A practical analytical solution for one-dimensional consolidation

In this work a four-step strategy to derive an analytical solution to the one-dimensional consolidation equation under a general time-dependent loading is presented. The strategy is based on the eigenfunction expansion method. Most existing solutions in the specialised literature are developed for a particular type of loading, whereas the proposed strategy can be easily applied to obtain an accurate response for a general loading. In order to assess the validity of the proposed strategy, it is applied to constant, single ramp, cyclic square and cyclic haversine loading profiles. The results are in agreement with the analytical solution previously obtained by other researchers.