One‐dimensional nonlinear creep consolidation of soft soils with time‐dependent drainage boundary under construction load

Abstract

To further investigate the nonlinear creep properties of soft soils and the effect of variable loading, a one-dimensional (1D) nonlinear creep consolidation system of soft soils under construction load is established, including time-dependent drainage (TDD) boundary, elastic-viscous-plastic deformation, non-Darcy flow (NDF), and self-weight stress. The consolidation problem is presented by virtue of the finite volume method, and the associated calculation program is compiled. The efficiency of the numerical solutions is validated by comparing the degenerated solution against analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical solutions. Then the influences of construction load and nonlinear creep model parameters on consolidation are studied. The results show that TDD boundary and construction load significantly affect consolidation, and the larger the loading rate and interface parameter, the faster soil's overall dissipation process of excess porewater pressure (EPP). Meanwhile, at the earlier consolidation stage, considering the secondary consolidation effect will cause an increase in excess pore-water pressure (EPP). Prolonging the construction period, decreasing the interface parameter, considering the self-weight stress, or increasing the non-Newtonian index will all aggravate this phenomenon. Additionally, the TDD boundary, construction load, and non-Newtonian index flow (NNIF) are not a determinant for final soil settlement.

Large-Strain Nonlinear Consolidation of Sand-Drained Foundations Considering Vacuum Preloading and the Variation in Radial Permeability Coefficient

“…Nevertheless, both the vertical seepage of pore water and soil rheological properties during the consolidation process cannot be reflected in the system. Therefore, the simplified assumptions can be further improved by incorporating the effects of vertical seepage and rheological model relationships to reveal more realistic soil creep consolidation behavior [33][34][35]. Additionally, the complex boundary and initial conditions of stone column-improved soft clay [36][37][38] combined with the vacuum preloading method can also be an essential research branch for larger-strain consolidation of sand-drained foundations.…”