Two‐Dimensional Analytical Solutions for Marine Clay Consolidation Under Coupled Electro‐Osmosis, Surcharge, and Vacuum Preloading With Radial‐Vertical Attenuation

ABSTRACT This study presents a comprehensive analytical investigation of an innovative consolidation approach that integrates electro‐osmotic consolidation with surcharge and vacuum preloading (EOC‐SP‐VPM) to overcome the persistent challenges of marine clay, including poor drainage, prolonged consolidation, and excessive settlement, which were inadequately addressed by conventional single or dual‐method techniques. Compared to existing models, which often overlook critical interactions and multi‐physical factors, this work develops two‐dimensional analytical solutions to rigorously describe the consolidation process under the combined effects of electro‐osmosis, surcharge, and vacuum preloading. The solutions, derived using equal strain theory, Darcy's law, and fluid mass conservation principles, incorporate fluid‐current coupling effects, radial and vertical vacuum pressure attenuation, anisotropic permeability variations, and time‐dependent loading schemes. These factors were typically neglected in prior studies but essential for real‐world applicability. These advancements enable precise predictions of excess pore water pressure dissipation and ultimate settlement, offering superior accuracy compared to traditional methods. Advanced series transformation techniques resolved the governing equations, and validation against prior analytical results and experimental data confirmed the model robustness. The results demonstrate that the integrated EOC‐SP‐VPM approach significantly enhances consolidation efficiency by elucidating the interdependencies between electrokinetic, mechanical, and hydraulic mechanisms. By bridging gaps in existing theoretical frameworks, this study results can optimize the loading sequence of combined consolidation methods and assist in designing consolidation parameters, providing practical suggestions for engineering applications.