Primary/Secondary Compression Solution Algorithm

Abstract

An algorithm for the prediction of the one‐dimensional consolidation behavior of viscous clays is described. Primary and secondary compression behavior is modeled by means of rheological descriptions of the stress/strain/time characteristics of the soils. Three models that have appeared in the literature are examined in the first instance, as prototypes by which the overall approach can be judged. The models chosen are those of Gibson and Lo, Schiffmann, Ladd, and Chen, and Tan. Numerical solutions based on the application of the finite element method are developed, in a manner that enables all the models to be considered in a unified approach. The feasibility of performing the computations on a low‐cost eight‐bit microcomputer is assessed. The validity of the approach adopted is confirmed, not only by means of the accuracy of the results obtained, but also by virtue of the ease with which the computations could be performed on the chosen machine.