Ground deformation induced by vacuum loading–unloading

The deformation of soft ground due to vacuum preloading can usually be predicted using a method similar to that used for surcharge preloading. However, the accuracy of this practice is questionable. This paper proposes a method for predicting the ground settlement curve and lateral displacement profile induced by vacuum preloading, and analyzes two well-documented field cases from china. In the newly developed method, the settlement–time curve is based on a one-dimensional deformation analysis using compression index ( C c ) and swelling index ( C s ) of the subsoil, with the lateral displacement being determined using a modification of an existing method. It is demonstrated that the predictions agree reasonably well with the measurements taken in the field, which suggests that the presented method can be used to predict the deformation of the ground as induced by vacuum preloading.