Abstract: By investigating the conventional methods used in the numerical simulation of vacuum preloading domestic and abroad and based on the basic theory of the finite element analysis method, this paper raises some problems that should be paid attention to the numerical analysis of the vacuum preloading site improvement. The results show that, when the vacuum preloading simulation is simplified by the twodimensional plane strain, the permeability coefficient of the drainage body should be adjusted according to the principle of equivalent degree of consolidation; In 3D numerical analysis, there are multiple methods for the modeling of drainage plate, and the modeling method should be selected by comprehensively considering the analytical cost and simulation depth; The finite element implementation methods of the straight row method or traditional sand cushion method are significantly different; The initial void ratio and boundary conditions should be determined according to the actual situation of the prototype; The selection of constitutive model which can consider the highly nonlinear characteristics of soft soil is very important for the accurate calculation of consolidation settlement of vacuum preloading.

Key words: Numerical Analysis, Vacuum Preloading, Modeling Methods, Boundary Conditions