Experimental study of vacuum combined tidal energy pre-pressure technology for soft ground treatment

A soft soil treatment technology combining tidal energy and vacuum preloading is proposed in this paper to achieve green municipal construction, energy saving and emission reduction, also to support the national strategic goals of “Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality”. This technology making full use of the tidal energy as the preloading with low frequency cyclic load, together with the constant vacuum preloading, enables the soft soil to be drained and consolidated by cyclic compressive stress, accelerates the dissipation of pore water pressure between soil particles, enhances soil compaction, and induces horizontal creep in the soil between prefabricated vertical drain. Consequently, the bearing capacity and stability of the foundation are improved while reducing rebound settlement. Model tests demonstrate that this technology enhances foundation bearing capacity, eliminates most rebound settlement, shortens construction periods, and reduces costs. Based on tidal characteristics, a practical solution using the principle of communicating vessels is proposed to apply tidal energy for soft soil treatment in coastal areas. A research- to-application transformation scheme is also outlined.