It is a ground-improvement method which utilizes vacuum pressure to discharge pore water contained in soft ground, aiming consolidation settlement and increase of the ground strength.
Why VCM?
Vacuum consolidation, commonly known as vacuum preloading, is a geotechnical technique employed to enhance the stability and load-bearing capacity of soft or waterlogged soils in construction and civil engineering projects. This method involves applying a vacuum to the ground’s surface, effectively removing pore water from the soil. By accelerating the consolidation process, vacuum consolidation transforms unstable and compressible soils, like clays, silts, and peats, into more stable and compacted substrates.
This technique finds extensive use in various applications, including land reclamation, foundation stabilization, port and harbor construction, road and railway projects, environmental remediation, and slope stabilization. Vacuum consolidation mitigates differential settlement, making it valuable for urban development and underground construction. It is also used in wastewater lagoons to expedite solid waste settling and dewatering. This cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach minimizes the time required for soil consolidation, ensuring stable ground conditions, reducing construction risks, and enabling the successful execution of diverse civil engineering projects.