The use of wick drains to accelerate the consolidation of soft clays is a cost effective alternative to the use of pile foundations. This paper presents a case history of using wick drains to accelerate the consolidation of a 5. 7 acre area in Metropolitan Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Boston Blue Clay was encountered approximately 25 to 40 ft below existing grade with varied thickness and consistency. Wick drains were installed to a depth of 70 ft in a triangular pattern. Geotechnical instruments were installed to monitor the settlement of clay with time. As a result of the preconsolidation program, about $8 million was saved in construction cost
