Description

Construction unit of soft soil ground treatment
When a structure or embankment is constructed on a site that is underlain by soft wet soils, the load on the soft soil is initially partially supported by the in-compressible water in the soil pores. Over time, the excess pore water pressure dissipates as the water slowly drains out from under the load. As this occurs, the load is transferred to the soil, the soil consolidates and settlement occurs. This process could take years to occur and result in damage to the structure.

One solution is to compress the soil prior to construction by placing a temporary fill load on the site. The time required for this preload to achieve the required compression can be shortened by installing wick drains. The drains shorten the pore water drainage path thereby permitting the consolidation to occur in weeks instead of years.


Construction unit of soft soil ground treatment