An interfacial flow contact model for 2D plane strain consolidation analysis of layered saturated soil under continuous drainage boundaries

Prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) are highly effective in hastening the consolidation process of soil and enhancing the strength of the foundation. Enhanced computational precision is achieved by utilizing a twodimensional (2D) plane strain model throughout the analytical procedure. The pronounced layering characteristic of saturated soils, coupled with the obstruction of pore water drainage across interfaces, results in a pronounced flow contact resistance effect. A comprehensive investigation into the 2D plane strain consolidation behavior of layered saturated soils under continuous drainage boundary conditions is facilitated by the presentation of the interfacial flow contact model. Subsequently, semi-analytical solutions for pore water pressure and the degree of consolidation are derived using the Laplace transform and the Crump inverse method. The proposed solution is analyzed for its degradation and compared against the experimental results and numerical solutions, to ascertain the accuracy and reliability of the presented solution. The research delves into the effects of flow contact resistance on parameters, including the permeability coefficient ratio (kv / kh) and boundary coefficients (rt and rb) throughout the consolidation process. Additionally, the impact of the flow contact resistance on the degree of consolidation is discussed. The results indicate that both the permeability coefficient ratio and boundary parameters have a close association with the flow contact resistance effect. Ignoring this effect may lead to inaccurate predictions of pore water pressure distribution and an overestimation of the soil consolidation.