Consolidation of Clay Layer: Hydrogeologic Boundary Conditions

This technical note examines the results of a nonlinear, finite-strain consolidation analysis of a clay layer subjected to underdrainage at its base. It is shown that due to the nonlinearity of the soil properties the steady-state pore-water pressure cannot be defined until the end of consolidation. It is further shown that the steady-state reference pore-water pressure at the beginning and end of consolidation are different when the clay layer is loaded by a surcharge. The use of the excess pore-water pressure as the dependent variable in a consolidation analysis is discussed.