Test Fill at Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong

A test fill was constructed to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed airport reclamation over extremely soft marine clay. The test fill investigated the feasibility of reclaiming in layers to avoid creation of mudwaves and the effectiveness of vertical drains to accelerate consolidation. The fill was heavily instrumented, and good performance data were obtained. The layered construction successfully prevented mudwaves, and vertical band drains were effective in accelerating consolidation. Sand drains were not effective, due to mud penetrating the pores.