Alternative Solution to Sand Blanket in Vertical Drain

Construction industry in Malaysia had a brief sand shortage problem in the year
1996, and as sand becoming increasingly expensive over the years, and the
unavailability of clean sand at site can hinder the construction process, alternative
material is needed to replace the sand application in the vertical drain system. The
report explains briefly on what constitutes a soft soil; its properties and characteristic
as well as problems arise from the construction on soft ground. Concept on vertical
drain is illustrated to further understand how vertical drain accelerates consolidation
in soft soils, different types of vertical drains, and specifically on the prefabricated
vertical drain (PVD) and the components of the vertical drains system. The possible
use of geocomposite drain i.e Stripdrain™ as an alternative material to replace the
sand blanket as the drainage layer in the vertical drain system is studied.
Experimental values of the discharge capacity and settlement rate of soil for both
drainage systems are included in this report and comparisons were made. The
Stripdrain1111 system was found to provide better drainage inthe vertical drain system.