Radial consolidation model incorporating the effects of vacuum preloading and non-Darcian flow

Both linear and non-linear relationships between flow velocity and hydraulic gradient have been observed in clays.To adopt more realistic flowcharacteristics, the actual flowrelationship must be obtained during consolidation. A modified 150mm Rowe cell equipped with pore water pressure measurement was employed to determine the flow relationship during vacuum assisted radial consolidation. Based on the measured data, a radial consolidation model incorporating the effects of vacuum preloading is formulated based on an observed non-linear relationship between the flow velocity and hydraulic gradient. The agreement between the proposed model and the measured data is shown and the advantages of the model are discussed. An embankment case history at the Port of Brisbane, Australia, was analyzed based on the current solution.