Consolidation analysis using finite element method

Consolidation analysis using nonlinear finite element method is performed to study the behaviour of a footing resting on soil mass. Four noded isoparametric plane strain element with two translational degrees of freedom is used to model the soil deformation. Pore pressure is also modeled using four noded isoparametric element. Behaviour of soil is considered as nonlinear and is modeled using the hyperbolic relationship proposed by Duncan and Chang. The displacement of footing and pore pressure in soil are coupled and the resulting equations are solved to obtain the displacement of soil and footing and pore pressure in soil at various time interval. The analysis is used to model the laboratory consolidation test with double drainage. The displacement obtained from the analysis are compared with the displacement obtained from the laboratory consolidation test. The applicability of the analysis is also demonstrated to study the behaviour of a strip footing resting on soil mass.