Axisymmetric large-strain consolidation model for dredged clays with high water content under vacuum preloading

Based on the Gibson one-dimensional large-strain consolidation theory and the Hansbo radial consolidation theory, abandoning the small strain assumption, introducing the negative pore water pressure boundary condition, the negative axisymmetric large-strain consolidation model (NALSC) with void ratio as a variable is established under the equal strain condition. The NALSC model considers the material and geometry nonlinearity, radial and vertical flows, and vacuum preloading attenuation along the depth of dredged clays with high water content. Equations established by other researchers are the special cases of the NALSC model. According to linearized material parameters, the numerical simulations of consolidation degrees change progress are carried out. Results show that under different seepage conditions and vacuum decay methods, the predicted consolidation degrees of the proposed model are in good agreement with those of existing models. When the ratio of layer thickness and effective reinforcement diameter is not less than 10, the radial consolidation is produced, and the vertical consolidation can be ignored. The NALSC model has high calculation accuracy, and it can be used for large-strain consolidation property analysis of dredged clays with high water content. © 2016, Editorial Department of Journal of Southeast University. All right reserved.