Book Review: Soil Improvement - PVD Technique

Book Review: Soil Improvement - Prefabricated Vertical Drain Techniques by M.W.Bo, J.Chu, B.K. Low and Choa. V, Thomson Publishers 2003.

I had become Dr. B.K.Low's fan immediately after reading his papers on Geotechnical reliability analysis and probabilistic approach to geotechnical problems. I liked the way he solves a complicated problem with an easy-to-understand numerical model in the form of spreadsheet. So when I came across this book, I was really curious to go through it. 

This handy book, entitled Soil Improvement, gives the reader an account of case studies of projects where PVDs are installed for ground improvement, along with the theoretical background behind it. Authors present a spreadsheet template for computation of degree of consolidation using the implicit finite difference solution. The computed settlements are then compared with field measurements from case studies. Case studies presented are Changi Airport, Changi East Reclamation Project, Chep Lap Kok Airport, Tianjin East Pier Project & Oil Storage Station Project.

What is particularly interesting in this book is that it discusses, in-detail practical aspects of installation, quality control, field instrumentation and assessment procedures. In absence of any International code for implementing Ground improvement using PVDs, this book proves to be a treasure of knowledge for practicing geotechnical engineers. Every engineering firm involved in PVD design/installation should have at least one copy.