One-dimensional consolidation properties of saturated clays with non-Darcy seepage

Terzaaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory is modified based on the modified non-Darcy seepage equation. Considering the initial hydraulic gradient, and the relevant equation, the case of the linear distribution of initial pore water-pressure is solved in this paper by using the finite volume method. The analytical results indicate that, the rate of consolidation for the soils with the nonzero initial hydraulic gradient of seepage is less than that by applying Terzaghi's consolidation theory, and the initial hydraulic gradient, the thickness of the layer and the distribution of initial pore water-pressure, besides the consolidation coefficient, also play important roles in the process of consolidation. In addition, it is validated that the ultimate value of the average degree of consolidation is less than 1 since there exists some residual pore water- pressure which cannot be completely dissipated in the soil layer at the end of the primary consolidation.