Consolidation by Vertical Drains Considering the Rheological Characteristics of Soil under Depth and Time-Dependent Loading

Vertical drains have been widely used in soil improvement projects to accelerate consolidation and improve the strength of soft soil. Previous models are mainly based on instantaneous loading, which cannot reflect actual time-variable loading condition. This paper presents a set analytical solutions for with vertical under depth time-dependent involving one-step multi-step cyclic loading. A four-element model, is combination Merchant model Maxwell introduced consider rheological characteristics By simulating results test, it found that more accurate than predicting changes pore pressure settlement during clay process. Based obtained, several factors affecting behavior investigated. It has shown becomes obvious at later stage decrease both modulus spring Kelvin body viscosity coefficient independent dashpot. With increase dashpot body, rate faster an initial but slower stage. For degree each cycle reaches maximum end unloading minimum beginning