A general solution for 1D consolidation induced by depth- and time-dependent changes in stress

Abstract

The paper describes a general analytical solution for obtaining the excess pore pressure in a consolidating layer due to depth and time-dependent changes of total stress, given by a simple product of depth- and time-dependent functions. The solution is validated against three previously published solutions, and the paper ends with analysis of a case history involving settlement and consolidation beneath a periodically loaded silo. Good agreement is observed between the analytical solution and measured settlements, and the transient response is also validated against a finite-element solution.