Finite Element Model of Saturated Soil Consolidation

J. M. Horta Rangel; R. Galaviz-Gonzalez; E. Rojas Gonzalez; Rea; T. Lopez Lara; J. B. Hernandez Zaragoza

J. M. Horta Rangel Department of Graduate Engineering, Universidad Aut�noma de Quer�taro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n, Queretaro, Qro. C.P. 76010, Mexico.
R. Galaviz-Gonzalez Department of Civil Engineering and Topography, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Revoluci�n 1500, Guadalajara, Jal. C.P. 44430, Mexico.
E. Rojas Gonzalez Department of Graduate Engineering, Universidad Aut�noma de Quer�taro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n, Queretaro, Qro. C.P. 76010, Mexico.
L. P�rez Rea Department of Graduate Engineering, Universidad Aut�noma de Quer�taro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n, Queretaro, Qro. C.P. 76010, Mexico.
T. Lopez Lara Department of Graduate Engineering, Universidad Aut�noma de Quer�taro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n, Queretaro, Qro. C.P. 76010, Mexico.
J. B. Hernandez Zaragoza Department of Graduate Engineering, Universidad Aut�noma de Quer�taro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n, Queretaro, Qro. C.P. 76010, Mexico.

Keywords: Coupled model, consolidation theory, saturated soil, dynamic solution, fluid-solid fields

Abstract

Consolidation is the reduction of soil volume with time. This phenomenon generates a stresses transfer process beginning with the application of load and subsequent increase in pore water pressure. This increase in pore water pressure generates a flow of water that reduces the volume of soil. Thus, consolidation represents a hydro-mechanical coupled problem. Different models have been developed to simulate this phenomenon properly. This paper presents a coupled hydro-mechanical consolidation model for saturated materials. It can also be extended to the case of unsaturated materials when effective stresses are used. This model considers different drainage, displacement and loading conditions. It properly simulates the phenomenon of consolidation and is consistent with other models. It also correctly reproduces laboratory tests.

Author Biography

J. B. Hernandez Zaragoza, Department of Graduate Engineering, Universidad Aut�noma de Quer�taro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n, Queretaro, Qro. C.P. 76010, Mexico.