Consolidation theory of slurry dewatered by permeable geotextile tube with distributed prefabricated drains

Abstract

Introducing the prefabricated horizontal drains (PHDs) into the permeable geotextile tubes has been reckoned as an efficient and economical method of dewatering slurries with high water contents. However, its application is limited by the poor understanding of the fundamental consolidation mechanism, often resulting in overconservative designs. With the proposed two-dimensional plane-strain consolidation model, a semi-analytical solution calibrated by laboratory test results is obtained. Furthermore, parametric analyses, for example, PHD pave rate, and element aspect ratio, along with the soil anisotropy coefficient, are also conducted to achieve the optimum design requirement. A critical condition corresponding to the optimum effectiveness of this consolidation technique is found, beyond which the consolidation efficiency decreases gradually. The greater the abovementioned parameters are, the later and milder the efficiency reduction occurs. The consolidation efficiency can keep at a high level until the end of consolidation when the values of these parameters are great enough. In the end, design charts and design recommendations are provided with immediate benefits for practical engineers.