CS4: A large strain consolidation model for accreting soil layers

This paper presents a piecewise-linear model, called CS4, for one-dimensional consolidation of an accreting soil layer. CS4 was developed using a fixed Eulerian coordinate system and general constitutive relationships defined by discrete data points. The model includes the effects of vertical strain, self-weight, and decreasing compressibility and hydraulic conductivity during the consolidation process. In addition, the rate of accretion and the initial void ratio of the accreting material can vary with time. The model is dimensionless such that solutions are independent of the final Lagrangian height of the layer and the absolute magnitude of the hydraulic conductivity of the material. Solutions obtained using CS4 for an example problem are essentially identical to available solutions based on material coordinates. Using CS4, dimensionless solution charts were prepared for the time required to fill a disposal pond in which material is accreting at a constant rate. The charts require only hand calculations and may be suitable for preliminary design purposes.