Design charts for consolidation settlement of marine clays using finite strain consolidation theory

Abstract

In this study, design charts for estimating consolidation settlement are proposed according to finite strain consolidation theory using a nonlinear constitutive relationship equation. Results of parametric sensitivity analysis shows that the final settlement, initial height, and initial void ratio exerted the greatest effect, and the coefficients of the void ratio–effective-stress. Proposed design charts were analyzed for three regions using a representative constitutive relationship equation that enables major dredged-reclaimed construction sites in Korea. The regional design charts can be calculated accurately for the final settlement because it is applied directly to the numerical analysis results, except for reading errors. A general design chart applicable to all marine clays is proposed through correlation analysis of the main parameters. A final self-weight consolidation settlement with various initial void ratios and initial height conditions should be estimated easily using the general design chart and constitutive relationship. The estimated final settlement using the general design chart is similar to the results of numerical analysis obtained using finite strain consolidation theory. Under an overburden pressure condition, design charts for estimating consolidation settlement are proposed for three regions in Korea.