PVD Settlement Calculation Spreadsheet – Eurocode 7

This PVD Settlement Calculation Spreadsheet is a professional Excel design template for evaluating settlement performance in soft clay improved with prefabricated vertical drains (PVD). It helps engineers estimate final primary settlement, degree of consolidation at target time, residual settlement, and settlement-versus-time response using a practical analytical workflow.

The workbook includes:

• Input sheet with editable design parameters

• Calculation sheet for equivalent drain diameter, influence diameter, smear effects, vertical and radial consolidation

• Summary sheet with key design outputs and quick KPIs

• Time-curve sheet showing settlement development over time

Methodology included:

• 1D compressibility equation using Cc and e0 for final primary settlement

• Vertical consolidation using Tv / Uv relationships

• Radial consolidation using Barron/Hansbo-style PVD equations

• Combined consolidation as U = 1 – (1-Uv)(1-Uh)

• Support for triangular or square drain patterns and single/double drainage assumptions

Best suited for:

• PVD preload design studies

• Soft ground improvement feasibility checks

• Preliminary serviceability settlement assessment

• Internal design review and engineering calculation templates

• Geotechnical teams working on EU and international infrastructure projects

Important note:
This spreadsheet is a design aid / engineering template for professional use. It is Eurocode 7 aligned in design framework, but project-specific interpretation, National Annex requirements, field data, instrumentation, and staged construction assessment remain the responsibility of the design engineer.