Finite Element Analysis for Subgrade Consolidation Settlement in Soft Soil

The two-dimensional finite element model for subgrade consolidation settlement analysis within soft soil pile is developed using ABAQUS. The numerical simulation on a highway subgrade deformation is performed to study the variation of consolidation settlement and the excess pore water pressure distribution in the central location and the part under centerline of the embankment. The results show that settlement develops gradually with the increasing period of soil consolidation. The excess pore water pressure of deep subgrade soils under embankment centerline rise due to the increased load. After each soil layer was filled, the excess pore water pressure increased in the first and was stable later along with the increase of soil depth. After the embankment soil was filled completely, excess pore pressure dissipated with time developing until the completion of consolidation.