Vertical drains are the most economical ground improvement solution for soft soils with a high clay/silt content. Geopipes distribute and installs Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD) to accelerate the settlement of soft soils. In combination with surcharge or vacuum pressure, the time required to reach the settlement is reduced from years to only months.

Vertical drains are mostly used to shorten the settlement period of soft, water saturated soils.

This can thus reduce the construction period of a project and avoid post-construction differential settlements.

By applying a temporary preload on top of the embankment or fill, the consolidation period can be reduced even more.