Experimental and Numerical Investigations to Evaluate Two-Dimensional Modeling of Vertical Drain–Assisted Preloading

Abstract

In this study, the efficiency of proposed formulations for plane-strain modeling of vertical drain–assisted consolidation was evaluated. For this aim, the vertical drain–assisted preloading process was experimentally simulated using a fully instrumented large-scale Rowe cell. Nine pore-water-pressure transducers were installed in various locations to measure the changes in pore-water pressure during the test. Two pressure/volume controllers were connected to an infinite-volume controller to provide continuous water flow. Soft clays with predefined properties were used to form the intact and smear zones. A numerical code was developed by using the finite-difference program