Performance of fibredrain in consolidation of soft soils

Abstract

A flexible drain manufactured using organic fibres from jute and coir has been used as a vertical drain in several projects. In two projects Fibredrain was used to accelerate consolidation of thick deposits of marine clay under reclamation fills. In a third the surface peaty clay was treated with heavy tamping. Fibredrain installed in the underlying clay withstood the heavy tamping and functioned effectively as a vertical drain for more than 12 to 15 months. Its low cost is attractive for soil improvement projects particularly in countries where the materials and local labour are abundantly available.