An Investigation into the Influence of Sample Height on the Consolidation Behaviour of Dredged Silt

Abstract

This study delves into the effects of sample height on consolidation behaviour, utilising the automatic air pressure consolidometer. Extensive tests were conducted on three varieties of dredged silt samples of varying heights from Qianwan, Shenzhen, China. The salient findings can be summarised as follows: (1) Compression curves for samples of different dimensions transitioned through three distinct phases: minimal load disturbance, elastic deformation, and plastic deformation. Notably, the void ratio during the latter two phases diminished as sample height increased. (2) A rising sample height corresponded to a reduced stable strain and compression index. Furthermore, the consolidation coefficient notably diminished with an escalation in the sample height, whereas the structural yield stress remained largely unaffected. (3) Given the disparate formation processes, stress histories, and material compositions between dredged and marine silts, the permeability coefficient of dredged silt was found to be superior to that of marine silt. Within the typical preloading pressure scope (50~300 kPa), the consolidation coefficient of dredged silt was lower compared to marine silt. However, as the consolidation pressure significantly surpassed this threshold, the coefficient disparity between the two silts narrowed.