Date of Completion

Fall 11-16-2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Construction Engineering

Department

Construction Engineering

Concentration

Structural and Geotechnical Engineering

Committee Chair/First Advisor

Dr. Fatih Oncul

Abstract

Research has shown that the properties which govern the consolidation of dredged material are best determined using a one-dimensional finite strain consolidation theory. This method requires a complete relationship between void ratio and effective stress for all expected void ratios in a dredged layer, which can be determined from laboratory testing. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) suggests using a self-weight consolidation test apparatus to obtain void ratio/effective stress conditions for very low effective stresses. In this paper a modified laboratory testing method of a self-weight consolidation test is developed to obtain a range of void ratios and effective stress conditions at low effective stresses for material obtained from the Savannah River Harbor. Testing methods are discussed and data is analyzed using a selected one-dimensional finite strain consolidation method. Findings from the research conducted in this paper are as follows: a reliable relationship between vertical effective stress and permeability as function of void ratio can be obtained from the test methods described; there appears to be a unique void ratio/effective stress relationship and a unique void ratio/permeability relationship for the material tested; a three to four-month period is a satisfactory amount of time to obtain near 100 percent primary consolidation for materials with initial void ratios of 7.0 to 10.0; and test methods are repeatable and can produce homogeneous samples.

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