GGU-CONSOLIDATE: Test 1 - Consolidation (analytical)

First, the system will be investigated using classical consolidation theory. As this is actually a two-layer system, we must simplify. The most brutal type of simplification is to model with a layer thickness of 10.5 m, the smallest constrained modulus of E_S = 2 MN/m² and the smallest permeability of k = 10^-9 m/s.

Start the program. Select the menu item "File/New" or, if you already have a file loaded, "Edit/Type of consolidation" and enter the preferences from the following dialog box:

Select the menu item "Edit/System parameters" and enter the values from the following dialog box:

Select the menu item "Edit/Define times". The times given here are unsuitable for this problem, as the consolidation time will certainly be more than 12 days for the current system. You can easily convince yourself of this by leaving the box with "Cancel" and selecting the menu item "System/Analyse" and then examining the temporal development of the degree of consolidation in the diagram at the lower right. If necessary, use the zoom function to enlarge the diagram (menu item "Graphics preferences/Zoom info"). Now return to this menu item. You can now individually edit the times given in the input fields; this is simpler, however, with the "Generate" button.

Enter the values as shown in the dialog box and confirm with "OK". Don't forget to activate the "Quadratic" check box. Voila!

You have now generated a time series with a quadratic increase up to 901 days. Leave the dialog box using "Done".

Now select the "System/Analyse" menu item. After a short time you will see the results. If everything has been entered correctly you can see from the time-settlement graphic at the lower right that around 900 days are needed until 80% settlement has occurred. Alternatively, you can read off the respective values from the table at the left page margin.

A 3-year embankment lying time would be unacceptable to the client. The system will therefore be examined below in more detail.