Depending on the future use of the reclamation are and the thickness of the fill, mud waves may result in inadequate fill mass properties and create a risk for structures to be built on the reclamation. Clearly preventing mud waves is may be a necessity.

Mud wave prevention

Mud waves, instabilities and /or inclusions of soft material within the fill need to be prevented if most cases. Measures to prevent mud waves include:

• using a spreader pontoon can decrease the induced shear stress by reducing the lift thickness, making a lift of a uniform, limited thickness;
• reduce the slope angle of the fill;
• remove the inclusions of soft compressible materials mechanically with a hydraulic excavator;
• surcharge areas with inclusions;
• improve the quality of the soft materials by soil improvement techniques; and/or
• remove poor quality materials prior to filling.