Non-linear consolidation analysis of soil with variable compressibility and permeability under cyclic loadings

Abstract

In this paper, a simple semi-analytical method has been developed to solve the one-dimensional non-linear consolidation problems by considering the changes of compressibility and permeability of the soil layer, subjected to complicated time-dependent cyclic loadings at the ground surface. The solution presented here takes into account e ∼ lg kv and e ∼ lg σ′ linear responses. With ck the slope of the e ∼ lg kv line and cc as the slope of the e ∼ lg σ′ line, the identified parameter cc/ck is found to control the rate of consolidation. Using the solutions obtained, some diagrams are prepared and the relevant behaviours of one-dimensional non-linear consolidation of saturated soft soil under cyclic loadings are discussed. The method in this paper does not require any special data; conventional oedometer data can be used. Therefore, the method is particularly efficient and convenient for engineering practice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.