Semi-analytical solution for one-dimensional consolidation of multi-layered soil considering non-Darcian flow and multi-stage loading under continuous drainage boundary

Abstract

Taking non-Darcian flow and multi-stage loading into consideration, a semi-analytical solution for one-dimensional consolidation of multi-layered soil under continuous drainage boundary based on a linearization method was derived in this paper. The correctness of the proposed solution was verified by comparing with the existing solutions and finite element method results. Accordingly, the influence of soil properties, load parameters, interface parameter and flow parameters on the consolidation characteristics of multi-layered soil was further analyzed. The results showed that the permeability coefficient and flow exponent of the first layer of soil has the most significant influence on the consolidation of multi-layered soil, while the volume compression coefficient of the bottom layer of soil has the greatest influence on the consolidation of multi-layered soil. Continuous drainage boundary, non-Darcian flow and multi-stage loading can all prolong the consolidation process of layered soil. However, the influence of continuous drainage boundary on soil consolidation is reduced when considering non-Darcian flow or multi-stage loading.