Fully Coupled Model for One-Dimensional Large-Strain Consolidation and Heat Conduction in Saturated Clay

Abstract

The consolidation characteristics of soils are affected by both mechanical loading and ambient temperature. However, research on this coupled theory is lacking. In this study, a fully coupled model for one-dimensional large-strain consolidation and heat conduction is established, where the influences of temperature on the physical-mechanical properties of saturated clay are considered. Based on the finite difference method, the numerical solutions for the coupled model are developed. Moreover, the correctness is validated by comparing the calculational results of the proposed model with those of the COMSOL simulation (a finite element software simulation) and the classical analytical solutions, respectively. Finally, the effects of different factors on consolidation behaviors are discussed. It is found that the increase in temperature increment ΔT generally accelerates the dissipation rate of excess pore-water pressure (EPWP) and increases the final settlement. The settlement is gradually reduced with an increasing effective yield stress σcR. A larger permeability coefficient kvr,R leads to an increasing EPWP dissipation rate. Furthermore, it is observed that the influence of σcR on the settlement is slightly enhanced with an increasing ΔT, while the effect of kvr,R on the dissipation rate of EPWP becomes less remarkable under a higher ΔT. In conclusion, the proposed coupled model can properly describe the large-strain consolidation behaviors of saturated clay when the effect of heat conduction is incorporated.