Consolidation of fissured clays

A numerical model for consolidation of fissured clays, on the basis of the double-porosity concept, is presented. As applications of the model, two numerical examples are analysed: a one-dimensional soil column, and a strip loading on a two-dimensional medium of a fissured clay. It is shown that, in comparison to an equivalent single-porosity model, the settlement in a double-porosity medium is delayed due to the slow dissipation of excess fluid pressure in the clay matrix. In addition, three distinct time periods are identified in the consolidation of a fissured clay. The characteristic of each period are discussed and the parameters affecting these periods are highlighted. Moreover, it is shown that the Mandel–Cryer effect, which is often discussed in relation to consolidation of soils treated as single-porosity material, may not develop in fissured clays. Nous presentons un modele numerique pour la consolidation des argiles fissurees sur la base du concept de double porosite. En applications du mod&acu...