Fully coupled finite strain consolidation analysis for soft clay treated by prefabricated horizontal drain with vacuum and heat preloading

This paper established a one-dimensional fully coupled finite strain consolidation analysis for soft clay treated by thermal prefabricated horizontal drain under vacuum and heat preloading with the consideration of thermal elastic viscoplastic (TEVP) behaviours of soft clay. First, the governing equations for finite strain consolidation, heat conduction, and heat convention process have been carefully derived based on the well-established Gibson’s finite strain consolidation theory and one-dimensional TEVP constitutive model. Secondly, the accuracy and reliability of the numerical method and good performance have been verified with a benchmark case and three physical model tests. Then, the improvement of consolidation efficiency rate was defined and used to study the effect of three variables on consolidation efficiency. Last but not least, a graphical user interface was provided to support researchers and engineers in utilizing the proposed numerical method for conducting consolidation analysis of soft soil treated in the same or similar fashion.