GEO-TECHNICS AMERICA, INC

E-QUAKE^TM Drain Liquefaction Control

GTA introduces a new method for treating liquefiable soils using prefabricated vertical drains in conjunction with a reservoir to maintain soil pore pressure at safe levels.

The efficiency of vertical prefabricated wick drains for accelerating consolidation settlement is well established. This method has virtually replaced the older sand drain method. Wick drains provide a shortened drainage path for dissipation of excess pore water pressures within the soil and provide a shortened drainage path to conduct expelled water to the surface. This process is very efficient and cost-effective for acceleration of the consolidation process which takes place over a period of time, often several months.

In an earthquake, efficient drainage is required within seconds. Head losses from water flow within the drain itself become significant.
E-QUAKE Drain (patented) makes use of a prefabricated drain with a large cross-sectional area having flow capacity up to 10,000 times that of the usual wick drain. Head losses within this drain are only a fraction of that in a three-foot diameter stone column with equivalent flow. For further efficiency, a reservoir is provided to accommodate expelled water without requiring its expulsion at the surface. This reservoir may occur naturally, such as a sand or gravel layer above the water table, or may be installed as in integral part of each drain.

The E-QUAKE Drain prefabricated drains are installed with specialized equipment, capable of penetrating hard intervening layers. The specially-shaped installation mandrel is vibrated during installation to facilitate penetration and to density the liquefiable soil.

Excavator-mounted drain rig		Low-overhead drain rig		Installed E-QUAKE drain

This new prefabricated drainage system provides an extremely cost-effective and efficient system for liquefaction control.

The E-QUAKE Drain system was installed at the historic courthouse in Charleston, South Carolina.

For additional information on E-QUAKE Drains, other GTA contracting services, or for assistance with your next ground improvement project,  call us at (770) 719-9495, fax us at (770) 719-1907, or email us at RussJoiner@msn.com

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