Stabilization of Very Soft Soils Using Geosynthetics.

Introduction of high-strength geosynthetic materials has allowed for construction on heretofore impossible sites. Saturated, fine-grained soils with in-situ unconsolidates-undrained strengths as low as 1.0 kPa 20.8 lbsq ft have been successfully used for embankment foundations using geotextiles or geogrids for direct ground support. When rapid consolidation of the subsoil is desirable, the procedure sometimes calls for insertion of strip wick drains and, for lateral flow, drainage geocomposites as well. This paper reviews and summarized a number of soft-soil stabilization projects. Drawing from these experiences, a five-part design method is presented to select and size the various goesynthetic material properties involved. Keywords Dikes Dredged material disposal areas or containment Soft foundations Slope stability analysis Geosynthetics Geotextile.