This paper studies the properties of prefabricated vertical drains (PV
Ds) that are the controlling factors in the specification of PVDs. The
ASTM D 4716 standard test method has generally become the most widely
used test method for measuring the discharge capacity of a PVD. In th
is test method, the variation in clamping configurations and hydraulic
gradient are not considered and can result in large differences in th
e discharge rate for the same PVD. After consideration of the relevant
properties of a PVD, a suggested model specification is given.