Analytical solution on vacuum consolidation of flow mud considering radial non-uniform consolidation

When using the vacuum preloading method to treat flow mud, a dense “soil column” is rapidly formed around the drainage boards, significantly restricting the amount of pore water that can be drained into the remote soil, and exhibiting sequential and controlled consolidation characteristics. In light of this, this study aims to investigate the rapid formation mechanism of clogging and its consolidation characteristics, and to construct a corresponding theoretical model of consolidation. This research clarifies the non-uniform consolidation features brought about by clogging during the vacuum preloading of soft soil consolidation using model experiments. An analytical solution appropriate for the consolidation of flow mud under vacuum preloading is given, and a phased consolidation model is suggested based on the clogging impact and time influence. The study’s findings demonstrate that this model is capable of accurately capturing the non-uniform consolidation process. Additional investigation reveals that the consolidation rate and ultimate consolidation effect are significantly influenced by variables including the clogging ratio, well diameter ratio, c_c/c_k ratio, initial effective stress, and clogging time.