Transfer matrix solutions for axisymmetric consolidation of multilayered transversely isotropic soils

Starting from the basic governing equations of axisymmetric Biot's consolidation of saturated transversely isotropic soils,and taking Laplace transform with respect to time t and Hankel transform with respect to r,the first order ordinary differential equations in term of z are obtained.Through the technique of linearization to the basic variables in the transform domain,the relationship between the point of the depth z and the ground surface(z = 0) can be established.Then using the transfer matrix method,combining the boundary conditions and continuity of interface of each layer,the solutions for axisymmetric consolidation of multilayered transversely isotropic soils are obtained.The solutions presented can avoid solving the large equation system due to the increase of number of soil layers,and enhance the computing efficiency obviously.