Pre-reclamation characterization of marine clay using in-situ testing methods

The Changi East Reclamation Project in the Republic of Singapore comprises of the ground improvement of marine clay with the installation of prefabricated vertical drains and subsequent surcharge placement. Prior to the commencement of land reclamation works, a series of in-situ tests was conducted in marine conditions with the use of various in-situ testing equipment. In-situ tests were conducted to determine the undrained shear strength, overconsolidation ratio and effective stress of the marine clay. The In-Situ Testing Site was located in the Northern area of the project where the thickest compressible marine clay layers existed. The series of in-situ tests were carried out with the field vane, piezocone, flat dilatometer and selfboring pressuremeter.