In projects that involve surcharge and prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) systems for the treatment of weak underlying layers, embankment failures, tension cracks, and differential settlements, surficial heaves, and foundation failures were addressed in various litera
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In projects that involve surcharge and prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) systems for the treatment of weak underlying layers, embankment failures, tension cracks, and differential settlements, surficial heaves, and foundation failures were addressed in various literature. Overestimation and unrealistic design assumptions made by geotechnical and structural engineers are the main reasons for most of the cases. In all these cases a simple collaboration between different parties in the project ranging from designers to field engineers could have decreased or prevented these undesirable outcomes. The problem of neglecting the infiltration of the embankment in the ground as a new distinct layer with all the necessary requirements, and also disturbance caused as a result of PVDs installation in four cases: preloading case, fill removal, main structure construction, and post- construction phase are discussed. A few design recommendations are given regarding the stated issues. Since after the completion of soil treatment operations, the soil engineering parameters and in some cases even soil stratification had changed, care should be taken to use the new treated parameters in the final design process, not the preliminary site report parameters. Neglecting this issue may lead to severe malfunctions and even unpredictable failures. BIM technology has the possibility of integrating all aspects, and complexities of geotechnical engineering in the structural-architectural platform as a whole, which would revolutionize the construction industry. Till now only the structural-architectural part is done and further research and investment are necessary for the geotechnical aspect.
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