Test methods for self-weight consolidation coefficient of deposited sediment

The consolidation coefficient in the Terzaghi theory is constant. It will cause significant errors if it is directly applied in the calculation of large strain consolidation of deposited sediment. Meanwhile, it is still extremely difficult to obtain the self-weight consolidation coefficient of deposited sediment. Especially, the sediment deposition and consolidation process can be simulated using the sediment settlement experiment with realtively row initial concentration, and the curves of sediment settlement and deposited layer particle volume fraction also can be obtained accordingly. Based on the sediment settlemen control equations for different settlement stages, the fitted sediment settlment parameters can be determined through the mapping method, and then the self-weight consolidation coefficient of deposited sediment at different consolidation stages can be calculated. According to the change laws of hydraulic conductivity and volumetric compression coefficient, four methods for the consolidation coefficient are discussed, and the the trends and main influence factors are studied.