FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

DESIGN OF FOUNDATION (ECV4301)

Installation of Prefabricated Vertical Drain

NAME : Liew Kwang Tatt

MATRIC NO. : 139324

LECTURER : IR. AZLAN ABDUL AZIZ

DATE : 26th January 2010

Installation of Prefabricated Vertical Drain (a.k.a wick drain)

Prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) is developed as a substitute for the commonly used
sand drain which can reduce settlement times from years to months and keep post-
construction settlement to a minimum. PVD is manufactured from synthetic polymers such as
polypropylene and high density polyethylene. Furthermore, PVD generally manufactured
with a corrugated or channeled synthetic core enclosed by a geotextile filter. There are some
methods of installation of prefabricated vertical drain like displacement method, drilling
method and washing method. For displacement method, there are particular methods like
driving, vibration, pull down by static force, and combination of particular methods.

The installation of prefabricated vertical drain video is taken from

“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd9IDlddBBY” with title of CeTeau Wick Drain
Installation, the method used is displacement method by pulling down the PVD into soil.
From the video, there is equipment like excavator, supporting specialized equipment which
consists of drain spools and mandrel, and the PVD is holding on a reel beside the mandrel.
Usually, drains can be installed up to 130 feet from a track-mounted excavator. Drains greater
than 130 feet often require the mast to be mounted on a crane unit for stability.

Besides, the working surface seems to be graded and filled by sand since generally the
vertical drain sites are typically soft. As a result, the equipment is supported by sand and has
a stable working platform which can perform effective installation. In fact, the sand will also
act as a drainage blanket to direct water off-site. In addition, the position of drain is marked
(rectangular black colour thing).

By the way, the installation started by worker who removes the drain position mark,
then the excavator turn and directs the mandrel to required drain position. The prefabricated
vertical drain is threaded through the mandrel which protects it from damage as it is driven
through the soil. Later, the mandrel is pushed into ground by the force from vibratory
hammers, static methods, or a combination of these methods depending on the soil
conditions. After target depth is reached, the drain is anchored to keep it in place while the
mandrel is withdrawn. The drain is then cut by the worker to approximately 6 to 8 inches
above ground, and a new anchor fastened to the PVD at the bottom of the mandrel in
preparation for the next installation point.
 For extra information, according to the installation specification, the equipment shall
be capable of exerting at least 12 tons of vertical force (static crowd) to the mandrel. The
mandrel is used to protect the prefabricated drain material from tears, cuts, and abrasions
during installation. Moreover, a drain may be abandoned before reaching design penetration
when the rate of installation is less than 6 inches (15 cm) per second with the full static force
and maximum vibrator output. For splicing of PVD, splicing of PVD material shall be done
by stapling in a workmanlike manner and so as to ensure structural and hydraulic continuity
of the drain. At the splice, upper portion of the jacket shall be external to the lower portion.
Maximum of 1 splice per drain installed will be permitted.

Video reference:
Youtube. Video Sharing [Online]. “CeTeau Wick Drain Installation”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd9IDlddBBY
[Accessed 24 January 2010]