One-dimensional nonlinear consolidation analysis of soil with continuous drainage boundary

Following the assumptions proposed by MESRI and ROKHSAR, the one-dimensional nonlinear consolidation problem of soil under constant loading is studied by introducing continuous drainage boundary. The numerical solution is derived by using finite difference method and its correctness is assessed by comparing with existing analytical and numerical solutions. Based on the present solution, the effects of interface parameters, stress ratios (i.e., final effective stress over initial effective stress, N σ ) and the ratio c c / c k of compression index to permeability index on the consolidation behavior of soil are studied in detail. The results show that, the characteristics of one-dimensional nonlinear consolidation of soil are not only related to c c / c k and N σ , but also related to boundary conditions. In the engineering practice, the soil drainage rate of consolidation process can be designed by adjusting the values of interface parameters.