Centrifuge Model Test of Vacuum Surcharge Preloading

Vacuum surcharge preloading for stabilizing soft soil foundation is becoming an increasingly popular ground improvement technique. Although many studies have been reported in literatures, few articles adopted the centrifuge model test. The Centrifuge model test technique is adopted to simulate a gravity field by changing centrifugal acceleration, in order to simulate the related conditions of many geotechnical structures. View of current research of centrifuge model test of the vacuum surcharge preloading, the paper describe the design of the vacuum surcharge preloading and the whole construction of the centrifuge model test which simulate the actual working conditions, based on the project near the Hengshui Lake and contain very soft clays which have undesirable geotechnical properties such as low bearing capacity and high compressibility. Through the centrifuge model test, the change of the earth pressure and the ultimate settlement of two years after construction were obtained. By analysis the results, it make a conclusion that the method of vacuum surcharge preloading is a more effective method.