Abstract
A model for one-dimensional consolidation of a double-layered foundation considering the depth-dependent initial excess pore pressure and additional stress and time-dependent loading under different drainage conditions was presented in this study and its general analytical solution was deduced. The consolidation solutions of several special cases of single-drained and double-drained conditions under an instantaneous loading and a single-level uniform loading were derived. Then, the average degree of consolidation of the double-layered foundation defined by settlement was gained and verified. Finally, the effects of the initial excess pore pressure distributions, depth-dependent additional stress, and loading modes on the consolidation of the soft foundation with an upper crust with different drainage conditions were revealed. The results show that the distributions of initial excess pore pressure and additional stress with depth and loading rates have a significant influence on the consolidation process of the soft foundation with an upper crust. This influence is larger with the single-drained condition than that with the double-drained condition. Comparing the consolidation rate with a uniform initial pore pressure and additional stress, their decreasing distribution with depth quickens the consolidation at the former and middle stages. Moreover, the larger the loading rate is, the quicker the consolidation of the soft foundation with an upper crust is.
Highlights
Soft soil foundations are widely distributed in coastal and inland lake areas
Since Gray [1] first discussed the consolidation of two contiguous layers, many research methods have been used by researchers to evaluate the effects of different factors on the consolidation behavior of a double-layered soil
Xie et al [8] derived an analytical solution for one-dimensional nonlinear consolidation of doublelayered soil considering a decreasing permeability
Summary
Soft soil foundations are widely distributed in coastal and inland lake areas. Because of some natural actions or longterm engineering practices, a kind of natural or artificial hard crust with a thickness of a few meters on the soft substratum forms. This study aims at building a one-dimensional (1D) consolidation model for a doublelayered foundation to consider the depth-dependent initial pore pressure and additional stress and time-dependent loading and analyzing the effect of them on the consolidation behavior of the soft foundation with an upper crust. The general analytical consolidation solutions of the double-layered foundation considering the depthdependent initial excess pore pressure and additional stress, time-dependent loading under different drainage conditions h1. The average degree of consolidation defined by settlement of the special cases is verified and the effects of the depth-dependent initial excess pore pressure and additional stress as well as loading rate on the consolidation of the soft foundation with an upper crust under different drainage conditions are discussed. The final section summarizes the major findings of this study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
