Radial consolidation response upon the application and removal of vacuum and fill loading

This Note presents a laboratory study using a Rowe cell to compare the consolidation responses upon vacuum pressure and fill load application and removal. The influences of the duration of application and removal of fill load and vacuum pressures on radial consolidation were investigated using excess pore-water pressure, axial strain, and overconsolidation ratio. It is shown that the appropriate removal time for vacuum pressure can be determined based on excess pore pressure responses.