Estimation of Degree of Consolidation for Vacuum Preloading Projects

Abstract

The degree of consolidation is usually used as one of the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of soil improvement work using the fill surcharge or vacuum preloading method. It is also often used as a design specification in a soil improvement contract. Degree of consolidation is normally calculated using settlement data. However, as the effect of vacuum preloading is controlled largely by pore water pressure changes, it is necessary to analyze the pore water pressure variations and to assess the degree of consolidation using pore water pressures. In this paper, the problems involved in the estimation of degree of consolidation using settlement data are discussed. A method to estimate the average degree of consolidation using pore water pressure data is suggested. Two case studies are presented to examine the characteristics of the pore water pressure variation of soil under vacuum loading. The degree of consolidation achieved in each of the two cases is assessed using pore water pressure data and compared with that estimated using settlement data. Factors affecting the degree of consolidation assessment are discussed.