Coupled consolidation in unsaturated soils: From a conceptual model to applications in boundary value problems

The paper presents the Finite Element formulation of the equations proposed by Tsiampousi et al. (2016) for coupled consolidation in unsaturated soils. Their coupling is discussed in relation to a conceptual model which divides soil behaviour into zones ranging from fully saturated to dry states. The numerical simulation of a laboratory experiment involving drainage of water from a vertical column of sand is used to validate the equations. Finally, the example of rainfall infiltration into a cut slope highlights how aspects of the conceptual model are reflected in the numerical analysis of boundary value problems involving unsaturated soils.