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Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains.

Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains (PVDs), commonly referred to as Wick Drains, are an effective solution for accelerating the consolidation of compressible soils. The consolidation process itself involves the expulsion of pore water from within the soil structure, typically facilitated by applying a surcharge load or preload to the area. This method aims to compress the soil and push out the water. However, compressible soils, which are often composed of low-permeability materials such as peats, silts, and clays, present significant challenges due to their extended drainage paths. The result is a slow rate of consolidation that can span many years without intervention.
Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains

To expedite this process, PVDs are installed to act as conduits, allowing pore water to flow efficiently to the surface or drainage zones.

Each PVD is designed with a synthetic core that is extruded into a distinctive configuration to optimise water transmission. This core is enveloped in a durable, non-woven geotextile filter, which is ultrasonically welded at its edges. This design ensures that the filter remains intact, providing reliable filtration and structural integrity throughout the soil consolidation process. The PVD (Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains) structure facilitates water movement in multiple directions and is built to endure tensile, compressive, and buckling stresses as the soil compresses and stabilises.

Installation of PVDs involves a specialised process where a hollow mandrel, acting as a casing, is used to insert the PVD material into the soil. The mandrel is hydraulically driven to the predetermined depth, anchoring the drain in the denser, incompressible layers beneath the compressible soils. Once the desired depth is reached, the mandrel is withdrawn, leaving the PVD securely embedded. The configuration and spacing of PVD installations are meticulously planned based on the soil’s consolidation characteristics and the required timeline for the project. Standard installation patterns typically range from 1.0m to 3.0m intervals, with PVDs extending to depths between 5m and 45m.

Following the installation, a surcharge load is placed over the site to exert additional pressure. This load, combined with the PVD system, significantly accelerates the consolidation process. The use of PVDs (Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains) transforms a potentially multi-year consolidation phase into a matter of months, thereby enhancing the feasibility and timeline of construction projects involving challenging subsoil conditions.

The PVDs supplied by Global Synthetics, a leading Australian distributor, are manufactured by CeTeau under the SoilWicks brand. These PVDs have been tested and proven effective across a variety of environmental conditions and soil depths, demonstrating robust performance even in complex subsoil scenarios. With their synthetic cores and resilient geotextile filters, these PVDs (Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains) ensure dependable drainage, maximising the speed and efficiency of soil consolidation. This makes them a reliable choice for construction and geotechnical projects where time and soil stability are critical factors.

In addition to their practical benefits, PVDs (Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains) offer an environmentally conscious method for soil stabilisation. By facilitating the natural dewatering of soil without extensive mechanical intervention, they help minimise the ecological footprint of construction projects. The long-term performance and adaptability of PVDs make them an essential tool in modern geotechnical engineering, supporting infrastructure development in areas with problematic soil profiles.

Soilwick are your Prefabricated Vertical Wick Drains specialists.

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