Consolidation solution of ground improved with artificial solidified crust–vertical drain

For artificial solidified crust (ASC)–vertical drain ground, an analytical consolidation solution (IB solution: regarding ASC as an impervious boundary) is proposed, which considers both the radial and vertical seepage. The orthogonal relation is proven and the computing efficiency is greatly improved. Then, consolidation solutions applicable to ASC–vertical drain ground, include IB solution, RDL solution (radial consolidation solution of double-layered ground) by Li et al. (2025), the quasi-rigorous solution by Tang and Onitsuka (2001), are compared and discussed. Compared to the quasi-rigorous solution, IB solution slightly overestimates the consolidation rate, but it can be promoted in engineering according to the following reasons: a) the convergence is easier to be achieved; b) its accuracy is not affected by the ratio of the vertical time factor to the radial time factor; c) common major parameters of ASC (i.e., thickness and permeability) have little effect on the applicability. By ignoring the vertical seepage in soil, IB solution degenerates to the simplified solution. Consolidation rate calculated by the simplified solution is slower than that of IB solution, and the solution can be a simple method for estimating the consolidation behavior of ASC–vertical drain ground.