Radial consolidation with vertical drains and general time-dependent loading

Abstract

A simple-to-use analytical solution for radial consolidation with vertical drains under equal strain conditions is presented in this paper. This solution accounts for the effects of soil smear, drain hydraulic resistance, and general time-dependent loading. A number of comparisons with other theoretical methods are shown to assess the accuracy of the proposed solution, both in terms of excess pore-water pressure and degree of consolidation settlement. Moreover, two case histories documented in the literature are analysed to evaluate the main parameters affecting radial consolidation in the presence of vertical drains.