Technical Papers
Sep 5, 2024

Consolidation Analysis of Dredged Slurry Treated by Crosswise-Arranged Prefabricated Horizontal Drains: Analytical and Experimental Insights

Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24, Issue 11

Abstract

The use of prefabricated horizontal drains (PHDs) combined with vacuum preloading (VP) has emerged as a popular dredged slurry treatment strategy. However, few theoretical contributions are available to assess its consolidation characteristics in practical engineering design and applications. In this context, an analytical model is proposed to predict the consolidation behavior of the dredged slurry with assistance of PHDs subjected to VP. Initially, an equivalent cylindrical unit cell is established in accordance with the area equivalence principle. Then the governing equation and analytical solution are derived by converting the external loading into the lateral loading acting on the typical unit cell. In the current model, the layered filling process of dredged slurry and the corresponding layered layout patterns of PHDs are comprehensively incorporated. Furthermore, an in-depth assessment is conducted to explore the impacts of several crucial parameters on the consolidation performance. Additionally, a laboratory model experiment is carried out to treat the dredged slurry by a double-layer crosswise layout of PHDs in combination of VP. Thereafter, the accuracy and reasonability of the obtained solution are validated through degradation analysis and experimental data. Based on the parametric analysis and experimental outcomes, compared with prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs), the use of PHDs is observed to facilitate the transmission of vacuum pressure and ensure a more uniform settlement of dredged slurry, thereby ultimately improving dewatering efficiency.

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Data Availability Statement

Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

This study is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52178373), which is gratefully acknowledged.

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Go to International Journal of Geomechanics
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24Issue 11November 2024

History

Received: Jan 14, 2024
Accepted: May 30, 2024
Published online: Sep 5, 2024
Published in print: Nov 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Feb 5, 2025

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Ph.D. Candidate, State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation & Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221006, China. Email: [email protected]
Professor, School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation & Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221006, China (corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1052-388X. Email: [email protected]
Master Candidate, School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation & Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221006, China. Email: [email protected]

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