Large-Strain Consolidation Analysis for Clayey Sludge Improved by Horizontal Drains
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 8
Abstract
The use of prefabricated horizontal drains (PHDs) with combined surcharge and vacuum preloading is an effective improvement approach for dredged clayey slurries. However, there is no large-strain analysis method for PHD-induced consolidation of high-water-content sludge, even though it is a typical large-strain problem. This study develops a two-dimensional plane strain model based on Gibson’s large-strain theory, considering horizontal and vertical flows, nonlinear hydraulic conductivity, and compressibility during the consolidation process. The alternative direction implicit (ADI) difference method is used to solve the governing equation. The proposed model is verified by the data from an analytical one-dimensional (1D) large-strain model and from field measurements. Compared with the improved small-strain models, the proposed model produces a slower consolidation of sludge. Furthermore, the analyses incorporating geometrical and mechanical nonlinearities show that, in comparison with the external load and the horizontal permeability, the spacing of the PHDs (horizontal and vertical) and the vertical permeability are more crucial factors significantly impacting consolidation efficiency. Specifically, smaller PHD spacing and greater vertical permeability lead to a more efficient consolidation.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The work described in this paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 52078464, U2006225, 51620105008, and 51978533) and by funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program Marie Skłodowska–Curie Actions Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) (Grant No. 778360).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 8 • August 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 27, 2022
Accepted: Mar 24, 2023
Published online: May 25, 2023
Published in print: Aug 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Oct 25, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Clays
- Consolidated soils
- Drainage
- Engineering fundamentals
- Environmental engineering
- Field tests
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Irrigation engineering
- Material mechanics
- Materials engineering
- Pollutants
- Sludge
- Soil analysis
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil properties
- Soil stabilization
- Soils (by type)
- Strain
- Tests (by type)
- Wastes
- Water and water resources
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