Principle and Quality Control of Soft Ground Improvement by Vacuum Consolidation

Abstract

Soft ground improvement by vacuum consolidation method has been gradually increasing to implement in serval kinds of projects in Thailand recently such as airport, road, and residential area project.  However, this method still can be considered as a new technology for Thai Engineer as well as relevant person due to a lack of article or text book in Thai language. Therefore, this paper describes the principle and main components of vacuum consolidation method as well as the influential factors effecting on vacuum consolidation work and quality control based on author’s knowledge and experience during past 17 years in vacuum consolidation projects both in Thailand and overseas. The authors hope this paper will be benefit for Thai Engineers and interested persons who work in the construction project where vacuum consolidation method is utilized and to have a basic knowledge and able to make a decision how to implement vacuum consolidation, design planning and construction planning together with a quality control in order to achieve the good result of ground improvement corresponding to a design objective.