Probabilistic design method of prefabricated vertical drains for soil improvement

Uncertainty in the consolidation process via the prefabricated vertical drain (PVD), and the effects of uncertainty on the design of PVDs, are investigated in this paper. Analysis results suggest that the coefficient of horizontal (radial) consolidation, c(h), is the predominant random variable and that its probability distribution type has a considerable influence on the probability of achieving the target degree of consolidation by a given time. A probability-based design method is given by taking into account the uncertainty in c(h) in the design. The corresponding probabilistic design factors are calibrated, and a simple-to-use design procedure and charts are provided.