FEM Assessment of Large-Strain Thaw Consolidation

Finite-element simulations using a large-strain thaw-consolidation model, formulated by the writers, are presented and compared with the data obtained from a warm-oil test pipeline at Inuvik, Northwest Territory, Canada. Nondimensional design charts generated by the method are used to predict thaw-consolidation settlements. A good agreement is found between observed and predicted settlement values giving encouragement for future thaw-settlement predictions, based on finite-element-generated nondimensional charts.