The Analysis of Consolidation Acceleration Method on the PVD-Preloading Combination

Abstract

The Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD)- Preloading method is the most widely used method to speed up consolidation time on soft soils. This method is considered as one of the most sustainable soil improvement techniques and more environmentally friendly when compared to other soil improvement methods such as chemical stabilization. Using this method will not only save considerable costs in a construction project on soft soils, but will also increase its load-bearing capacity. The geotechnical planning usually uses the Terzaghi 1 D empirical equation to design PVD-Preloading method. In this study, consolidation settlement analysis was carried out at Horizon Nindya Karya Hotel, Semarang. The analysis was carried out based on 3 boreholes, BH.1, BH.2, and BH.3 which were calculated using the one-dimensional Terzaghi empirical method. In addition, this study was also analysed using MIDAS GTS NX for the verification results. The results show that the most effective to accelerate the consolidation settlement is the combination of preloading and installation of triangular pattern PVD with distance of 1.25 m. This combination resulted in consolidation settlements at points BH.1, BH.2, and BH.3 of 1.1075 m for 84 days, 1.3298 m for 82 days, and 1.1905 m for 98 days, respectively.