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Trial Embankment Analysis to Predict Smear Zone Characteristics Induced by Prefabricated Vertical Drain Installation

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Abstract

In this study, FLAC finite difference software has been adopted to simulate the performance of the ground improved using prefabricated vertical drains assisted preloading, considering smear zone characteristics. The numerical code has been applied to predict smear zone properties employing a back calculation procedure using the results of several case studies. The construction of a trial embankment is proposed as a reliable method to predict the smear zone characteristics. The proposed back calculation method is applied to estimate the minimum required degree of consolidation and consequently the minimum required preloading time, resulting in a reliable estimation of the smear zone permeability and extent. Three preloading case studies considering both conventional preloading and vacuum assisted preloading have been simulated to verify the numerical code and to conduct the parametric study using the back calculation procedure. According to the results, the properties of the smear zone can be back-calculated reliably, when at least 33 % degree of consolidation due to trial embankment construction is achieved.

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Acknowledgments

This research has been supported by the Australian Research Council (LP0991643) and Menard-Bachy Pty Ltd. The Authors acknowledge their supports. Also, the authors wish to thank the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) of NSW for providing the field investigation and monitoring results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), City Campus, Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia

    Ali Parsa-Pajouh, Behzad Fatahi & Hadi Khabbaz

  2. Menard Bachy Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia

    Philippe Vincent

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  1. Ali Parsa-Pajouh
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  2. Behzad Fatahi
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  3. Philippe Vincent
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  4. Hadi Khabbaz
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Correspondence to Behzad Fatahi.

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Parsa-Pajouh, A., Fatahi, B., Vincent, P. et al. Trial Embankment Analysis to Predict Smear Zone Characteristics Induced by Prefabricated Vertical Drain Installation. Geotech Geol Eng 32, 1187–1210 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-014-9789-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-014-9789-9

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