Lime-cement columns with PVDs for embankment on soft consolidating soil

Abstract

The effectiveness of providing lime-cement (LC) columns along with Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs) on the stability of embankment constructed on soft consolidation soil is investigated. Providing LC columns or PVDs separately or combining LC columns with PVDs is compared. Two-dimensional plane strain finite element method is used for the analysis. The parameters considered for the study are the variation of settlement and excess pore water pressure at various time intervals during the consolidation of foundation soil. From this study, it is concluded that, LC columns along with PVDs are the most effective technique compared to providing LC columns or PVDs separately to reduce both the displacement and excess pore water pressure for the embankment constructed on soft consolidating soil.