Abstract
In this paper a variational principle is introduced in which the Euler equations are the theoretical three-dimensional equations of consolidation in fully saturated and heteogeneous poro-elastic media with the fundamental consideration by Sandhu and Wilson. A finite element method is then used in both the space and time domains to develop a practical solution technique. Furthermore, in order to discuss the various problems and difficulties in applying this numerical method to the practical design of foundation settlements, the results of the analyses are compared with the observations on the Aiko test embankment for the construction on the Tomei Expressway. The calculated settlements and pore water pressure fields agree well with the measurements when the permeability coefficient can be predicted accurately, except the parts where plastic settlements occur. As previously pointed out, however, when the permeability coefficient obtained from the oedometer test is used, the field time-rates appear to be faster than indicated by the analyses.
