The sustainable future of vertical drains




The sustainable future of vertical drains


Vertical drains are a common technique for accelerating consolidation in soft compressible material and improving soil strength for a variety of applications, such as embankment construction for infrastructure. They also help reduce the residual settlements of green- and brownfield developments and mitigate liquefaction risks. The sustainable future of vertical drains for ground improvement is a rapidly developing area of research. The objective of this paper is to explore the current trends in the use of sustainable vertical drain systems, with a focus on environmentally friendly materials, innovative construction processes, and potential design implications. Biodegradable or recycled materials have started to replace the traditional synthetic materials. Additionally, construction processes are being refined to reduce waste and minimize the ecological footprint. The use of sustainable vertical drain systems benefits the environment while also having potential design implications, requiring different approaches to soil improvement in some cases. In summary, the sustainable future of vertical drains for ground improvement requires a holistic approach to design, construction, and materials selection. The continued development of innovative and sustainable solutions will ensure that vertical drains remain a valuable tool for geotechnical engineers. This paper provides an overview of the latest trends, innovations, and potential design implications for sustainable vertical drain systems.

Jeroen W. Dijkstra; R. Bodamer


18th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE2024)



D - Current and new construction methods