Nonlinear consolidation of thin layers subjected to time-dependent loading

Abstract

The paper deals with one-dimensional consolidation of saturated clays with variable compressibility and permeability. A formulation is developed to analyse the consolidation of thin clay layers subjected to time-dependent loading. Moreover, a simple solution procedure is presented, which makes use of some analytical expressions derived in this study in conjunction with the Fourier series. Comparisons with other analytical and numerical solutions are shown, and some aspects of the nonlinear consolidation caused by time-dependent loading are highlighted.Key words: one-dimensional consolidation, nonlinear theory, time-dependent loading, excess pore-water pressure, settlement rate.