Discussion: Assessment of smear parameters for use in wick drain design

As the paper's findings (Kelly, 2014) are premised on 100% degree of consolidation being achieved, which in itself has inherent uncertainties, the consolidation aspect is worthy of closer examination. In this discussion, Consolidation (capital C) refers specifically to primary consolidation being the traditional time-dependent expulsion of water volume under pressure with progress assessed by change in pore pressure. Moreover, the Consolidation phase is most relevant to wick drain effectiveness.