Non-linear numerical analysis of Terzaghi consolidation theory

Classical consolidation analyses applications may give erroneous results for the soil types which make large strain and for soils consolidating under self weight. In order to overcome this dilemma, nonlinear analyses are developed to model the behaviour of these types of soils. Nonlinear analyses calculate the deformations by adopting the constitutive relationships (Abu-Hejleh and Znidarcic 1994, 1995; Fox and Berles, 1997; Abbasi, Rahimi et.al., 2006). To facilitate the non linear deformation behaviour of high water content soils under its own weight and/or under surcharge loading, it is imperative that we obtain both a mathematical model that will accurately predict the physical event, as well as the physical properties of the soil to solve this mathematical model.In this thesis, a numerical model for non-linear consolidation is developed. The numerical model was coded in Visual Basic Programming Language named KP1. To start with, classical analyses methods and linear consolidation analyses are performed and the obtained results are compared with the results gathered from the KP1. Subsequently, by taking into consideration the variation of coefficient of consolidation throughout the consolidation process, one dimension non-linear partial differential consolidation equation is obtained. Finite difference approach is exploited for the solution of the equation. Lastly, non-linear analysis is achieved by KP1 code and outcomes are compared with CS2 code developed by Fox and Berles (1997). Results are illustrated in figures. KP1 code can be used to analyse soil problems with small strains and large strains.Overall, the comparisons between the results obtained from the linear classical analysis with KP1, and the non-linear analysis with CS2 demonstrates a compatible relationship.Key words: Consolidation, soft soils, non-linear, numeric analysis