Geological explorations and laboratory testing at the site designated for installation the vertical gravel drains

Abstract

Vertical gravel drainages are used to improve the geomechanical characteristics of sedimented dusty and sandy soils where the application of gravity drainage is not possible. They are formed in a membrane made of a cylindrical woven geotextile (GEC - geotextile encased columns). They are intended to improve the geomechanical properties of the soil by lowering the groundwater level. Their practical application was realized on a part of an unstable internal landfill at the open pit of lignite 'Drmno' in Kostolac. At the sites planned for the production of vertical gravel drains, it is necessary to perform the complex hydrogeological, geotechnical and laboratory tests, and this is shown in this paper.

Keywords

• open pit
• landfill
• vertical drain
• cylindrical geotextile