Ground Improvement Techniques for Soft Soil

A large number of ground improvement methods are available that can be adopted to treat poor soil site conditions. Several of these methods have been in use for many decades, while others have been recently developed. The selection of the most appropriate ground improvement method can be a complex process that depends upon the consideration of available techniques and a number of performance-specific and site-specific factors. Ground improvement using prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) with surcharge loading is one of the effective systems to accelerate the removal of excess pore water pressure in saturated soft clay prone to excessive settlement. The main ground improvement techniques and the key components of surcharge preloading with PVD are discussed.