In situ pore water pressure dissipation testing of marine clay under reclamation fills

In situ dissipation tests provide a means of evaluating the in situ coefficient of horizontal consolidation and horizontal hydraulic conductivity of soft clays. Dissipation tests by means of piezocone (CPTU), dilatometer (DMT), self-boring pressuremeter (SBPT) and BAT permeameter (BAT) were utilized in the characterization of the coefficient of horizontal consolidation and horizontal hydraulic conductivity of Singapore marine clay at Changi in a land reclamation project. Dissipation tests were carried out prior to reclamation as well as after ground improvement with vertical drains to compare the changes in the coefficient of horizontal consolidation and horizontal hydraulic conductivity prior to and after ground improvement. Tests were carried out in a vertical drain area as well as in an adjacent untreated control area after 23 months of surcharge loading, for comparison purposes. The purpose of this research is to determine the horizontal consolidation parameters of Singapore marine clay prior to reclamation as well as after 23 months of surcharge loading with and without vertical drains by means of in situ dissipation tests.