Numerical Modelling of Prefabricated Vertical Drain for Soft Clay Using ABAQUS

• Published in: Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 773-774; no. International Integrated Engineering Summit 2014; pp. 1502 - 1507
• Main Authors: Abdullah, Mohd Ezree, Ahmad Tajudin, Saiful Azhar, Yusof, Mohd Fairus, Zakaria, Muhammad Nizam, Bakar, I., Marto, Aminaton
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 01.07.2015
• Subjects: Computer simulation; Consolidation; Drains; Mathematical models; Physical vapor deposition; Settlements; Soft clay; Soil (material); Settlement; Consolidation; Soft Clay; ABAQUS; Prefabricated Vertical Drain
• ISBN: 9783038354796; 3038354791
• ISSN: 1660-9336; 1662-7482; 1662-7482
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.773-774.1502

Construction, buildings and infrastructure founded on soft clays are often affected by settlement problem. Therefore, Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD) is one of the best solutions to accelerate soil consolidation by shortening the drainage path. In this study, numerical investigation was carried out to pursue a better understanding of the consolidation behavior of soft clay improved with PVD. The consolidation process accelerated by PVD with surcharge of 50 kPa was analysed using the ABAQUS software by adopting an elastic model. The aim of this study is to compare the settlement and the required time to fully consolidate the soft soil at different drain spacings (1.0 m, 1.5 m and 2.0 m) for two different thickness of the clay layer. The results shows that the time required to completely consolidate the soft soil for 12 m and 20 m thickness of clay layer with different spacings are in the range of 3 months to 66 months. The settlement rate and excess pore water pressure dissipation are increased when the spacing of the drain closer.