One-dimensional consolidation theories for layered soil and coupled and uncoupled solutions by the finite-element method

Abstract

One-dimensional consolidation theories for layered soil have been re-examined. Coupled (settlement and excess pore pressure), uncoupled (excess pore pressure only) and the classical Terzaghi equation are solved by the finite-element method. By accounting only for changes in the coefficient of consolidation (cv), the classical Terzaghi approach is unable to satisfy the flow continuity conditions at the interface between layers.