5.1 As this is a time-intensive test, it should not be considered as an acceptance test for commercial shipments of prefabricated vertical strip drains.

5.2 Prior to the development of vertical strip drains, when it was desired to increase the rate of consolidation of a compressible soil on a construction project, large-diameter sand drains were installed. Vertical strip drains can be installed in areas where it is desired to increase the rate of soils consolidation in place of these large-diameter sand drains.

5.3 This test method can be used to compare the performance of vertical strip drains to that of sand drains.

1.1 This test method is a performance test which measures the effectiveness of vertical strip drains on the time rates of consolidation of compressible soils from construction project sites.

1.1.1 It is expected that the design agency will be responsible for performing this test. It is not intended to be a manufacturer-performed test.

1.2 This test method is applicable to all vertical strip drains.

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.