Numerical simulation of secondary consolidation of soil: Finite element application

A rheological model has been developed for simulating the secondary consolidation of soils. Numerical procedures have been incorporated into a coupled consolidation program using results from a representative oedometer test. A solution of a two-dimensional problem has also been performed. The technique is numerically stable and has provided satisfactory predictions for the consolidation settlements and the dissipation of pore water pressure within soils.