CeTeau provides a wide range of solutions for any project around the world. Together with the customer the most suitable approach is selected for the most challenging projects
- Supply of PVD
- Supply and installation of PVD
- Supply or rental of PVD installation equipment
- Specialist PVD equipment for installation in hard soils or with height restrictions
Wick Drains, also called Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD), Band Drains or Strip Drains are strips consisting of a polypropylene core wrapped around a non-woven filter. The core is extruded into a shape that transmits a maximum water flow on both sides of the core. The filter is ultrasonically welded together at the edges and will prevent the core from blocking with soil particles.
Ground improvement using PVD is applied in areas with soft water saturated soils such as peat, clay and silty clays. In these soils significant settlements may occur over time because of water draining out of the soil. In addition, increased pore pressure is soils may cause instability of the soil due to liquefaction.
Installation of PVD will drain out the water fast to reduce settlements later on and will reduce the pore pressure to prevent liquefaction. The PVD are installed vertically into the soft soil. This way drainage paths with high permeability are created in the soil. The distance the water must travel is thereby drastically reduced. It therefore only takes weeks or months instead of years for the water to escape. The soil will settle fast and will be capable to support the new loads.