Solution charts for the consolidation of circular footings embedded in a finite stratum

Abstract

This technical note used the finite element method to investigate the consolidation behaviour of circular footings embedded in a finite stratum based on Biot’s consolidation theory. The influence of three factors on the degree of consolidation settlement was examined: (1) the ratio of the buried depth to the thickness of the stratum, (2) the ratio of the footing radius to the thickness of the stratum, and (3) the Poisson’s ratio of the soil skeleton. Based on the results of analysis, new normalized time factors are suggested. It is shown that the degree of consolidation exhibits very good normalized behaviour using the time factors. The authors also present solution charts for determining the degree of consolidation settlement of circular footings embedded in a finite stratum. These charts can provide engineers with a quick answer to the design issues. The maximum error caused by using the solution charts is within 3%.