Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Case Study of Performance Comparison Between Vacuum Preloading and Fill Surcharge for Soft Ground Improvement

  • Case Study
  • Published:
International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Vacuum preloading and fill surcharge are two common ground improvement methods, which have been successfully utilized in many soil improvement and land reclamation projects all over the world. Therefore, continuous study on them is of great necessity for deepening the research for both optimizing the solution of treating soft grounds and predicting the deformation performance. This paper presents a case study of a land reclamation project, in which both vacuum preloading and fill surcharge methods were compared based on the detailed field monitoring data, in situ and laboratory tests of two selected areas treated with well-controlled construction quality. The results indicate that the vacuum preloading method can accelerate the consolidation progress more effectively and exhibit better performance in reducing the water content of soft soils. In this method, a stable vacuum pressure was kept beneath the air-tight membrane, and the bentonite-slurry cut-off walls were installed surrounding the treated land to prevent the vacuum leakage throughout permeable interlayers. However, the vacuum pressure decreased significantly along the depth, which affected the efficiency of improving the deeper soil layer. On the other hand, the fill surcharge method can accelerate consolidation and improve the strength of soft soils in a relatively slow but predictable way. Furthermore, four different methods are adopted to predict the ultimate settlements of ground in this study, including Asaoka's method, hyperbolic curve method, exponential curve method, and new simplified B method. In general, good performance of the four methods can be observed by comparing measured and predicted settlements.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

References

  1. Jiang X, Zhu H, Yan Z et al (2023) A state-of-art review on development and progress of backfill grouting materials for shield tunneling. Dev Built Environ 16(October):100250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2023.100250

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Li KQ, Yin ZY, Liu Y (2023) Influences of spatial variability of hydrothermal properties on the freezing process in artificial ground freezing technique. Comput Geotech 159(March):105448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2023.105448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Wang P, Yin ZY, Hicher PY, Cui YJ (2023) Micro-mechanical analysis of one-dimensional compression of clay with DEM. Int J Numer Anal Methods Geomech 47(15):2706–2724. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.3597

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Liang W, Wu H, Zhao S et al (2022) Scalable three-dimensional hybrid continuum-discrete multiscale modeling of granular media. Int J Numer Methods Eng 123(12):2872–2893. https://doi.org/10.1002/nme.6963

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  5. Cheng W, Chen RP, Yin ZY et al (2023) A fractional-order two-surface plasticity model for over-consolidated clays and its application to deep gallery excavation. Comput Geotech 159(May):105494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2023.105494

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Liu K, Yin ZY, Chen WB et al (2021) Nonlinear model for the stress–strain–strength behavior of unsaturated granular materials. Int J Geomech 21(7):04021103. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0002042

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Shi XS, Liu K, Yin JH (2021) Analysis of mobilized stress ratio of gap-graded granular materials in direct shear state considering coarse fraction effect. Acta Geotech 16(6):1801–1814. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-020-01107-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Soomro MA, Liu K, Mangnejo DA, Mangi N (2022) Effects of twin excavations with different construction sequence on a brick masonry wall: 3D finite element approach. Structures. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2022.05.060

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Xu D, Huang M, Zhou Y (2020) One-dimensional compression behavior of calcareous sand and marine clay mixtures. Int J Geomech 20(9):04020137. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0001763

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Zhu HH, Liu LC, Pei HF, Shi B (2012) Settlement analysis of viscoelastic foundation under vertical line load using a fractional Kelvin–Voigt model. Geomech Eng 4(1):67–78. https://doi.org/10.12989/gae.2012.4.1.067

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Zhu HH, Zhang CC, Mei GX et al (2017) Prediction of one-dimensional compression behavior of Nansha clay using fractional derivatives. Mar Georesour Geotechnol 35(5):688–697. https://doi.org/10.1080/1064119X.2016.1217958

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Chu J, Indraratna B, Yan S, Rujikiatkamjorn C (2014) Overview of preloading methods for soil improvement. Proc Inst Civ Eng Gr Improv 167(3):173–185. https://doi.org/10.1680/grim.13.00022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Leong EC, Soemitro RAA, Rahardjo H (2000) Soil improvement by surcharge and vacuum preloadings. Géotechnique 50(5):601–605. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.2000.50.5.601

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Shi XS, Nie J, Zhao J, Gao Y (2020) A homogenization equation for the small strain stiffness of gap-graded granular materials. Comput Geotech. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2020.103440

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Shi XS, Zhao J, Gao Y (2021) A homogenization-based state-dependent model for gap-graded granular materials with fine-dominated structure. Int J Numer Anal Methods Geomech 45(8):1007–1028. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.3189

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Kjellman W (1952) Consolidation of clayey soils by atmospheric pressure. In: Proceedings of a conference on soil stabilization. MIT, Boston, USA, pp 258–263

  17. Bergado DT, Jamsawang P, Kovittayanon N et al (2021) Vacuum-PVD improvement: a case study of the second improvement of soft bangkok clay on the subsiding ground. Int J Geosynth Gr Eng 7(4):1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40891-021-00339-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Chu J, Yan SW (2005) Estimation of degree of consolidation for vacuum preloading projects. Int J Geomech 5(2):158–165. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1532-3641(2005)5:2(158)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Feng S, Lei H, Lin C (2022) Analysis of ground deformation development and settlement prediction by air-boosted vacuum preloading. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 14(1):272–288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2021.05.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Lei H, Fang Q, Liu J et al (2021) Ultra-soft ground improvement using air-booster vacuum preloading method: laboratory model test study. Int J Geosynth Gr Eng 7(4):1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40891-021-00332-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Shang JQ, Tang M, Miao Z (1998) Vacuum preloading consolidation of reclaimed land: a case study. Can Geotech J 35(5):740–749. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-35-5-740

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Tang M, Shang JQ (2000) Vacuum preloading consolidation of Yaoqiang Airport runway. Géotechnique 50(6):613–623. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.2000.50.6.613

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Wang J, Cai Y, Ma J et al (2016) Improved vacuum preloading method for consolidation of dredged clay-slurry fill. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 142(11):2–6. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0001516

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Bo MW, Arulrajah A, Nikraz H (2007) Preloading and prefabricated vertical drains design for foreshore land reclamation projects: a case study. Gr Improv 11(2):67–76. https://doi.org/10.1680/grim.2007.11.2.67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Indraratna B, Rujikiatkamjorn C, Ameratunga J, Boyle P (2011) Performance and prediction of vacuum combined surcharge consolidation at port of brisbane. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 137(11):1009–1018. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0000519

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Indraratna B, Rujikiatkamjorn C, Balasubramaniam AS, McIntosh G (2012) Soft ground improvement via vertical drains and vacuum assisted preloading. Geotext Geomembr. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2011.01.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Wang J, Fang Z, Cai Y et al (2018) Preloading using fill surcharge and prefabricated vertical drains for an airport. Geotext Geomembr 46(5):575–585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2018.04.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Yan SW, Chu J (2005) Soil improvement for a storage yard using the combined vaccum and fill preloading method. Can Geotech J 42(4):1094–1104. https://doi.org/10.1139/t05-042

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Feng WQ, Yin JH (2017) A new simplified Hypothesis B method for calculating consolidation settlements of double soil layers exhibiting creep. Int J Numer Anal Methods Geomech 41(6):899–917. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.2635

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Yin JH, Chen ZJ, Feng WQ (2022) A general simple method for calculating consolidation settlements of layered clayey soils with vertical drains under staged loadings. Acta Geotech 17(8):3647–3674. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-021-01318-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Zhu G, Yin JH (2005) Solution charts for the consolidation of double soil layers. Can Geotech J 42(3):949–956. https://doi.org/10.1139/t05-001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Xie KH, Xie XY, Jiang W (2002) A study on one-dimensional nonlinear consolidation of double-layered soil. Comput Geotech 29(2):151–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0266-352X(01)00017-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Yin JH, Graham J (1989) Viscous-elastic-plastic modelling of one-dimensional time-dependent behaviour of clays. Can Geotech J 26:199–209

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Yin JH, Graham J (1994) Equivalent times and one-dimensional elastic viscoplastic modelling of time-dependent stress–strain behaviour of clays. Can Geotech J 31(1):42–52. https://doi.org/10.1139/t94-005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Yin JH, Graham J (1999) Elastic viscoplastic modelling of the time-dependent stress–strain behaviour of soils. Can Geotech J 36(4):736–745. https://doi.org/10.1139/t99-042

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Yin JH, Zhu JG, Graham J (2002) A new elastic viscoplastic model for time-dependent behaviour of normally and overconsolidated clays: theory and verification. Can Geotech J 39(1):157–173. https://doi.org/10.1139/t01-074

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Chen ZJ, Feng W, Li A et al (2023) Experimental and molecular dynamics studies on the consolidation of Hong Kong marine deposits under heating and vacuum preloading. Acta Geotech. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-022-01735-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Chen ZJ, Feng WQ, Yin JH (2021) A new simplified method for calculating short-term and long-term consolidation settlements of multi-layered soils considering creep limit. Comput Geotech 138(May):104324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2021.104324

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Chen ZJ, Feng WQ, Yin JH, Shi XS (2023) Finite element model and simple method for predicting consolidation displacement of soft soils exhibiting creep underneath embankments in 2-D condition. Acta Geotech 18(5):2513–2528. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-022-01741-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Asaoka (1978) Observational procedure of settlement prediction. Soils Found 18(4):87–101. https://doi.org/10.3208/sandf1972.18.4_87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Tan TS, Inoue T, Lee SL (1991) Hyperbolic method for consolidation analysis. J Geotech Eng 117(11):1723–1737. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1993)119:1(190)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Tan SA (1994) Hyperbolic method for settlements in clays with vertical drains. Can Geotech J 31(1):125–131. https://doi.org/10.1139/t94-014

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  43. Tan SA (1993) Ultimate settlement by hyperbolic plot for clays with vertical drains. J Geotech Eng 119(5):950–956. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1993)119:5(950)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Barron RA (1948) Consolidation of fine-grained soils by drain wells by drain wells. Trans Am Soc Civ Eng 113(1):718–742

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Zhu W, Yan J, Yu G (2018) Vacuum preloading method for land reclamation using hydraulic filled slurry from the sea: a case study in coastal China. Ocean Eng 152(February):286–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2018.01.063

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Xu K (2011) On a slow moving slope in Hong Kong. PhD thesis, The University of Hong Kong

  47. Chai J, Carter J, Liu M (2014) Methods of vacuum consolidation and their deformation analyses. Proc Inst Civ Eng Gr Improv 167(1):35–46. https://doi.org/10.1680/grim.13.00017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Cognon J, Juran I, Thevanayagam S (1994) Vacuum consolidation technology-principles and field experience. In: Proceedings of the conference on vertical and horizontal deformations of foundations and embankments in Part 2, pp 1237–1248

  49. Mikasa M (1965) The consolidation of soft clay. Japan Society of Civil Engineering, Tokyo, pp 21–26

    Google Scholar 

  50. Walker R, Indraratna B (2009) Consolidation analysis of a stratified soil with vertical and horizontal drainage using the spectral method. Géotechnique 59(5):439–449. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.2007.00019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Walker R, Indraratna B, Sivakugan N (2009) Vertical and radial consolidation analysis of multilayered soil using the spectral method. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 135(5):657–663. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0000075

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Chung SG, Kweon HJ, Jang WY (2014) Observational method for field performance of prefabricated vertical drains. Geotext Geomembr 42(4):405–416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2014.06.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. He GF, Zhang P, Yin ZY et al (2023) Multi-fidelity data-driven modelling of rate-dependent behaviour of soft clays. Georisk 17(1):64–76. https://doi.org/10.1080/17499518.2022.2149815

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Zhao S, Tan D, Lin S et al (2023) A deep learning-based approach with anti-noise ability for identification of rock microcracks using distributed fibre optic sensing data. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 170(March):105525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2023.105525

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Chu J, Raju V (2012) Prefabricated vertical drains. In: Kirsch K, Bell A (eds) Ground improvement, 3rd edn. CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp 87–167

    Google Scholar 

  56. Feng WQ, Li C, Yin JH et al (2019) Physical model study on the clay–sand interface without and with geotextile separator. Acta Geotech 14(6):2065–2081. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-019-00763-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Feng WQ, Tan DY, Yin JH et al (2020) Experimental and numerical studies on the performances of stone column and sand compaction pile-reinforced Hong Kong marine clay. Int J Geomech 20(8):1–6. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0001739

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Shi XS, Liu K, Yin JH (2021) Effect of initial density, particle shape, and confining stress on the critical state behavior of weathered gap-graded granular soils. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 147(2):04020160. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0002449

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Slocombe BC, Bell AL, Baez JI (2000) The densification of granular soils using vibro methods. Géotechnique 50(6):715–725. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.2000.50.6.715

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Wang HL, Yin ZY (2021) Unconfined compressive strength of bio-cemented sand: state-of-the-art review and MEP-MC-based model development. J Clean Prod 315(June):128205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128205

    Article  CAS  ADS  Google Scholar 

  61. Xu DS, Yan JM, Liu Q (2021) Behavior of discrete fiber-reinforced sandy soil in large-scale simple shear tests. Geosynth Int 28(6):598–608. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgein.21.00007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Bergado D, Shin E, Park J (2007) Improvement of consolidation characteristics around PVD using the thermal method. J Korean Geotech Soc 23(10):5–11

    Google Scholar 

  63. Wang H, Chen R (2019) Estimating static and dynamic stresses in geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported track-bed under train moving loads. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 145(7):1–14. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0002056

    Article  CAS  ADS  Google Scholar 

  64. Zhu HH, Yin JH, Yeung AT, Jin W (2011) Field pullout testing and performance evaluation of GFRP soil nails. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 137(7):633–642. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0000457

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The work in this paper is supported by a grant (ZDBS) from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China. The Start-up Fund for RAPs under the Strategic Hiring Scheme from PolyU (UGC) (Project ID: P0045938) is also acknowledged. We also acknowledge the supports by a RIF project (Grant no.: R5037-18) and GRF projects (PolyU 152100/20E; PolyU 152130/19E; PolyU 152179/18E; PolyU 152209/17E) from Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government of China, the Open Research Project Programme of the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City (University of Macau) (No.: SKL-IoTSC(UM)-2021-2023/ORPF/A19/2022), Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and Center for Urban Geohazard and Mitigation of Faculty of Construction and Environment of PolyU. Authors would like to acknowledge the helpful discussions with Dr. Ze-Jian CHEN in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China. Authors are also grateful to Mr. Xiong HUANG in the CCCC-FHDI Engineering Co., Ltd. in Guangzhou for his kind help in collecting relevant laboratory test results in this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

    Kai Liu & Jian-Hua Yin

  2. CCCC-FHDI Engineering Co., Ltd., Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China

    Hong-Tao He

  3. School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

    Dao-Yuan Tan & Hong-Hu Zhu

  4. Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, The Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China

    Wei-Qiang Feng

Authors
  1. Kai Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hong-Tao He
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Dao-Yuan Tan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Wei-Qiang Feng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hong-Hu Zhu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jian-Hua Yin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Conceptualization: DYT, KL, WQF, HHZ, JHY; methodology: DYT, KL, WQF; formal analysis and investigation: DYT, KL, WQF, HTH; writing—original draft preparation: DYT, KL; writing—review and editing: DYT, KL, HTH, WQF, HHZ, JHY; funding acquisition: DYT, KL, JHY; resources: HTH, WQF, HHZ, JHY; supervision: HHZ, JHY.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dao-Yuan Tan.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Liu, K., He, HT., Tan, DY. et al. A Case Study of Performance Comparison Between Vacuum Preloading and Fill Surcharge for Soft Ground Improvement. Int. J. of Geosynth. and Ground Eng. 10, 11 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40891-024-00521-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40891-024-00521-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation