Semi-analytical solution of one-dimensional nonlinear consolidation with non-Darcian flow

Based on the non-Darcian flow in soft soil and nonlinearity during the process of consolidation,the governing equation of one-dimensional nonlinear consolidation was derived according to continuity condition of one-dimensional consolidation.Solutions for this question were obtained by adopting a semi-analytical method,and were verified by comparing with the results by finite difference method.Finally,the difference of consolidation behavior between non-Darcian flow and Darcy’s law and influence of distribution types of dead-weight stress on consolidation rate were emphatically analyzed.The results show that the rate of nonlinear consolidation will be slowed down when non-Darcian flow is considered;and the larger the exponent and threshold hydraulic gradient are,the slower the rate of nonlinear consolidation is.Furthermore,this retardation of nonlinear consolidation with non-Darcian flow will be more noticeable with an increase of thickness of soil layer and a decrease of external loading.The rate of nonlinear consolidation with linear distribution of dead-weight stress is faster than that with uniform distribution;and the difference between them will diminish with increasing the external loading and decreasing the thickness of a soil layer.