Lateral displacement of PVD-improved deposit under embankment loading

The likely range of values of the maximum lateral displacement of the ground caused by embankment loading of a soil deposit improved by the installation of geosynthetic prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) was investigated. This involved a study of 18 field cases and an empirical equation for predicting the maximum lateral displacement is proposed. The proposed equation considers the effects of the embankment load, loading rate, and the deformation, consolidation and strength properties of the soft subsoil. Combining the proposed equation with a previously established equation for predicting the lateral displacement of soft soil deposits under the combined action of embankment and vacuum pressure loading provides a method for estimating the likely range of values of the maximum lateral displacement of a PVD-improved deposit under embankment loading with or without the application of vacuum pressure. It is suggested that the proposed method can be used as a design tool in geotechnical practice.