ABSTRACT
Vertical drains promotes faster settlements due to the decrease of the drainage path within the compressible soil mass to about half the horizontal distance between drains.
Temporary surcharge also accelerates settlements related to the primary consolidation and it decreases post-construction settlements. Thus, the combination of prefabricated vertical drains and temporary surcharging fully explores the benefit of rapid consolidation. Vertical drains and surcharge are widely used in the construction of embankment for roads, railroads, airports, ports and storage areas in general.
