Analysis Method for Non-Linear Finite Strain Consolidation for Soft Dredged Soil Deposit -Part I: Parameter Estimation for Analysis

Abstract

The renowned Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory is not applicable to quantification of time-rate settlement for highly deformable soft clays such as dredged soil deposits. To deal with this special condition, a non-linear finite strain consolidation theory should be adopted to predict the settlement of dredged soil deposits including self-weight and surcharge-induced consolidation. It is of importance to determine the zero effective stress void ratio (  ), which is the void ratio at effective stress equal to zero, and the relationships of void ratio-effective stress and of void ratio-hydraulic conductivity for characterizing non-linear finite strain consolidation behavior for deformable dredged soil deposits. The zero effective stress void ratio means a transitional status from sedimentation to self-weight consolidation of dredged soils. In this paper, laboratory procedures and equipments are introduced to measure such key parameters in the non-linear finite strain consolidation analysis. In addition, the non-linear finite strain consolidation parameters of the Incheon clay and kaolinite are evaluated with the aid of the proposed methods in this paper, which will be used as input parameters for the non-linear finite strain consolidation analyses being performed in the companion paper.