Model for large strain consolidation with non-Darcian flow described by a flow exponent and threshold gradient

Many pieces of evidence have confirmed that the seepage in fine-grained soils can deviate from traditional Darcy's law that contributes to the consolidation theory. In this paper, a numerical model, referred to as consolidation with non-Darcian flow 2 (CNDF2), is developed for the 1D large strain consolidation of a saturated porous medium with the non-Darcian flow. The algorithm accounts for vertical strain, general constitutive relationships, the relative velocity of the fluid and solid phases, variable compressibility and permeability relation during consolidation, time-dependent loading, and unload/reload effects. Compared with the CS2 model proposed in previous studies, some parts of the CNDF2 model are modified in order to adapt to the non-Darcian flow, especially the equivalent series hydraulic conductivity and fluid flow. The verification examples of the CNDF2 model demonstrate excellent accuracy for both small strain and large strain consolidation. According to the applicable conditions of non-Darcian flow law, the CNDF2 model is most suitable for the fine-grained soil. The development of CNDF2 is first presented, followed by examples to analyze the influences of the non-Darcian flow on the consolidation behavior.