Testing coir geotextile drains for soft ground improvement

Abstract

The results of an experimental investigation to explore the effectiveness of coir geotextile vertical drains for ground improvement are reported. The time settlement behaviour of clayey soil, as influenced by coir geotextile drains, is summarised and the construction and installation details are also discussed. Two types of coir drains, a circular type and a rectangular type, using two varieties of coir geotextiles were tested in three configurations, namely a single drain and triangular and rectangular patterns. It was observed that the time for consolidation was very much reduced due to the installation of coir drains irrespective of the type of coir geotextile used, type of coir drain and the layout of the drains. Furthermore, in addition to ease of construction these drains are eco-friendly and will not pose any environmental problems.