Fully coupled multi-phase modelling of pumping induced settlements, air- and water flow in multi-layered normally consolidated soils

In this paper the application of a multi-phase model for partially saturated soils to the fully coupled solid–fluid numerical simulation of ground settlements induced by pumping in normally consolidated layered soil is presented. Important aspects for the implementation in a parallelised multi-phase finite element software are described. Results for a full-scale three dimensional simulation of settlements due to groundwater withdrawal using a circular arrangement of wells are presented. The results reflect the impact of the soft, plastic soil response on the overall hydraulic system response, including reverse air pressure fluctuations and a modified storage capacity due to irreversible plastic settlements.