A theory of finite elastic consolidation

Presented in this paper is a general theory describing the consolidation of a porous elastic soil. The formulation allows for the occurrence of finite geometry changes and finite elastic strains during the consolidation process. The governing equations have been cast in a rate form and the laws which determine deformation and pore fluid flow, i.e. Hooke's law and Darcy's law, are presented in a frame indifferent manner. A numerical technique is described that provides an approximate solution to the governing equations. The theory and the solution technique are illustrated by several examples of practical interest.