Analytical solution to Terzaghi’s consolidation model considering local source/sink term

The traditional Terzaghi's consolidation theory model usually considers the consolidation process caused only by surcharge, ignoring the effect of source/sink term which occurs during vacuum well dewatering and artificial ground water recharge, etc. Based on the Terzaghi's model and introducing discontinuous first derivative to take account of local source/sink term, the analytical solution to Terzaghi's source/sink-caused consolidation is put forward using the method of variable separation. Through a case study, the excess pore pressure distribution in soil foundation is studied under the condition of double-drainage and constant source/sink. A comparison is made to analyze the difference between the degrees of consolidation produced respectively by source/sink and surcharge. The results show that the location and the intensity of local source/sink, and coefficient of consolidation play a major role in the development of the excess pore pressure; the distribution curve of the excess pore pressure is characterized by the upper and lower segments divided by source/sink location. The proposed solution can be applied to such source/sink-induced engineering practice as ground settlement and upheaval, etc.