Nonlinear Consolidation Analysis of Soft Soils with Vertical Drains Considering Variable Well Resistance with Time and Depth under Multistage Loading

Abstract

A nonlinear consolidation model of soils with vertical drains was developed by combining the fact that well resistance varies linearly with depth and exponentially with time. In addition, three variation modes related to horizontal permeability in the smear zone were used to improve this model. The degree of consolidation, excess pore pressure, and settlement of soil layers under multistage loading were simulated by the finite-difference method. The proposed solution was verified through a comparison with the literature to demonstrate its validity. Ultimately, the effects of various parameters associated with well resistance, the ratio of compression index to permeability index, external loading, smear effects, and the distribution of initial average effective stress along the depth on consolidation behaviors were investigated in this study.