Study of VCM Improved Soft Soil Properties Using Non-Destructive and Destructive Techniques

Abstract

In Bangkok, the demand for housing is extensively high due to the city growing rapidly, so some swampy areas are filled with soil. A Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD) with the Vacuum Consolidation Method (VCM) is required to make the soil applicable for construction. However, it is difficult to monitor the soil strength during the process because the airtight sheet will be broken. This research aims to study the possibility of using the Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) test to monitor the effectiveness of the VCM method and to study the development of shear-wave velocity over the consolidation period. Multiple instruments were installed on site, namely, vacuum gauges, settlement plates, and a piezometer, as well as a borehole to monitor the pump pressure, settlement, porewater pressure, and soil properties. Ten SASW tests were taken to measure the change in shear-wave velocity (Vs) over 7 months. The results showed an increment in the Vs along with increments in the settlement and undrained shear strength (Su), as well as a decrement in pore pressure during the consolidation period. The correlation between Vs and soil settlement was developed to predict the amount of settlement using Vs. These all indicated the potential of using the SASW method for soil improvement monitoring purposes.