| Abstract: | The problem of plates on consolidating soil is considered. Biot's three-dimensional consolidation theory, the generalization of Terzaghi's model, is employed to account for the consolidation process. A mathematical model is developed and the differential equations governing the system together with the proper boundary conditions are derived. A variational formulation of the problem and a convenient approximate method of solution are also presented. For numerical analysis, the problem of a rectangular plate on consolidating soil under various loading conditions is numerically solved and the effects of various physical factors on the settlements and the pore pressures are studied. |
