Analytical solution for vacuum preloading considering the nonlinear distribution of horizontal permeability within the smear zone

<div><p>The vacuum preloading is an effective method which is widely used in ground treatment. In consolidation analysis, the soil around prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) is traditionally divided into smear zone and undisturbed zone, both with constant permeability. In reality, the permeability of soil changes continuously within the smear zone. In this study, the horizontal permeability coefficient of soil within the smear zone is described by an exponential function of radial distance. A solution for vacuum preloading consolidation considers the nonlinear distribution of horizontal permeability within the smear zone is presented and compared with previous analytical results as well as a numerical solution, the results show that the presented solution correlates well with the numerical solution, and is more precise than previous analytical solution.</p></div

Permeability coefficients of the present model and numerical analysis (δ = 0.45) and of the study by Rujikiatkamjorn et al.[11].

<p>Permeability coefficients of the present model and numerical analysis (δ = 0.45) and of the study by Rujikiatkamjorn et al.[<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0139660#pone.0139660.ref011" target="_blank">11</a>].</p

Smear zone permeability coefficient curve based on data from Iyathurai et al.[24] and the proposed model.

<p>Smear zone permeability coefficient curve based on data from Iyathurai et al.[<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0139660#pone.0139660.ref024" target="_blank">24</a>] and the proposed model.</p

Parameters used in the analytical solution and the numerical model.

<p>Parameters used in the analytical solution and the numerical model.</p

Solutions of Rujikiatkamjorn et al.[11], the present model, and the numerical analysis.

<p>Solutions of Rujikiatkamjorn et al.[<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0139660#pone.0139660.ref011" target="_blank">11</a>], the present model, and the numerical analysis.</p

Schematic diagram of the vacuum preloading method with a PVD.

<p>Schematic diagram of the vacuum preloading method with a PVD.</p

Permeability coefficient of the present model and the numerical analysis when δ = 0.55.

<p>Permeability coefficient of the present model and the numerical analysis when δ = 0.55.</p