zone with hydraulic conductivity varying linearly, (iii) time dependent loading. The Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to solve the general governing radial consolidation equation where the above mentioned factors are included. The obtained FEM solution was validated using laboratory test results and analytical solutions for certain cases in the literature. Then FEM solution was used to develop PVD design charts that incorporate the effect of the above mentioned factors.