Abstract:Based on the mechanism of vacuum preloading method to improve the soft foundation,the influence of this method on surrounding environment is studied. From the perspective of side-discharging,the stress and deformation of soil out of vacuum preloading field are discussed. Combined with the results of observed field data,the characteristic of the horizontal displacement and vertical settlement of surrounding environment is analyzed. The results show that,because the border of improved area is unable to seal totally,with the decreasing of groundwater level in the vacuum preloading field,the groundwater level of surrounding area will decrease in various degrees too. Then the soil will keep on consolidation and surface settlement continues after unloading. The measures to reduce its influence have been described and the conclusions can be used for reference to the similar engineering project.