Time Dependent Well Resistance Factor of PVD

Abstract

As the conventional equations of radial consolidation with PVD assume a constant well resistance with time, an appropriate in-situ consolidation curve cannot be predicted. In this study, small cylinder cell tests are performed to evaluate the discharge capacity of PVD. In addition, a radial consolidation test is performed on a large block sample to observe the change in the drainage capacity of PVD with time. The consolidation curves predicted using small cylinder test results significantly overestimate the degree of consolidation. It is shown from test results of a block sample that the drainage curves normalized with respect to the initial drainage of each PVD are similar, regardless of the PVD type. It is also found that the well resistance factor, L(t), back-calculated from the consolidation curve of a large block sample is not a constant value, but is linearly proportional to the dimensionless time factor, T(h). Finally, the usage of L(t) is verified by analyzing the field settlement data.