On the linear problem of swelling porous elastic soils

In this paper we consider the linear theory of swelling porous elastic soils. The formulation belongs to the theory of mixtures for porous elastic solids filled with fluid and gas. It proposes some new mathematical difficulties. Logarithmic convexity and/or the Lagrange identity method is used in the case of fluid and gas saturation. Continuous results dependent on initial conditions and supply terms are obtained in the general case. Spatial decay estimates are also obtained by means of comparison arguments. This last result is only valid when suitable conditions on the viscosity coefficients are satisfied. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.