Abstract:

The origin and the potential influence of two forms of consolidation coefficients in classic consolidation theory are discussed. Various computational methods for change rate of volume element are a major reason for resulting in two kinds of consolidation coefficients. According to finite-strain theory, the small-strain consolidation coefficients proposed by Terzaghi (1943) and Terzaghi & Fröhlich (1936) which differ from that obtained earlier by Terzaghi (1923), have Lagrangian coordinate and Eulerian coordinate backgrounds respectively. The small-strain consolidation coefficient in Gibson’s large-strain consolidation theory generally uses the definition proposed by Terzaghi & Fröhlich (1936), leading to a considerable controversy on quantitative results obtained previously with respect to the differences between Gibson’s theory and classic consolidation theory. From the application point, the differences between two kinds of consolidation coefficients in classic theory depend on stress level, structure characteristics of soils and so on.

Key words: classic consolidation theory, consolidation coefficient, Gibson’s large-strain consolidation theory