Abstract:

Based on the non-Darcy flow described by non-Newtonian index, the theory of one-dimensional consolidation is modified to consider a linear variation in the additional stress with depth and the effect of time-dependent loading. The numerical solutions are derived in detail by FDM for pore water pressure and the average degree of consolidation. The influence of various parameters on consolidation behavior is investigated. The results show that the rate of consolidation is reduced when non-Darcy flow is considered; furthermore, the greater the non-Newtonian index, the slower the rate of consolidation. The greater the thickness of a soil layer, the slower the rate of consolidation. Thus, the classical similitude with non-Darcy flow between laboratory samples and field layers is no longer satisfied. The greater the value of the additional stress in a foundation, the faster the rate of consolidation. The distribution of additional stress has a great influence on the rate of consolidation for the case of single drainage condition; on the contrary, the rate of consolidation is independent of the distribution of additional stress for the case of double drainage condition. The faster the loading rate, the faster the consolidation rate. Finally, applicability of Darcy’s flow to consolidation deformation is discussed.

Key words: non-Darcy flow, non-Newtonian index, one-dimensional consolidation, time-dependent load