Wick drains address the problem of slow settlement by accelerating consolidation at the outset of a project.

Why Is Settlement A Problem?

Water escapes slowly from fine silts and clays; it can take years for groundwater to move just a few hundred feet. This slow settlement occurs as groundwater is squeezed out of the soil, allowing the soil particles to re-orient in a tighter configuration. Projects constructed over such soils experience slow settlement over several years, causing foundation cracking, the "bump at the bridge", or other potentially expensive repairs. 

Wick Drains Accelerate Consolidation

Consolidation of soft compressible soils with wick drains (also known as prefabricated vertical (PV) drains) at the onset of a project can avoid problems caused by settlement. By installing wick drains in a pattern designed to meet your construction schedule, the distance the groundwater must travel to exit your site (and allow the consolidation to take place) is greatly reduced. Consolidation occurs in weeks instead of years. 

Wick Drain Applications

Since the late 1970's, wick drains have been providing the most effective and economical solution to quickly remove excess pore water from saturated compressible soils.

Common applications for wick drains include:

• Bridge abutments
• Building and retaining wall foundations
• Port container storage areas
• Airport runways
• Tailings and sludge pond dewatering

The market for wick drains is expanding to include the following applications (and more):

• Slope stabilization by lowering groundwater levels is achieved using wick drains in a horizontal orientation.
• Hazardous waste cleanup in contaminated soils.