Abstract:

The finite difference method and program for 2D flowdeformation coupling model in saturated porous  media is developed. With land subsidence due to loading within a finite 2D soil layer as examples, four cases are studied with upper and lower surfaces pervious or impervious. Deformation and flow under uniform loading and cyclic loading are  calculated respectively. The results show that, whether for uniform or cyclic loading, the final subsidence is dependent on  the loading and the soil property parameters, but independent of boundary conditions. Although boundary conditions have no effect upon the final settlement, consolidation and settlement processes corresponding to various boundary conditions aredifferent from each other. As the boundaries become less permeable, the effect of pore pressure dissipation gets weaker,while the dragging effect is enhanced. For cyclic loading, deformation amplification is independent of the loading frequency, while the pore pressure response becomes stronger as the loading frequency becomes higher.

Key words: porous media; deformation and flow coupling; finite difference method; land subsidence; loading; boundary conditions