Val_001 Terzaghi consolidation problem

In the Terzaghi 1D consolidation problem, a soil layer of thickness H resting on top of an impermeable, rigid basement is subjected to an instantaneous vertical load of magnitude σ0 at time t0= 0. The problem is 1D as layer extends to infinity in both sides. Top surface is drained and basement is rigid and impermeable. The predicted evolution of pore pressure along the column is compared against Terzaghi's analytical solution, which assumes no influence of gravitational force.

The model is set up so that:

•Domain consists of a single 10 m high column discretized in 50 plane strain quadrilateral elements

•Column is under uniaxial strain conditions

•The simulation will be coupled (solving of mechanical and fluid flow fields).

•Initial pore pressure and effective stress are 0 MPa.

•0 pore pressure is prescribed at the top surface.

•A load of 2 MPa is applied instantaneously on top surface. The load is kept constant during the simulation.

•A simulation time of 500.000 s is considered.

•Relevant material and fluid properties are:

oE = 10 GPa

oν = 0.25

oΦ = 0.2

oKg = 38 GPa

oKf = 2 GPa

ok = 1·10-15 m2  (c = 9.81·10-9 m/s)

oρw = 1000 Kg/m3