Laboratory tests on consolidation behavior of soft soils under vibration drainage conditions

The consolidation characteristics of soft soils taken from one site in Zhenjiang City under vibration drainage conditions are investigated. A series of laboratory tests are conducted on the saturated soft soils by using the self-developed dynamic consolidation oedometer. The dynamic consolidation tests are carried out considering the effects of different static loads, confining pressures, vibration loads and frequencies and they are compared with hydrostatic consolidation tests. The dynamic response of strain and consolidation drainage during the tests are focused, and the drainage mechanism is thereafter analyzed. The test results indicate that the vibration process can significantly improve the drainage speed and increase the displacement of consolidation. The drainage for soft soil is evidently affected by the confining pressure, vibration load and frequency. The analysis of tests results and its mechanism is of great importance and practical value for improving the existing foundation treatment techniques.