Method for Considering the Effect of Nonuniform Consolidation

Abstract

The effect of nonuniform consolidation on the average degree of consolidation (DOC) under the one-dimensional (1D) condition is investigated through a laboratory model test and finite-element analyses (FEAs). Nonuniform consolidation refers to spatial and time variations in the permeability (kv) and coefficient of volumetric compressibility (mv) of soil induced by the consolidation process. A 1D laboratory consolidation test was conducted and analyzed using consolidation theory and FEAs. In FEAs, the spatial variations of kv and mv of the soil within the domain are simulated. By comparing the results of the test and FEAs with the analytical results, the effect of nonuniform consolidation on the average DOC is confirmed. Based on the results of FEAs, a method for considering the effect of the nonuniform consolidation in Terzaghi’s 1D consolidation theory is proposed.