Non‐linear consolidation analysis of soil with variable compressibility and permeability under cyclic loadings

In this paper, a simple semi‐analytical method has been developed to solve the one‐dimensional non‐linear consolidation problems by considering the changes of compressibility and permeability of the soil layer, subjected to complicated time‐dependent cyclic loadings at the ground surface. The solution presented here takes into account e ～ lg k_v and e ～ lg σ′ linear responses. With c_k the slope of the e ～ lg k_v line and c_c as the slope of the e ～ lg σ′ line, the identified parameter c_c/c_k is found to control the rate of consolidation. Using the solutions obtained, some diagrams are prepared and the relevant behaviours of one‐dimensional non‐linear consolidation of saturated soft soil under cyclic loadings are discussed. The method in this paper does not require any special data; conventional oedometer data can be used. Therefore, the method is particularly efficient and convenient for engineering practice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.