Properties and numerical simulation for self-weight consolidation of the dredged material

Large strain self-weight consolidation is widely used for the management of the dredged material (DM) in dredged material disposal sites. A multilayer vacuum extraction method, which consists of a settling column, pore pressure measurement apparatus and multilayer vacuum extraction apparatus, is developed. The interface height, water content, excess pore water pressure, grain size distribution, as well as the compressibility and permeability relationships involved in self-weight consolidation are determined. Experimental results show that the measured data are reasonable and the method is feasible. Gibson's governing equation for one-dimensional finite strain consolidation is discretised using a modified upwind difference form, and a corresponding computer program is compiled. It is found that the interface height settlement, void ratio and excess pore water pressure approximate laboratory experimental results. Therefore, the rationality of the analytical model and finite difference numerical solution as well as the correctness of the computer program are validated. The model possibly provides a satisfactory prediction for the self-weight consolidation of the DM.