Consolidation analysis for soft soil with non‐Darcian flow considering variable discharge capacity of prefabricated vertical drain

Abstract

AbstractGround improvement is a complex issue, and accurately predicting the consolidation and settlement of soft soil with prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) presents a significant challenge. Recent laboratory and field tests have highlighted the influence of the variable discharge capacity of PVD and the non‐Darcian flow behavior of soft soil on consolidation. However, existing theories have not yet considered these two factors simultaneously. To address this gap, a numerical solution for consolidation analysis incorporating non‐Darcian flow and variable discharge capacity of PVD was developed and applied in a test area. The results of this study demonstrate the significant impact of both non‐Darcian flow and variable discharge capacity on the consolidation rate. A comprehensive comparison between the findings of this numerical solution, the degenerate solution, and monitored data reveals clear differences. Notably, the non‐Darcian exponent (s) and discharge capacity parameters (A3) were found to exert a greater influence on consolidation behavior compared to other factors. These findings provide valuable guidance for the design and implementation of following airport ground improvement strategies.