Analytical solution for one-dimensional consolidation of unsaturated soils under dynamic load

Abstract

Firstly, in this paper, based on the theory of the porous elastic medium and combined with the effective stress principle of unsaturated soil, a set of governing equations is established to describe consolidation of the unsaturated soil. Secondly, an analytical expression under any dynamic loads is obtained with the help of Laplace integral transformation. Finally, analysis of numerical examples under specific boundary conditions is made to discuss one-dimensional consolidation characteristics under harmonic loads and the influence of factors on the consolidation characteristics of unsaturated soil, such as excitation frequency and initial saturation.