CE5106-2021 - Ch5 - PVD

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)
CE5106
Ground Improvement and Monitoring
Chapter 5 – Hydraulic
Treatment Method
-- Prefabricated Vertical Drain
(PVD)
Dr. Chew Soon Hoe

National University of Singapore
ceecsh@nus.edu.sg
1
Introduction
• Present of soft soil deposits in Singapore,
Bangkok, Jakarta, Shanghai, and other
coastal cities, etc
• Many reclamation projects were carried out –
over soft soil deposit at seabed
• The consolidation settlement of soft clay
creates a lot of problems in foundation
engineering:
1. Settlement problem – both the excessive amount
of settlement and the slow rate of settlement
2. Negative skin friction problem on piles
2
Introduction
• This problem need to be addressed –
Shorten the settlement time (by shortening the

drainage path)
and improved the strength.
Problem in Singapore -- 5 years after the

construction !!
4
6
Problem in Malaysia …
8
Differential Settlement
10
Settlement
11
Settlement
12
Water Pond
13
Settlement
14
Settlement
Exposed Pile
15
Settlement
16
Construction failure
Damage due to
Mode of Complete or
Differential
Failures Partial Failure
Settlement
Number of
18 37
Cases
Percentage
33% 67%
(%)
Gue, S.S. & Tan, Y.C. (2004)
17
Finished Level
Settlement
Embankment
Soft Soil
18
Settlement
Filling
Fill Thickness (m)

Rest Period
Fill
OGL
Time (Years)
Settlement (mm)
Clay
19
Consolidation…
PISA TOWER
• Consolidation
settlement for
more than 600
years
J. B. Burland (1998)
20
Relationship between time, inclination and settlement for the plain

strain Finite Element simulation of the history of the Pisa Tower
(Extracted from ‘The Enigma of The Leaning Tower of PISA’ by John B.
Burland 1998)
21
Deduced History of Inclination of Pisa Tower during and

subsequent to construction
(Extracted from ‘The Enigma of The Leaning Tower of PISA’ by John B.
Burland 1998) 22
Soft soil continuous settlement

 Effect of Negative Skin
Friction on Piles
23
Negative Skin Friction

Qall = (Qsu/1.5 + Qbu/3.0) Qall = (Qsu/1.5 + Qbu/3.0) - Qneg
FL
OGL Sand OGL
Clay
Clay Qneg
Qsu
Qsu
Sand Sand
Qba
Qba
24
HYDRAULIC GROUND
TREATMENT VIA VERTICAL
DRAINS
 shorten the drainage path

 provide some “excess pore
pressure” to simulate the final
loading condition
25
Purpose of Preloading and Vertical Drains

• Achieved by placing a temporary surcharge on the
ground prior to the construction of the planned
structure. It is a method of preempting potentially
damaging settlements on soft soil. Surcharge would
normally be equivalent or higher than the expected
bearing pressure
– Increase bearing capacity
– Reduces compressibility of weak ground
– Preloading reduces total and differential settlement
• Main applications: foundations for buildings (less

common), embankments and liquid storage tanks
26
Prefabricated
Vertical Drain
(PVD)
Historically – use
Sand Drains
27
Functions of Drains
• Provide shorter drainage path
• Accelerate dissipation of excess pore

water pressure –
• Achieve required degree of

consolidation in a shorter period  To
gain strength rapidly so that next stage
of construction can be carried out
28
29
30
Quick Estimation of time taken for water

flow in clay
Double drainage
H=10 m
 d= 5 m
Time taken = d / v
V = k i < 1 x 10-9 m/sec
i = 0.1 to 1
time = 5 /(1x10^(-9) = 5 x 10^9 sec
= 160 years!!
31
Drainage Path for Consolidation
32
Drainage Path for Consolidation
HD 1m 10m
t 1 100
33
Consolidation with PVD

Filling Rest Period
Fill Thickness (m)
Time (month)
Time (month)
Settlement (mm)
years
With PVD
Without PVD
100% Consolidation
34
35
PVD with
Surcharging
36
Surcharging
• Temporarily compress the subsoil with
higher pressure than permanent load.
• Achieve higher initial rate of settlement

+ reduce long term settlement.
• Larger portion of fill left behind.
37
Surcharging
Surcharge Finished Level
Embankment
Soft Soil
38
Surcharge with PVD

Filling Rest Period
With Surcharge
Fill Thickness
Without Surcharge
Time
a
Time
Settlement
39
PVD Installation..
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
PVD Design
Calculation ...
47
A. Vertical Drains Material.
48
Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD)

• Most common are band shape drains.
• Radial consolidation theory assumes the drain has

a circular cross section, equivalent diameter
calculated (from equivalent perimeter):
de = 2(B + t)/π
• Essentially consist of a central core (which is the

drainage channel) wrapped around by a filter layer
(to prevent clogging of drainage channel).
49
Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD)
• Requirements for selection of filters:

• permeability of filter > permeability of soil
• should retain fine soil particles to prevent
clogging of flow channel in core
• strong enough to resist high lateral stress
(robustness during installation or when subject
to construction stresses or soil movements)
• should not deteriorate during intended life of
drain
50
(After Hausmann, 1990)
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
(After Hausmann, 1990)
58
59
60
B. Vertical Drain Design

Calculation
B-1 General Settlement
Computation..
B-2 Settlement with surcharge
without PVD
B-3 PVD without additional
surcharge
B-4 PVD with Additional Surcharge
61

Calculation
B-1 General Settlement
Computation..
B-2 Settlement with surcharge without PVD
B-3 PVD without additional surcharge
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
Summary
(a) Compute the magnitude of settlement
in the next two slides..
69
Normally Consolidated Clays
e0 – e = Cc (log p – log p0)
∆e = Cc log (p/p0)
where H = initial thickness of clay layer

∆H = settlement of clay layer
70
Overconsolidated Clays: 2 possible cases

(i) p < pc (preconsolidation pressure)
e0 – e = Cs (log p – log p0)
∆e = Cs log (p/p0)
small
settlement
(ii) p > pc
e0 – ec = Cs log (pc/p0)
ec – e = Cc log (p/pc)
e0 – e = ∆e = Cs log (pc/p0) + Cc log (p/pc)
General Case:
71
Summary
(b) Compute the rate of settlement
in the next two slides..
t = U 
Where U = average degree of consolidation
t = Settlement at time t
 = Ultimate settlement (under this load).
U = f(Tv) , where Tv = Time factor
Cv = coefficient of consolidation
d = drainage path
72
Terzaghi Solution (U vs Tv) for 1D Vertical

Consolidation (vertical flow)
73
Terzaghi Solution (U vs Tv) for 1D Vertical

Consolidation (vertical flow)
74
75
76

Calculation
B-1 General Settlement Computation..
B-2 Settlement with surcharge

without PVD
77
A1- Design – Preloading Without

Vertical Drains
Final primary consolidation settlement
where ∆p(p) = imposed stress due to structure,

embankment, etc
If surcharge ∆p(p) + ∆p(f) is placed on the ground
In design, ∆p(f) is placed to accelerate the consolidation

process and hence bring the structure into service
earlier. 78
P(f)
P(p)
79
Under a surcharge of ∆p(p) + ∆p(f), the degree of consolidation at

time t2 after load application
See Fig. 12.15 = FIGURE A

The removal of surcharge and placement of structural load may
cause:
• swelling of clay close to drainage surface
• soil close to mid-plane will continue to settle
Conservative approach would be to assume U above as the mid-
plane degree of consolidation (given in Fig. 12.17 =FIGURE B )
80
81
(Fig. A)
U = f(P0, P(p),
 P(f))
82
(Fig. B)
83
Alternative (Fig. B)
-- using average degree of consolidation Curve
84
One of these 2 design problems faced by engineer:

1. Given ∆p(f), determine t2
p0, ∆p(p) given  solve for U (Fig. A)
For this U, obtain Tv from Fig. B
t2 = TvHd2/Cv
2. t2 specified, determine ∆p(f)

p0, ∆p(p) given
Obtain Tv  U (mid-plane) [Fig. B]
Fig. A  ∆p(f)/∆p(p)  ∆p(f)
85
Work Examples
86

Calculation
B-3 PVD without additional

surcharge
88

Calculation
89
90
91
A2- Design Preloading with Vertical

Drains
Vertical drains are used to accelerate the consolidation
settlement of normally consolidated clay layers.
Drainage is now in both vertical and radial directions.
Average degree of consolidation U is now due to
vertical and radial drainage:
Note: Average degree of consolidation including both vertical

and radial is needed instead of mid-plane value (as in vertical
only Fig 2.17). 92
Average Degree of Consolidation due to

Radial Drainage only
Vertical drain spacing is typically much
less than the vertical drainage distance.
Radial drainage becomes more important
as the coefficient of consolidation for radial
flow, Ch, is usually greater than the
coefficient for vertical drainage, Cv.
93
Two boundary conditions are possible in field

situations:
•Free vertical strain. Vertical surface stress is constant
– resulting surface displacements are non-uniform.
•Equal vertical strain. Vertical surface displacements
are uniform.
Barron’s solutions for both these boundary conditions

show that, for practical purposes, they yield quite
similar average degree of consolidation.
94
Barron Solution -- The simpler equal

strain solution is often used.
 Average degree of consolidation for
radial flow:
where
95
96
(a) Average Degree of Consolidation due to Vertical

Drainage Only
Terzaghi’s theory for one-dimensional consolidation:
For Uv = 0 to 60%, Tv = (π/4)[Uv(%)/100]2
or Uv = 2 Sq rt (Tv / π)
For Uv > 60%, Tv = 1.781 – 0.933 log [100 – Uv(%)]
where Tv = Cvt/Hd2
Uv = average degree of consolidation due to vertical

drainage only
97
(b) Average Degree of Consolidation due to

Horizontal (Radial) Drainage Only
Use Barron Solution– Equations or Charts

 Uh
(c) Average Degree of Consolidation due to

Combined Vertical and Radial Drainage
Carrillo (1942)’s relationship:

Uv,h = Ū = 1 – (1 – Uv) (1 – Uh)
98
99
100
101
Work Examples
Properties:
Unit weight of sand = 19 kN/m3
Unit weight of clay =

Cc =
eo=
Cv =
Ch =
Question : What will be the settlement, without and with PVD?
102
103
104
Some design considerations

for
vertical drains design
calculation
108
1. Effect of smear (on radial drainage)
• The installation of the vertical drains results in the

smearing of a narrow zone of soil around the hole.
• This narrow zone of remoulded soil will have a
reduced permeability compared to the surrounding
soil.
• This effect will slow down the consolidation
process.
• Although this effect can be analyzed, it is difficult to
determine the influencing factors: thickness of
smear zone and kh. In design, the effect of smear
is sometimes analyzed by assuming a reduced
nominal diameter of the drains.
109
SMEAR DISTURBANCE
WHERE s=ds / dw
ds = DIAMETER OF THE DISTURBED ZONE

kc' = PERMEABILITY OF THE DISTURBED ZONE
110
2. Well Resistance
• In reality, a drain with infinite permeability in the

longitudinal direction does not exist. In practice,
well resistance can develop and increase for 3
reasons:
– Deterioration of drain filter may lead to a
significant reduction of the cross-section
– Fine soil particles may pass through the filter
and decrease the area available for flow
(siltation)
– Folding of drain due to soil settlement may
result in reduced discharge capacity
111
WELL RESISTANCE
DISCHARGE CAPACITY OF THE DRAINS = qw
PERMEABILITY OF THE SOIL = kc
WHERE
l = LENGTH OF THE DRAIN WHEN OPEN AT ONE END
ONLY (HALF LENGTH OF THE DRAIN WHEN OPEN AT
BOTH ENDS)
z = DISTANCE FROM OPEN END OF DRAIN (0 < z < 2 l )
WHEN qw / kc < 3000 m2 WELL RESISTANCE CAN NOT BE

IGNORED.
112
In design, the effect of smear and well

resistance is sometimes analyzed by
assuming a reduced nominal diameter of the
drains.
e.g. de = (0.8 x 0.9 ) dia of PVD

= 0.7 to 0.8 of Dia of PVD
113
Short break here..
114

CE5106-2021 - Ch5 - PVD

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CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Dr. Chew Soon Hoe

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Shorten the settlement time (by shortening the

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Problem in Singapore -- 5 years after the

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Gue, S.S. & Tan, Y.C. (2004)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Fill Thickness (m)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Relationship between time, inclination and settlement for the plain

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Deduced History of Inclination of Pisa Tower during and

Soft soil continuous settlement

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Negative Skin Friction

 shorten the drainage path

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Purpose of Preloading and Vertical Drains

• Main applications: foundations for buildings (less

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

• Accelerate dissipation of excess pore

• Achieve required degree of

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Quick Estimation of time taken for water

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Drainage Path for Consolidation

Drainage Path for Consolidation

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Consolidation with PVD

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

• Achieve higher initial rate of settlement

• Larger portion of fill left behind.

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Surcharge Finished Level

Surcharge with PVD

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

A. Vertical Drains Material.

Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD)

• Radial consolidation theory assumes the drain has

• Essentially consist of a central core (which is the

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD)

• Requirements for selection of filters:

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

(After Hausmann, 1990)

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)

B. Vertical Drain Design

CE5106 Ground Improvement & Monitoring Jan-Apr 2021 Dr S H Chew (NUS)