One-dimensional consolidation of saturated clays under cyclic loading considering non-Darcy flow

The Hansbo’s formula for the non-Darcy flow was introduced to modify Terzaghi’s one-dimensional consolidation equation considering that the compressibility of soil in the over-consolidated state is usually less than that in the normally consolidated state. The cases under the cyclic loading with low-frequency were taken into account by using the presented equation; and the numerical solution was performed using the finite volume method. Then the effects of the parameters of non-Darcy flow, the period of loading and the compressibility of soil in the over-consolidated state on the consolidation process were investigated. The results indicate that, under the cyclic square loading, both degrees of consolidation in terms of settlement and pore water pressure are shown as vibratory increase with time; and the amplitude of degree of consolidation in terms of pore water pressure is greater than that in terms of settlement. In addition, it is found that the settling velocity of foundation is delayed by the non-Darcy flow, and decreased as the period of loading shortened or the compressibility of soil increased in the over-consolidated state.