One dimensional consolidation behaviour of soft ground under low embankment

This paper is concerned with finite difference analysis of one-dimensional consolidation taking account of the effect of long term creep settlement. From the laboratory observations, it is shown that the actual rate of consolidation differs from the predicted consolidation rate based on Terzaghi's theory. This difference is attributed to the secondary consolidation effect influenced by the load increment ratio. It is shown that the proposed analysis is appropriate for the practical prediction of consolidation settlement time curve including secondary consolidation and the Terzaghi's theory of the primary consolidation is not applicable for the field consolidation problem with the small load increment ratio.