A new simplified method for calculating short-term and long-term consolidation settlements of multi-layered soils considering creep limit

The long-term consolidation settlement of soft soils under infrastructures is seriously concerned in coastal areas. In practice, soil ground usually composed multiple layers with different properties, and the effect creep nonnegligible. However, conventional analysis, seldom included during “primary” consolidation. With model, strain will reach infinity time, which unreasonable view. this study, a new simplified method based on Hypothesis B presented to calculate both short-term settlements multi-layered exhibiting non-linear creep. There are three main characteristics for method: (a) analysis conducted using spectral method; (b) nonlinear function limit incorporated settlements; (c) calculated independently combined an empirical parameter α together degree U correcting settlement. Finite element self-developed Elastic Visco-Plastic (EVP) constitutive model considering was also carried out. Verifications by field cases finite simulation demonstrate efficiency accuracy calculating varied engineering conditions. Influences major parameters selection calculation discussed.