The application of the finite element method to solving Biot's consolidation equation

Biot's theory of consolidation of saturated soil, regards the consolidation process as a coupling problem between stress of elastic body and flow of fluid existing in pores^1]. It can more precisely reflect the mechanism of consolidation than Terzhigi's theory^2]. In this article, we obtain the general Biot's finite element equations of consolidation with classical variational principles. The equations have clear physical meaning and have been applied to analysing the consolidation of Bajiazui earth dam. The computational results are in accord with engineering practice.