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.