One Dimensional Consolidation Theory Considering the Strain Rate Effect

The traditional Terzaghi’s one dimensional consolidation theory assumes a linear stress-strain relationship for soil. But in reality, the stress-strain relationship together with the permeability behavior of soft soil is usually nonlinear. Following Davis’s infiltration hypothesis, an assumption about the permeability index and the compression index is made. The effect of the strain rate on the compression behavior soft soil is also taken into considering. Based on these assumptions, a new one dimensional consolidation theory considering the strain rate is established. The effective stress-strain-strain rate model is thus set up. The effect of the strain rate on the consolidation process is analyzed. The conclusion shows that the consolidation rate considering the strain rate is faster than it by traditional one-dimensional consolidation method. Also, it found that the higher the strain rate is, the faster the consolidation rate will be.