This study considers a number of problems which remain in nonlinear consolidation modelling and prediction, despite the considerable research effort which has already been devoted to the subject. Nonlinear consolidation models refer to those models capable of accounting for material nonlinearity either explicitly, in the formulation of the governing equation, or implicitly in the numerical-solution technique. A nonlinear model can be characterised by its generality, appropriateness for modelling consolidation and prediction-capability. These three characteristics are not consistent; a model's superiority with respect to one characteristic does not imply its overall superiority. This inconsistency between the characteristics is resolved by a proposed model. This model is seen as an improvement over two available and widely used models; the Gibson et al. (1967) and Yong et al. (1983) models. Nonlinear multiple-layer analysis requires the satisfaction of continuity conditions at the inter-layer boundaries. Existing continuity procedures seek to reduce the problem to a tractable single-layer problem, ignore the interaction between layers and are unsuitable for use with nonlinear models. Procedures, based on the trial-function technique, are proposed which satisfy the continuity conditions and facilitate these analyses. Various procedures are necessary to define the initial consolidation status of a soil depending on whether the field data is complete or incomplete. Procedures which can acknowledge incomplete data by calling for bounded analyses and yet can take full advantage of available data are proposed. A finite-difference numerical-solution algorithm is developed for use with the proposed non-linear model. This algorithm is efficient, versatile and more suitable for multiple-layer analysis than the Yong et al. (1983) algorithm, on which it is based. The findings of this study are successfully field validated on the basis of three case histories; the consolidation of highly compressible organic soils underlying two embankments in Poland and subsidence due to groundwater withdrawal in Bangkok, Thailand.

This item was digitized as part of a project to share McGill's intellectual legacy with the public. If you are the copyright holder or a relative of the copyright holder who is deceased, you may request withdrawal by emailing escholarship.library@mcgill.ca. The full policy for eScholarship may be accessed here: https://www.mcgill.ca/libraries/research-services/escholarship/policy