Consolidation analysis using the settlement rate-settlement (SRS) method

摘要

The SRS method explicitly relates the coefficient of consolidation c_v and end of primary (EOP) settlement δ_p to the intercept and slope of the linear section of the observed dδ_t/dt_δ_t curve that can theoretically be recognized for the average degree of consolidation U≥52.6%. The SRS method calculates the coefficient of consolidation independently of any specific value of U and can simultaneously compute the EOP settlement S_p without the need to continue the test into the secondary compression range. Thus, the overall testing time may significantly be reduced and the influence of load duration as well as secondary compression may be minimized. Results of oedometer tests on four clayey soils are used to compare the SRS method with existing methods such as the Casagrande and Taylor methods.