A general semi-analytical solution for consolidation around an expanded cylindrical and spherical cavity in modified Cam Clay

This paper presents a general semi-analytical solution for undrained cylindrical and spherical cavity expansion in Modified Cam Clay (MCC) and subsequent consolidation. The undrained cylindrical and spherical cavity expansion response in MCC model is obtained through the similarity solution technique. Then, the subsequent consolidation process around the cavity is governed by the classical partial differential equation for consolidation. Finite Difference Method (FDM) is selected for solving the consolidation equation numerically. The proposed semi-analytical solution is validated by comparing the prediction of the dissipations of the pore pressure with Randolph's closed-form solution for elastic-perfectly plastic soil. Parametric study shows that G0/p0′, R and M have significant influence on the cavity wall excess pore pressure dissipation curve, while it is not sensitive to the value of ν′. It is also found that the negative pore pressure generates around the expanded cylindrical and spherical cavity wall during the consolidation process when R > 5 for typical Boston blue clay. The developed solution has potential applications in geotechnical problems, such as the pile foundation, in-situ test, tunnel construction, compaction grouting, and so forth.