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

Abstract

AbstractTo 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 pore‐water 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.