Analysis of One-Dimensional Consolidation Considering Non-Darcian Flow Described by Non-Newtonian Index Incorporating Impeded Drainage Boundaries

Abstract

The nonlinear flow law and soil boundaries greatly affect the dissipation process of soil consolidation. Thus, to study the impact of nonlinear flow under impeded drainage boundaries, the classical non-Darcian flow model described by non-Newtonian index was introduced. The numerical solutions are derived in detail by the finite difference method (FDM) for one-dimensional (1-D) consolidation incorporating the impeded boundaries, and the computer program is compiled. Then, comparing two analytical solutions based on Darcy’s law and a numerical case of Forchheimeer’s flow, the validity of the present method was verified. The numerical results indicate that there is a critical depth phenomenon for the non-Darcian flow incorporating impeded drainage boundaries. The excess pore water pressure of the soil below the critical depth dissipates more slowly than that of Darcy’s law, whereas the pore pressure of the soil above the critical depth dissipates more quickly than that of Darcy’s law. Moreover, considering that the non-Darcian flow with the non-Newtonian index will still delay the overall consolidation rate of the soft ground, the greater the nondimensional parameter I0 is, the more obvious the lagging phenomenon of the overall dissipation of pore pressure is.