The nonlinear variation of soil compressibility and permeability with void ratio (i.e., e-log σ′ and e-log k) has been included in the consolidation theory to accurately predict the behavior of soft soil stabilized by vertical drains. However, most current nonlinear consolidation models incorporating the coupled radial-vertical flow are based on some simplified assumptions, while including some features such as the complex implementation of multilayered computations, time-dependent loading and stress distribution with depth. This study hence introduces a novel approach where the spectral method is used to analyze the nonlinear consolidation behavior of multilayered soil associated with coupled vertical-radial drainage. In addition, time- and depth-dependent stress and soil properties at each soil layer are incorporated into the proposed model. Subsequently, the solution is verified against experimental and field data with comparison to previous analytical solutions. The results show greater accuracy of the proposed method in predicting in-situ soil behavior. A parametric study based on the proposed solution indicates that the ratio between the compression and permeability indices (ω = C_c/C_k) has a great impact on the consolidation rate, i.e., the greater the ω, the smaller the consolidation rate. Increasing the load increment ratio and the absolute difference between unity and ω (i.e., |ω − 1|) can exacerbate prediction error if the conventional simplified methods are used.

This paper summarizes the current treatments and countermeasures for liquefiable foundations, and divides the existing anti-liquefaction countermeasures into two categories. One of the ideas is proceeding from the properties of liquefiable foundation soils, by the means of improvement for the soil’s qualities to enhance the capacity of soil’s anti-liquefaction in the early stage. The other idea is considering from the stress conditions of liquefiable foundation soils, and to reduce the liquefaction-induced disasters by changing the stress conditions of the soil. The advantages and disadvantages of various anti-liquefaction measures were analysed by verifying the effectiveness of field applications of anti-liquefaction measures against ground liquefaction hazards, and the applicable conditions of various anti-liquefaction measures were classified. This paper provides experience for resisting soil liquefaction disasters.

The consolidation behaviour of soft clays is significantly influenced by loading patterns, soil inhomogeneity, and boundary drainage conditions. Despite their significance, a notable gap exists in the availability of rigorous analytical solutions capable of integrating these factors into the consolidation analysis of inhomogeneous soft clay. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the consolidation behaviour of inhomogeneous soft clay subjected to impeded drainage conditions under time-dependent loading. The study employs the spectral method to derive solutions for specific distributions of inhomogeneous soil property distributions and loading patterns. The accuracy of the proposed method is validated through comparisons with previous analytical solutions, finite element method (FEM) solutions, laboratory tests and case studies, demonstrating improved predictive capabilities. A parametric study based on the proposed solution indicates that the dimensionless factors related to drainage capacity ( R_t and R_b) adversely impact soil consolidation, with smaller values leading to increased divergence from calculations assuming fully pervious conditions. Notably, solutions assuming fully pervious conditions can maintain considerable accuracy within a 5% error range only when R_t and R_b exceed a certain threshold (e.g., R_t > R_b/(0.049 R_b − 0.426) in this study). Otherwise, impeded drainage conditions must be considered for accurate consolidation calculations.