Hydraulic stabilization of earth structures

Hydraulic stabilization of soils using gravity drainage, pumped wells (dewatering), vacuum wells, and vacuum blankets has been applied with success in numerous field situations. References to the vacuum methods, however, are not abundant and the analytical developments with regard to these methods are limited. This paper provides methods for analytical evaluation of hydraulic stabilization and applies these methods to vacuum pretreatment of soft clay foundations and to temporary stabilization of slopes using vacuum wells. Both applications indicate that the vacuum methods are effective. Detailed analyses of various vacuum well placements and some discussion on the types of systems applicable to various problems are included in the paper. Other applications of the vacuum methods of hydraulic stabilization of soil masses are briefly discussed. Keywords: stabilization, slopes, foundations, vacuum wells, remedial measures.