CONSOLIDATION OF THIN CLAY LAMINA IN SAND

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to evaluate the consolidation characteristics of a multilayered soil system and implement the analytical and numerical solutions for comparative study with the experimental results. Ground is heterogeneous always constituting various kinds of soils in layers. Thus, study of the multi-layered soils is essential for accurate analysis of the settlement of ground. For a layered soil, the solution can be approximated using finite difference techniques in which different properties are assigned to different layers. Analytical solutions for multi-layered soils are complex whereas numerical techniques are easier to implement. In case of clay-sand layers used in this study, sand possesses high permeability whereas clay used is of low permeability. Thus the low permeability of clay slows down the settlement of the sand layer lying underneath. Also clay layer prevents percolation of fluids to the sandy soil beneath which is useful in lining and containments. This work estimates the consolidation behaviour of the layered soil system as a whole. Experimental results are thus used to validate the analytical and numerical solutions for the one dimensional consolidation of soils.