Wick Drains

Wick Drain (also referred to as strip drain or prefabricated vertical drain) is used in both vertical and horizontal applications. In the vertical application (vertical wick drains), the wick drain is installed with specialized equipment that drives the wick drain into the ground. Vertical wick drains, in conjunction with a preload, provide a drainage path for water-saturated areas to speed up settlement. This can save the project time and money compared to a preload alone or having to use piles. A horizontal wick drain (strip drain) offers three advantages over a sand blanket for providing lateral drainage. Horizontal wick drains are less expensive and can be installed more quickly and easily with less manpower and equipment and provides a more consistent drainage pathway with less clogging.

 

Features

 

Small three-dimensional drainage structure

Moves water along length of material

Inexpensive with high flow rates

Non-woven textile wrap prevents clogging

 

Applications

 

Laid in strips to drain embankments and fill

Laid in the bottom of ditches to aid drainage

Placed underneath curb and gutter

Pressed into ground vertically (see vertical wick drains)