Some problems of reinforcement of shallow ultra-soft soil in Tianjin Binhai New Area are analysed. Three reinforcement schemes of shallow ultra-soft soil are proposed

including conventional scheme

single-row to single-tube scheme and small spacing scheme. Relying on a project in Tianjin Binhai New Area

field comparison test is carried out. A comparative analysis of the reinforcement effect of three schemes is done with monitoring test results and some further recommendations for reinforcement are provided. Engineering practice shows that

a hard crust with a certain strength and thickness forms after treated by three reinforcement schemes and the physico-mechanical properties of soil are significantly improved

which fully meet the construction requirements of hydraulic fill sand cushion and prefabricated vertical drains. In addition

the reinforcement effects of single-row to single-tube scheme and small spacing scheme are significantly better than that of conventional reinforcement scheme. The first two schemes are beneficial to the formation of hard crust thickness

which are preferable from the point of view of long-term perspective.