Abstract: A thick, soft clay soil is deposited under a harbor project area. Due to its low permeability, low shear strength and heterogeneous distribution, no engineering structures could be constructed directly on this soil layer. Several ground improvement methods were proposed based on subsurface condition of the harbor and the purpose as the steel storage yard and the high vacuum preloading method was selected. The ground improvement design, post construction settlement estimation, informational construction aspects for the harbor construction are introduced in detail in this paper.  

Key words: high vacuum preloading method, soft soil, dynamic compaction, vacuum dewatering