Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD) Solutions

Prefabricated Vertical Drain technology is closely related to the consolidation process. Often applied with the surcharge fill, it is one of the most reliable and certainly the most economical ground improvement method to treat soft cohesive soils.

What Are Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD)?

Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs) are engineered drainage strips used to accelerate soil consolidation in soft, saturated ground. Each drain consists of a corrugated plastic core encased in a geotextile filter that allows water to pass while blocking soil particles. The typical width is 100 mm, with a thickness of 3 to 5 mm.

Prefabricated Vertical Drains are installed vertically into the soil to create drainage pathways for pore water to escape, reducing settlement time and increasing ground stability. This method is widely used in large-scale projects such as embankments, land reclamation, and airport construction, where improving weak soils is critical.

How Prefabricated Vertical Drains Work

Prefabricated Vertical Drains are often combined with preloading or surcharge fill to accelerate primary consolidation and induce secondary (creep) settlement. When installed in a grid pattern, the vertical drains increase the soil’s apparent mass permeability, allowing trapped pore water to escape faster under loading.

It is used in combination with temporary surcharge fill to expedite the primary consolidation as well as induce several decades of secondary consolidation (creep) settlement. The main geotechnical parameters (settlements, pore water pressure, horizontal displacements) are monitored via appropriate instruments throughout the consolidation period to validate the design and ensure safe phasing for the construction of the embankment.

Installation Process

1

Site Preparation
The site is cleared, leveled, and mapped for drain layout based on geotechnical design.
2

Mandrel Insertion
A steel mandrel attached to an excavator or hydraulic rig pushes the PVD into the soil to the target depth, often up to 50 meters.
3

Anchor Deployment
The PVD is anchored at the bottom to prevent displacement during withdrawal.
4

Mandrel Withdrawal
The mandrel is retracted, leaving the PVD embedded vertically in place.
5

Surcharge Placement
A temporary load, typically soil or sand, is placed on top of the ground to accelerate consolidation.
6
Monitoring
Instruments monitor settlements, pore water pressure, and horizontal displacements throughout the consolidation period to verify performance and ensure construction safety.

Applications of PVD in Infrastructure and Development

Consolidation Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD)

PVDs are essential in projects where soft, compressible soils pose a risk to stability and schedule. They are used in:

Infrastructure Projects

Road and highway embankments
Railway foundation support
Airport runways and taxiways
Seaport and container yard preparation

Land Reclamation

Coastal zone development
Marine terminals and industrial zones
New city districts built on filled land

Commercial and Industrial Sites

Storage yards and logistics hubs
Tank farms and refineries
Power plants and energy facilities

Urban and Environmental Development

Residential and commercial zones
Sustainable urban infill projects
Eco-friendly construction with minimal excavation

Benefits of Prefabricated Vertical Drains

Accelerated Consolidation
PVDs shorten the time needed for soil to settle under load—from decades to just months. This allows construction to begin sooner and reduces long-term settlement.
Improved Ground Stability
Faster drainage reduces excess pore pressure, increasing the soil’s strength and load-bearing capacity while minimizing future deformation.
Cost and Time Efficiency
Compared to deep foundations or full soil replacement, PVD installation is faster, less invasive, and more economical—especially for large areas.
Environmentally Friendly
PVDs require minimal excavation, reduce haulage, and use existing soils. This makes them a low-impact, sustainable solution.
Long-Term Performance
Once installed, PVDs continue to function as long as needed during the consolidation phase, with no mechanical parts and virtually no maintenance required.

Why Choose Prefabricated Vertical Drain by Menard Asia?

Menard Asia delivers proven PVD solutions supported by deep regional expertise and cutting-edge equipment.

1. Specialized Equipment

We use hydraulic rigs to install the Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD) and has considerable experience in penetrating difficult surface layers including predrilling through stiff clays and dense sands. The Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD) rigs in Menard Asia have a maximum installation depth of 50 m but this can be extended if required to meet project needs.
Our fleet is engineered to handle tough site conditions, including stiff clays and dense surface layers.

2. Precision Engineering

Menard Asia uses state-of-the-art Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD) designed with high water flow capacity, high-resistance filtration properties and durable construction. Menard Asia also has developed its own fleet of PVD installation equipment to meet a wide variety of soil and site conditions.

Each PVD layout is backed by detailed soil studies and advanced modeling. We ensure drain spacing, depth, and performance meet the specific needs of every project.

3. Field-Tested Experience

With hundreds of PVD projects completed across Southeast Asia—including Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand—Menard Asia is trusted for large-scale ground improvement.

4. Comprehensive Support

From site assessment to design, installation, monitoring, and verification, our in-house teams manage the full process, ensuring quality and consistency at every stage.

Download the PVD Brochure

Want to explore how PVD can accelerate your project timeline?

📩 Download our brochure to learn about:

Technical specifications
Application methods and site compatibility
Case studies from successful ground improvement projects
Integration with other Menard techniques

⬇️ Download PVD Brochure

Contact Menard Asia for PVD Services

Need help stabilizing soft soils on your site?

📩 Request a Quote for:

Project-specific consultation
Site investigation and soil analysis
Custom PVD design and installation plan
Detailed cost and time estimates

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When and why use Prefabricated Vertical Drain?

Fine cohesive soils have low permeability and it takes relatively long periods for them to consolidate under loads. Installation of vertical drains greatly shortens the water drainage path and significantly reduces the consolidation time. The machines used can install drains up to depths of about 50 meters.