General solution to one-dimentional consolidation theories and simple computation method for consolidation settlement

Several representative analytic solutions to the consolidation theories are analyzed. The results show that there is a general solution which can be used for linearity, nonlinearity, large deformation and secondary consolidation analysis. The general solution is the same as the Terzaghi consolidation theory in form, and only the variable D_v(t) is used to replace the consolidation coefficient C_v. Different forms of D_v(t) reflect different assumptions in the consolidation theories. A simple method to compute the process of the consolidation settlement is suggested, and the results by the proposed method are in good agreement with the experimental ones.