One-dimensional Consolidation of Saturated Clays Under Time-dependent Loadings Considering Initial Hydraulic Gradient

Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory was generalized to take account of the case under time-dependent loadings based on the modified non-Darcy seepage equation considering the initial hydraulic gradient,and numerical analysis was performed by using the finite volume method.Then the effects of the initial hydraulic gradient and the rate of loading on the one-dimensional consolidation behaviors of saturated clay layers were investigated.The analytical results show that,the rate of consolidation of the layers decreases as the initial hydraulic gradient increases,and the ultimate value of degree of consolidation is less than 1 for the soil with the initial hydraulic gradient greater than zero.In addition,the effect of the rate of loading on the consolidation behaviors is remarkable in the construction period and the incipient period of completion of construction.