Application of block-centered finite difference formulation for non-linear finite strain consolidation

A one-dimensional block-centered finite-difference model has been developed to estimate the rate of non-linear finite strain consolidation. The governing equations including the hydrodynamic and constitutive equations are presented. The hypothesis of the uniqueness of the End-of-Primary (EOP) void ratio — effective stress relationship is adopted to calculate the primary consolidation settlement. The explicit block-centered finite difference formulations and boundary conditions are presented and discussed. The developed model was compared with a point-centered finite-difference program, ILLICON to show the efficiency of the block-centered model. The block-center model provides an efficient tool to deal with interface boundaries and has advantageous ability to take into consideration the time-dependent loading, layered soil systems, and variable soil properties.