One–dimensional nonlinear finite strain analysis of self–weight consolidation of soft clay considering creep

Abstract

Creep as an intrinsic property of clay is non–negligible in predicting ground settlements in land reclamation construction and foundations on reclaimed land and soft soils, but it is unfortunately difficult to characterize in current self–weight consolidation analysis. This paper develops a one–dimensional (1D) finite strain consolidation model to take into account the creep of soft clay, particularly during the early stages of reclamation construction, mainly in a self-weight consolidation process. In this model, the Yin–Graham 1D Elastic Visco-Plastic (EVP) model is first extended for modelling self-weight finite strain consolidation of soft clays to describe the creep of soil skeleton under extremely high water content. The Darcian and non-Darcian flow, nonlinear compressibility and permeability of soft clays with a huge variety of water content are also considered. Governing partial differential equations using the EVP model are derived. These nonlinear partial differential equations are solved using the Crank–Nicholson finite difference method. Three case studies involving a wide range of initial void ratio values are simulated, which show that the present model, with more realistic consideration of creep feature of clays than previous ones, can capture the self-weight consolidation process well when compared with physical model test results.