This report describes the development of a method of analysing the settlement of multi-layered soils resulting from a process of two-dimensional consolidation. The considerable complexity of the mathematical equations which arise in a purely analytical solution are overcome by the use of numerical techniques. A computer program has been written in the Fortran iv language for carrying out the analysis. In addition to the facility for analysing stratified soils where up to ten layers with different properties are present, the program can also take account of variation of the soil parameters during consolidation and non-linear relationships between stress and strain. Both instantaneous and multi-stage forms of construction can be analysed. The program can also be used to assess the influence of secondary settlement if the coefficients of secondary consolidation are included in the input. The use of the program is illustrated in the analysis of the settlement at two road-embankment sites where full-scale studies have been carried out. (Author/publisher)
Abstract