Performance of Composite PVD–SC Column Foundation under Embankment through Plane-Strain Numerical Analysis
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 22, Issue 9
Abstract
The combination of soil–cement (SC) columns and prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) has indicated great success in improving ground stabilization in recent years; however, there is a lack of proper plane-strain numerical modeling to detail the role of PVDs in improving the performance of the SC column method. This study thus presents a numerical analysis of soft soil ground improved by the coupled PVD–SC column method based on a proposed equivalent plane-strain model considering the combined effects of PVDs and SC columns in the ground. The model is verified by applying it to a test embankment where long PVDs were installed in soft soil in combination with floating SC columns. To investigate the role of PVDs in the composite foundation, the numerical analysis is then conducted for two cases, with and without PVDs. The effects of discharge capacity of PVDs on the SC column behavior are also examined. The results show that the PVDs significantly improve performance of the composite foundation as they considerably reduce both postconstruction settlement and lateral displacement, while increasing the efficiency of soil arching and the bending moment capacity in SC columns. The numerical results obtained from the proposed model are in good agreement with the field data. The current study also shows that the discharge capacity of PVDs should be larger than 20 m3/year to enhance the positive influence of PVDs on the entire performance of the composite foundation.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The support of this research by the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City is gratefully acknowledged.
References
Alamgir, M., N. Miura, H. B. Poorooshasb, and M. R. Madhav. 1996. “Deformation analysis of soft ground reinforced by columnar inclusions.” Comput. Geotech. 18 (4): 267–290. https://doi.org/10.1016/0266-352X(95)00034-8.
Barron, R. A. 1948. “Consolidation of fine-grained soils by drain wells.” Trans. Am. Soc. Civ. Eng. 113: 718–742. https://doi.org/10.1061/TACEAT.0006098.
Brinkgreve, R. B. J., L. M. Zampich, and N. Ragi Manoj. 2017. Plaxis: Finite element code for soil and rock analyses: Version 17. Rotterdam, Netherlands: Balkema.
Bergado, D. T., L. R. Anderson, N. Miura, and A. S. Balasubramaniam. 1996. Soft ground improvement, in lowland and other environments. New York: ASCE Press.
Bergado, D. T., A. S. Balasubramaniam, R. J. Fannin, and R. D. Holtz. 2002. “Prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) in soft Bangkok clay: A case study of the new Bangkok international airport project.” Can. Geotech. J. 39: 304–315. https://doi.org/10.1139/t01-100.
Broms, B. B. 1999. “Keynote lecture: Design of lime, lime/cement and cement columns.” In Int. Conf., on Dry Mix Methods: Dry Mix Methods for Deep Soil Stabilization. 1st ed., edited by H. Bredenberg, G. Holm, B. B. Broms, 125–153. Rotterdam, Netherlands: Balkema.
Burtin, P., and J. Racinais. 2016. “Embankment on soft soil reinforced by CMC semi-rigid inclusions for the high-speed railway SEA.” Procedia Eng. 143: 355–362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.06.045.
Buttling, S., R. Cao, W. Lau, and D. Naicker. 2018. “Class A and Class C numerical predictions of the deformation of an embankment on soft ground.” Comput. Geotech. 93: 191–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2017.06.017.
Case, J., A. H. Chilver, and C. T. F. Ross. 1999. Strength of materials and structures. New York: Wiley.
Chai, J. C., and J. P. Carter. 2011. Deformation analysis in soft ground improvement. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer.
Chai, J.-C., and N. Miura. 1999. “Investigation of factors affecting vertical drain behavior.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 125 (3): 216–226. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(1999)125:3(216).
Chai, J.-C., N. Miura, S. Sakajo, and D. T. Bergado. 1995. “Behavior of vertical drain improved subsoil under embankment loading.” Soils Found. 35 (4): 49–61. https://doi.org/10.3208/sandf.35.4_49.
Chai, J.-C., S.-L. Shen, N. Miura, and D. T. Bergado. 2001. “Simple method of modeling PVD-improved subsoil.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 127 (11): 965–972. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2001)127:11(965).
Chen, L., S. Liu, J. Han, and D. Zhang. 2009. “Numerical analysis of consolidation of soft ground improved by the DJM-PVD combined method.” In Contemporary Topics in Ground Modification, Problem Soils, and Geo-Support, Geotechnical Special Publication 187, edited by M. Iskander, D. F. Laefer, and M. H. Hussein, 321–e328. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Chew, S. H., A. H. M. Kamruzzaman, and F. H. Lee. 2004. “Physicochemical and engineering behavior of cement treated clays.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 130 (7): 696–706. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2004)130:7(696).
Chu, J., M. Bo, and V. Choa. 2006. “Improvement of ultra-soft soil using prefabricated vertical drains.” Geotext. Geomembr. 24: 339–348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2006.04.004.
Das, B. M., and N. Sivakugan. 2019. Principles of foundation engineering. 9th ed. Boston: Cengage Learning.
Dingwen, Z., L. Songyu, H. Wenjun, and D. Guangyin. 2013. “A combined dry jet mixing-prefabricated vertical drain method for soft ground improvement: A case study.” Mar. Georesour. Geotechnol. 31: 332–347. https://doi.org/10.1080/1064119X.2012.680679.
Fattah, M. Y., H. A. Mohammed, and H. A. Hassan. 2016. “Load transfer and arching analysis in reinforced embankment.” Proc. Inst. Civ. Eng. Struct. Build. 169 (11): 797–808. https://doi.org/10.1680/jstbu.15.00046.
Ghandeharioon, A., B. Indraratna, and C. Rujikiatkamjorn. 2012. “Laboratory and finite-element investigation of soil disturbance associated with the installation of mandrel-driven prefabricated vertical drains.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 138 (3): 295–308. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000591.
Geng, X. and Yu, H.-s. 2017. “A large-strain radial consolidation theory for soft clays improved by vertical drains.” Géotechnique (67)11: 1020–1028. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.15.T.013.
Han, J., F. Wang, M. Al-Naddaf, and C. Xu. 2017. “Progressive development of two-dimensional soil arching with displacement.” Int. J. Geomech. 17 (12): 04017112. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0001025.
Hansbo, S. 1981. “Consolidation of fine-grained soils by prefabricated drains.” In Vol. 3 of Proc., 10th Int. Conf., Soil Mech. and Found. Eng., 677–682. Rotterdam, Netherlands: A. A. Balkema.
Hird, C. C., I. C. Pyrah, and D. Russell. 1992. “Finite element modelling of vertical drains beneath embankments on soft ground.” Géotechnique 42 (3): 499–511. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1992.42.3.499.
Hewlett, W. J., and M. F. Randolph. 1988. “Analysis of piled embankments.” Ground Eng 21 (3): 12–18.
Hough, B. K. 1957. Basic soils engineering. New York: Ronald Press.
Horpibulsuk, S., A. Chinkulkijniwat, A. Cholphatsorn, J. Suebsuk, and M. D. Liu. 2012. “Consolidation behavior of soil–cement column improved ground.” Comput. Geotech. 43: 37–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2012.02.003.
Hu, Y.-Y., W.-H. Zhou, and Y.-Q. Cai. 2014. “Large-strain elastic viscoplastic consolidation analysis of very soft clay layers with vertical drains under preloading.” Can. Geotech. J. 51 (2): 144–157. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2013-0200.
Indraratna, B., B. Baral, C. Rujikiatkamjorn, and D. Perera. 2018. “Class A and C predictions for Ballina trial embankment with vertical drains using standard test data from industry and large diameter test specimens.” Comput. Geotech. 93: 232–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2017.06.013.
Indraratna, B., and I. W. Redana. 2000. “Numerical modeling of vertical drains with smear and well resistance installed in soft clay.” Can. Geotech. J. 37: 132–145. https://doi.org/10.1139/t99-115.
Jamsawang, P., N. Yoobanpot, N. Thanasisathit, P. Voottipruex, and P. Jongpradist. 2016. “Three-dimensional numerical analysis of a DCM column-supported highway embankment.” Comput. Geotech. 72: 42–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2015.11.006.
Jiang, Y., J. Han, and G. Zheng. 2013. “Numerical analysis of consolidation of soft soils fully-penetrated by deep-mixed columns.” KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 17 (1): 96–105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-013-1641-x.
Jostad, H. P., F. Palmieri, L. Andresen, and N. Boylan. 2018. “Numerical prediction and back-calculation of time-dependent behavior of Ballina test embankment.” Comput. Geotech. 93: 123–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2017.05.026.
Kim, Y.-T., B.-P. Nguyen, and D.-H. Yun. 2018. “Effect of artesian pressure on consolidation behavior of drainage-installed marine clay deposit.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 30 (8): 04018156. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002344.
King, L., A. Bouazza, S. Dubsky, R. K. Rowe, J. Gniel, and H. H. Bui. 2019. “Kinematics of soil arching in piled embankments.” Géotechnique 69 (11): 941–958. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.18.P.104.
Kitazume, M., K. Okano, and S. Miyajima. 2000. “Centrifuge model tests on failure envelope of column type deep mixing method improved ground.” Soils Found. 40 (4): 43–55. https://doi.org/10.3208/sandf.40.4_43.
Lee, F.-H., Y. Lee, S.-H. Chew, and K.-Y. Yong. 2005. “Strength and modulus of marine clay-cement mixes.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 131 (2): 178–186. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2005)131:2(178).
Lorenzo, G. A., and D. T. Bergado. 2003. “New consolidation equation for soil–cement pile improved ground.” Can. Geotech. J. 40 (2): 265–275. https://doi.org/10.1139/t02-114.
Low, B. K., S. K. Tang, and V. Choa. 1994. “Arching in piled embankments.” J. Geotech. Eng. 120 (11): 1917–1938. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1994)120:11(1917).
Liu, K.-W., and R. K. Rowe. 2015. “Numerical modelling of prefabricated vertical drains and surcharge on reinforced floating column-supported embankment behavior.” Geotext. Geomembr. 43: 493–505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2015.05.006.
Liu, S. Y., J. Han, D. W. Zhang, and Z. S. Hong. 2008. “A combined DJM-PVD method for soft ground improvement.” Geosynth. Int. 15 (1): 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1680/gein.2008.15.1.43.
Lu, M., H. Jing, A. Zhou, and K. Xie. 2018. “Analytical models for consolidation of combined composite ground improved by impervious columns and vertical drains.” Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 42 (6): 871–888. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.2770.
Meena, N. K., S. Nimbalkar, B. Fatahi, and G. Yang. 2020. “Effects of soil arching on behavior of pile-supported railway embankment: 2D FEM approach.” Comput. Geotech. 123: 103601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2020.103601.
Mesri, G., and Q. Q. Khan. 2012. “Ground improvement using vacuum loading together with vertical drains.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 138 (6): 680–689. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000640.
Mitchell, J. K. 1970. “In-place treatment of foundation soils.” J. Soil Mech. Found. Div. 96 (1): 73–110. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0001391.
Nguyen, B.-P., T.-H. Do, and Y.-T. Kim. 2020. “Large-strain analysis of vertical drain-improved soft deposit consolidation considering smear zone, well resistance, and creep effects.” Comput. Geotech. 123: 103602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2020.103602.
Nguyen, B.-P., N.-P. Doan, Daeho-Yun, and Y.-T. Kim. 2021. “Vertical stress distribution on stiffened deep cement mixing column under embankment load.” In Vol. 126 of Challenges and Innovations in Geomechanics. IACMAG 2021, edited by M. Barla, A. Di Donna, and D. Sterpi. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering.
Nguyen, B.-P., and Y.-T. Kim. 2019. “Radial consolidation of PVD-installed normally consolidated soil with discharge capacity reduction using large-strain theory.” Geotext. Geomembr. 47 (2): 243–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2019.01.008.
Nguyen, B.-P., D.-H. Yun, and Y.-T. Kim. 2018. “An equivalent plane strain model of PVD-improved soft deposit.” Comput. Geotech. 103: 32–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2018.07.004.
Nguyen, T. T., and B. Indraratna. 2019. “Micro-CT scanning to examine soil clogging behavior of natural fiber drains.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 145 (9): 04019037. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002065.
Nguyen, T. T., and B. Indraratna. 2022. “Rail track degradation under mud pumping evaluated through site and laboratory investigations.” Int. J. Rail Transp. 10 (1): 44–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/23248378.2021.1878947.
Nguyen, T. T., B. Indraratna, and J. Carter. 2018a. “Laboratory investigation into biodegradation of jute drains with implications for field behaviour.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 144 (6): 04018026-04018021:04018015. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0001885.
Nguyen, T. T., B. Indraratna, and C. Rujikiatkamjorn. 2018b. “A numerical approach to model biodegradable vertical drains.” Environ. Geotech. 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1680/jenge.18.00015.
Oliveira, P. J. V., and L. J. L. Lemos. 2011. “Numerical analysis of an embankment on soft soils considering large displacements.” Comput. Geotech. 38 (1): 88–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2010.08.005.
Peck, R. B., W. E. Hanson, and T. H. Thornburn. 1974. Foundation engineering practice. 3rd ed. New York: Wiley.
Roscoe, K. H., and J. B. Burland. 1968. “On the generalized stress strain behavior of “wet” clay.” In Engineering plasticity, edited by J. Heyman, and F. A. Leckie, 535–609. Cambridge, UK: Cambrige University Press.
Rowe, R. K., and C. Taechakumthorn. 2008. “Combined effect of PVDs and reinforcement on embankments over rate-sensitive soils.” Geotext. Geomembr. 26 (3): 239–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2007.10.001.
Stark, T. D., P. J. Ricciardi, and R. D. Sisk. 2018. “Case study: Vertical drain and stability analyses for a compacted embankment on soft soils.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 144 (2): 05017007. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0001786.
Taylor, D. W. 1948. Fundamentals of soil mechanics. NewYork: Wiley.
Terzaghi, K. 1943. Theoretical soil mechanics, 66–75. New York: Wiley.
Tran, T. A., and T. Mitachi. 2008. “Equivalent plane-strain modeling of vertical drains in soft ground under embankment combined with vacuum preloading.” Comput. Geotech. 35: 655–672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2007.11.006.
Tripathi, K. K., and M. S. Nagesha. 2010. “Discharge capacity requirement of prefabricated vertical drains.” Geotext. Geomembr. 28: 128–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2009.09.004.
Uthayakumar, U. M., and U. Chakraborty. 2014. Ground improvement for a bridge approach embankment: A case history. Regina, Canada: GeoRegina.
van Eekelen, S. J. M., A. Bezuijen, H. J. Lodder, and A. F. van Tol. 2012. “Model experiments on piled embankments. part I.” Geotext. Geomembr. 32 (5): 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2011.11.002.
van Eekelen, S. J. M., A. Bezuijen, and A. F. van Tol. 2013. “An analytical model for arching in piled embankments.” Geotext. Geomembr. 39 (7): 78–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2013.07.005.
Wijerathna, M., D. S. Liyanapathirana, and C. Leo. 2017. “Consolidation behavior of deep cement mixed column improved ground during breakage of soil-cement structure.” Aust. Geomech. J. 51 (2): 35–42.
Wright, S. G. 2013. “Slope stability computations.” H. Bolton Seed Lecture. Accessed October 18, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_6aOU7msBM.
Ye, G.-B., Z. Zhang, J. Han, H.-F. Xing, M.-S. Huang, and P.-L. Xiang. 2013. “Performance evaluation of an embankment on soft soil improved by deep mixed columns and prefabricated vertical drains.” J. Perform. Constr. Facil 27 (5): 614–623. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000369.
Ye, G. B., Z. Zhang, H. F. Xing, M. S. Huang, and C. Xu. 2012. “Consolidation of a composite foundation with soil–cement columns and prefabricated vertical drains.” Bull. Eng. Geol. Environ. 71 (1): 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-011-0354-y.
Zhang, D. W., S. Y. Liu, and Z. S. Hong. 2006. “Consolidation calculating method of soft ground improved by DJM-PVD combined method.” In Proc., of the GeoShanghai Int. Conf., Ground Modification and Seismic Mitigation, Geotechnical Special Publication 152, edited by A. Porbaha, S.-L. Shen, J. Wartman, and J.-C. Chai, 29–36. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Zhang, Z., G. Ye, and H. Xing. 2015. “Consolidation analysis of soft soil improved with short deep mixed columns and long prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs).” Geosynth. Int. 22 (5): 366–379. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgein.15.00018.
22TCN 262:2000. 2000. “Design standards for the embankment on soft ground. Vietnamese ministry of Transportation.” Accessed September 15, 2021. http://cucqlxd.gov.vn/quy-chuan-tieu-chuan/chi-tiet/27.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 22 • Issue 9 • September 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 24, 2021
Accepted: Mar 29, 2022
Published online: Jul 11, 2022
Published in print: Sep 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Dec 11, 2022
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.
Cited by
- Qingwen Zhang, Zhen Zhang, Guanbao Ye, Yan Xu, Albert P. C. Chan, Plane Strain Simplified Analysis of Consolidation of a Foundation Penetrated by Concrete-Cored Gravel Columns, International Journal of Geomechanics, 10.1061/IJGNAI.GMENG-8004, 23, 3, (2023).
- Ba-Phu Nguyen, Thanh Trung Nguyen, Trung-Tri Le, Ahmed Hamza Mridakh, Consolidation and Load Transfer Characteristics of Soft Ground Improved by Combined PVD-SC Column Method Considering Finite Discharge Capacity of PVDs, Indian Geotechnical Journal, 10.1007/s40098-022-00668-2, 53, 1, (127-138), (2022).