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The one-dimensional consolidation of a thick clay layer, initially consolidated fully under its own weight, is considered. Account is taken of the variation of the coefficients of permeability and compressibility as consolidation proceeds. To render the theory consistent finite strains are permitted. Comparisons with conventional theory, in a practical example, show that nonlinear finite strain theory predicts the progress of consolidation settlement to be substantially swifter than indicated by conventional theory, although the dissipation of excess pore pressure may be slower. The consequences of this indicate that conventional consolidation theory has the potential to seriously underestimate the excess pore water pressure in a soft layer. As a result, the estimated shear strength would, if an effective stress analysis were used, be overestimated; a potentially unsafe design could emerge.
Gibson et al. (Fri,) studied this question.