Compressible Soil Considerations for the Design and Construction of a Water Treatment Facility

Salt Lake City is reconstructing its Water Reclamation Facility to enhance efficiency, improve discharge water quality, and meet the needs of a growing population. Situated in a geologically challenging area near the Wasatch Mountains, the site features highly compressible soils deposited in prehistoric lakes, necessitating innovative geotechnical solutions. The project implemented a surcharging program with prefabricated vertical drains to mitigate settlement issues, supported by extensive instrumentation and monitoring. This paper details the site’s subsurface conditions, geotechnical challenges, and the design and execution of the surcharging program, emphasizing its effectiveness in addressing settlement concerns while ensuring the facility’s long-term operational integrity.