Ggu Consolidate Man e

Analysis of one-dimensional consolidation processes
in single- and multi-layered systems
GGU-CONSOLIDATE
VERSION 3
Last revision: November 2005

Copyright: GGU Zentrale Verwaltung mbH, Braunschweig
Technical implementation and sales: Civilserve GmbH, Steinfeld
Contents:
1 Preface .................................................................................................................................. 5
2 Licence protection................................................................................................................ 7
3 Language selection............................................................................................................... 7
4 Theoretical principles .......................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Consolidation theory after Terzaghi and analytical solution............................................ 8
4.2 Numerical solution with difference equations................................................................ 10
4.2.1 Fundamentals ......................................................................................................... 10
4.2.2 Multi-layered system ............................................................................................. 10
4.2.3 Continuous load application .................................................................................. 11
4.3 Consolidation settlements for non-linear compression .................................................. 12
4.4 Analytical solution with vertical drainage...................................................................... 14
4.5 Numerical solution with vertical drainage ..................................................................... 14
5 Short introduction using a worked example ................................................................... 15
5.1 Example system.............................................................................................................. 15
5.2 Test 1: Consolidation (analytical) .................................................................................. 16
5.3 Test 2: Consolidation (numerical).................................................................................. 19
5.4 Test 3: Consolidation (numerical) with real porewater pressure distribution ................ 21
5.5 Test 4: Consolidation (numerical) with actual porewater pressure distribution and
time-dependent loading function.................................................................................... 23
time-dependent loading function and boundary condition............................................. 24
5.7 Test 6: Consolidation (analytical) with vertical drains................................................... 24
5.8 Test 7: Consolidation (numerical) with vertical drains and actual porewater pressure
distribution and time-dependent loading function.......................................................... 26
5.9 Test 8: Worked example with compression index CC .................................................... 28
6 Description of menu items................................................................................................. 31
6.1 File menu........................................................................................................................ 31
6.1.1 "New" menu item................................................................................................... 31
6.1.2 "Load" menu item .................................................................................................. 31
6.1.3 "Save" menu item .................................................................................................. 31
6.1.4 "Save as" menu item .............................................................................................. 31
6.1.5 "Printer preferences" menu item ............................................................................ 32
6.1.6 "Print and export" menu item ................................................................................ 32
6.1.7 "Batch print" menu item ........................................................................................ 34
6.1.8 "Exit" menu item.................................................................................................... 34
6.1.9 "1, 2, 3, 4" menu items........................................................................................... 34
6.2 Edit menu ....................................................................................................................... 35
6.2.1 "Project identification" menu item......................................................................... 35
6.2.2 "Type of consolidation" menu item ....................................................................... 35
6.2.3 "System parameters" menu item ............................................................................ 36
6.2.3.1 Analytical methods........................................................................................ 36
6.2.3.2 Numerical methods........................................................................................ 38
6.2.4 "Define times" menu item...................................................................................... 39
6.2.5 "Select times" menu item....................................................................................... 40
GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 2 of 62 November 2005

6.2.6 "Soils" menu item .................................................................................................. 40
6.2.7 "Soils (reloading)" menu item ............................................................................... 42
6.2.8 "Porewater pressure (max)" menu item ................................................................. 42
6.2.9 "Boundary conditions" menu item......................................................................... 43
6.2.10 "Load increase" menu item.................................................................................... 44
6.2.11 "Installation time (vertical drains)" menu item ...................................................... 45
6.2.12 "cv(axial)/cv" menu item ....................................................................................... 45
6.3 System menu .................................................................................................................. 45
6.3.1 "Analyse" menu item ............................................................................................. 45
6.4 Output preferences menu ............................................................................................... 46
6.4.1 "General legend" menu item.................................................................................. 46
6.4.2 "Porewater pressure/consolidation ratio" menu item............................................. 47
6.4.3 "Time-settlement" menu item ................................................................................ 49
6.4.4 "System" menu item............................................................................................... 50
6.4.5 "Output table" menu item ...................................................................................... 51
6.4.6 "Soil properties" menu item................................................................................... 52
6.4.7 "Load curve" menu item ........................................................................................ 53
6.4.8 "Pore ratio diagram" menu item............................................................................. 54
6.4.9 "Page size and margins" menu item....................................................................... 55
6.4.10 "Move objects" menu item..................................................................................... 55
6.5 Graphics preferences menu ............................................................................................ 56
6.5.1 "Refresh and zoom" menu item ............................................................................. 56
6.5.2 "Zoom info" menu item ......................................................................................... 56
6.5.3 "Legend font selection" menu item........................................................................ 56
6.5.4 "With borders" menu item ..................................................................................... 56
6.5.5 "Pen colour and width" menu item ........................................................................ 57
6.5.6 "Mini-CAD toolbar" menu item ............................................................................ 57
6.5.7 "Toolbar preferences" menu item .......................................................................... 58
6.5.8 "Load graphics preferences" menu item ................................................................ 59
6.5.9 "Save graphics preferences" menu item................................................................. 59
6.6 ? menu ............................................................................................................................ 59
6.6.1 "Copyright" menu item .......................................................................................... 59
6.6.2 "Help" menu item .................................................................................................. 59
6.6.3 "GGU on the web" menu item ............................................................................... 59
6.6.4 "GGU support" menu item..................................................................................... 59
6.6.5 "What's new?" menu item...................................................................................... 59
6.6.6 "Language preferences" menu item ....................................................................... 59
7 Tips...................................................................................................................................... 60
8 Index.................................................................................................................................... 61

List of figures:
Figure 1 Consolidation layer ...........................................................................................................9

Figure 2 Step function....................................................................................................................11
Figure 3 Stress - pore ratio relationship (GGU-OEDOM program).............................................12
Figure 4 Stress - compression index relationship (GGU-OEDOM program)...............................13
Figure 5 Vertical drains.................................................................................................................14
Figure 6 Example system ...............................................................................................................15
Figure 7 Section of example system ...............................................................................................28
Figure 8 Porewater pressure diagram test 8 .................................................................................30

1 Preface
If cohesive layers are loaded faster than they can expel their porewater, excess porewater pres-
sures result, which are only gradually dissipated. This process is known as consolidation.
Settlement analyses to DIN 4019 do not take the fact into consideration that a large part of the
settlement is often already complete during the construction phase. Most buildings are already
being subjected to 80% of final loads by the time the shell is complete. Settlements, and therefore
differential settlements, are generally non-critical at this stage, as they are manifested in masonry
and other joints, which are then covered by pointing and paintwork in the "post-shell" phase. For
cohesive soils in particular, therefore, a forecast of the temporal development of settlements, even
for "simple" buildings, is an vital prerequisite for the safe judgement of possibly damaging differ-
ential settlements. The GGU-CONSOLIDATE program can assist you in these tasks.
The GGU-CONSOLIDATE program system allows the analysis of one-dimensional consolida-

tion processes in single- and multi-layered systems. Any porewater distribution configuration may
be defined. Using this program, you can also generate a porewater pressure distribution resulting
from a foundation load. The de-watering conditions at the upper and lower layer boundaries can
be defined separately. A load can also be applied to the system as a function of the time.
Beside the calculation of analytically derived solutions (Terzaghi), the GGU-CONSOLIDATE

program is also capable of numerically modelling multi-layered systems. As well as classical con-
solidation theory, systems with installed vertical drainage can also be investigated. A combination
of both systems (with and without vertical drainage) is also possible.
Thus, five different consolidation types are offered:
• Consolidation (analytical)
One-dimensional consolidation theory after Terzaghi for a system with one layer and con-
stant porewater pressure distribution across the whole layer depth at time t = 0. Modelling
is performed using the analytical relationships given in the literature.
• Consolidation (numerical)
One-dimensional consolidation theory after Terzaghi for a system with several layers and
arbitrary porewater pressure distribution at time t = 0. Furthermore, loading can be defined
as a function of time. Modelling is numerical, using difference equations. The modelling of
one-layer systems with constant porewater distribution using available analytical solutions
as described above can of course also be performed with the numerical model. Analytical
consolidation has nevertheless been incorporated into the program, as this solution will al-
ways require shorter calculation times. Furthermore, you can check the very good quality
of the numerical solution on simple examples.
• Consolidation (analytical) with vertical drainage
Consolidation theory in a system with vertical drains. Porewater pressure dissipation is al-
ways directed horizontally towards the vertical drains. The porewater pressure is therefore
temporally constant across the whole layer depth. Input of layer thickness in such systems
is superfluous and has no influence on the temporal course of settlement.
• Consolidation (numerical) with vertical drainage
In complete analogy to analytical modelling, a multi-layer system with vertical drainage
can be processed. Here too, porewater pressure dissipation is exclusively horizontal to-
wards the vertical drains. The porewater pressure is therefore temporally constant in each
layer. As the porewater pressure is integrated across the layer for the whole time range,
layer thickness input for multiple layer systems is important for the temporal settlement
course, in contrast to one-layer systems.

• Consolidation (numerical) with both types
It is possible to investigate systems in which vertical drains are only installed at a later,
user-defined time.
All principal data and modelling results will be displayed on the screen. A total of five, or eight,
graphical elements (see menu "Output preferences") can be presented:
• Legend with general information

• Table with the consolidation values at specified times
• Porewater pressure profile/consolidation ratio across the layer depth
• System visualisation
• Time-dependent development of degree of consolidation, settlement or porewater pressure
• Legend with soil properties (numerical modelling only)
• Type of load increase (numerical modelling only)
• Pore ratio diagram (only for calculation with the compression index CC)
The size and position of these five, or eight, elements can be edited as wished. Colour output and
graphics (e.g. files in formats BMP, JPG, PSP, TIF, etc.) are supported and can be imported by
means of the integrated Mini-CAD module (see the "Mini-CAD" manual). Stamp fields (e.g.
company logo) can be added in that manner. The default presentation is an A3 page. You can also
define your own page format if desired (e.g. A0).
Data input is in accordance with WINDOWS conventions and can therefore be learned almost
without the use of a manual. Graphics output supports the true-type fonts supplied with
WINDOWS, so that excellent layout is guaranteed.
The program has been thoroughly tested. No faults have been found. Nevertheless, liability for
completeness and correctness of the program and the manual, and for any damage resulting from
incompleteness or incorrectness, cannot be accepted.

2 Licence protection
In order to guarantee a high degree of quality, a hardware-based copy protection system is used
for the GGU-CONSOLIDATE program.
The GGU Software protected by the WIBU-KEY copy protection system is only available in con-
junction with the WIBU-BOX copy protection component (hardware for connection to the PC,
"dongle"). Because of the way the system is configured, the protected software can only be oper-
ated with the corresponding WIBU-BOX. This creates a fixed link between the software licence
and the WIBU-BOX copy protection hardware; the licence as such is thus represented by the
WIBU-BOX.
Upon start-up and during running, the GGU-CONSOLIDATE program checks that the dongle
(for the LPT or USB interface) is connected. If it has been removed, the program can no longer be
executed. A printer can be connected via the rear of the LPT dongle.
For installation of GGU software and the WIBU-KEY software please refer to the information in
the Installation notes for GGU Software International, which are supplied with the program.
3 Language selection
GGU-CONSOLIDATE is a bilingual program.
The language preferences can be changed at any time in the "?" menu, using the menu item
"Spracheinstellung" (for German) or "Language preferences" (for English).

4 Theoretical principles
4.1 Consolidation theory after Terzaghi and analytical solution
If cohesive layers are loaded faster than they can release their porewater, excess porewater pres-
sures result, which are only gradually dissipated. This process is known as consolidation. Assum-
ing the validity of Darcy's Law (v = k * i) and Hooke's Law (ε = σ'/ES), the following differential
equation must be solved:
ϑ (∆u ( z, t )) k ⋅ E S ϑ (∆u ( z, t ))
= ⋅
ϑt γW ϑz 2
For the one-dimensional case with constant porewater pressure, a closed solution exists (see e.g.
Grundbautaschenbuch 1990, Teil 3 - "Foundation Engineering Pocketbook 1990, Part 3" -, or
Braya M. Das (1983); Advanced Soil Mechanics; McGraw Hill). The following input values are
required:
• ∆u = excess porewater pressure (constant for the whole layer depth) = surcharge p
• Es = constrained modulus of layer
• k = permeability of layer
• d = thickness of layer
• t = time at which the excess porewater pressure is to be determined.
The program computes the consolidation coefficient CV from the constrained modulus and perme-
ability.
CV = ES * k / γW
Where
γW = 10 kN /m³ = unit weight of water
In some cases, this value is known from load-settlement tests, making input of constrained
modulus and permeability superfluous. Using the switch provided, you can define whether input is
to be via constrained modulus + permeability or via consolidation coefficient CV.
Furthermore, the drainage conditions of the layer must be considered:
• Draining to the top and bottom;

• Draining to the top only;
• Draining to the bottom only.

Non-cohesive layer
Nichbindige Schicht
Bindige
CohesiveSchicht
layer
Non-cohesive layer
Nichbindige Schicht
Figure 1 Consolidation layer
In Figure 1, a consolidation layer is shown, which can drain to the top and bottom. The porewater
pressure distribution is constant across the whole layer depth and corresponds to the surcharge
load p, which can be defined within the program. The program models the porewater pressure
distribution u across the layer depth in definable, constant, vertical steps, at user-defined times..
The area of the porewater pressure distributions is numerically integrated. By comparing this with
the constant pressure distribution in the unconsolidated state (t = 0), the degree of consolidation U
can be determined. The following is valid:
s(t ) ∫ u (t ) ⋅ dx
U= = 1,0 −
s(t = ∞) ∫ u (t = 0) ⋅ dx
A further term is the consolidation ratio Uz, which is defined as:
U z = 1,0 − u / um
where
u = porewater pressure
and um = u / surcharge load

4.2 Numerical solution with difference equations
4.2.1 Fundamentals
In complete analogy to the above relationships, a numerical solution can also be modelled with
difference equations. The numerical solution offers no advantages for the system described in the
above figure, as generally more time will be needed to model the results. The uncontested advan-
tages of the numerical solution for a consolidation problem can only be brought into play if a
system with more than one layer is being processed and/or if the porewater pressure distribution at
time t = 0 is not constant across the whole layer depth. The relationships used to solve the problem
can be found in
• Braya M. Das (1983)

ADVANCED SOIL MECHANICS
McGraw-Hill
and are comprehensively described there. There is no need to ruminate on the derivations at this
point.
Difference equations are applied to the depth distribution of the porewater pressures as well as to
the time dimension. It is important to remember that the quality of the numerical solution is de-
pendent upon the iteration size (small iterations = high precision but longer computing times). The
depth distribution steps for porewater pressures (∆z) can be user-defined. The time dimension step
∆t will be automatically selected by the program such that convergence is guaranteed. The follow-
ing is valid after Das with regard to the relationship of the normalised values ∆z and ∆t:
∆t / (∆z)² < 0.5
In the program, the stricter demand of 0.2 is implemented as opposed to 0.5.
4.2.2 Multi-layered system
When you investigate a multi-layered system with differing permeabilities or - strictly theoreti-
cally - differing consolidation coefficients CV, the program must always orient itself around the
larger permeability value with regard to defining the necessary time steps. As rapid changes in
porewater pressure can take place in layers with high permeability, a very small time step must be
selected in order to achieve sufficiently accurate results. If both low-permeability and high-
permeability soils are present, long consolidation times are required. In extreme situations this can
lead to modelling times which, depending on the power of the computer used, can easily require
several days (!).
High-permeability soils require only small time steps.

Low-permeability soils require longer consolidation times.
For example, extreme modelling times may occur if you arrange a permeable sand layer (e.g.
k = 10-4 m/s) between two cohesive layers of low permeability (e.g. k = 10-9 m/s). In such systems
the sand layer can generally be neglected, unless it can drain externally to the system. In this case
it is simpler not to model this soil as sand, but instead to define boundary conditions for the sand
region with, e.g., a porewater pressure u = 0.

Before each computation commences, the program will estimate the expected modelling time; this
helps to visualise the problem of long modelling times. You can then attempt to reduce the model-
ling time by making sensible increases in the iteration steps (depth). But also remember that this
decreases the quality of the solution. You should also investigate the system with a view to possi-
ble simplifications. A permeable layer at the upper or lower system boundary can generally be
ignored. A permeable sand layer between two layers of low permeability also plays an important
role only if it can drain externally to the system under consideration (see above).
4.2.3 Continuous load application
The previous explanations assume that the load is applied immediately. Generally, however, load
application is continuous during the construction phase of the structure. This effect can be consid-
ered by the program. To do this, define the load increase as a function of time using a polygon
course. A linear increase, for example, would then be converted to a step function. The type of
step function is dependent upon the times given by you for consolidation modelling.
Actual load increase

100 %
Step function
Selected consolidation times
Figure 2 Step function
If you would like a more precise approximation of the linear course, you need only donate a few
additional times in the load increase region when carrying out system input. The load increase
need not necessarily be defined as linear but can be entered as any polygon course. In previous
program versions only monotonic load increase was allowed. In the current version, modelling
with load decrease is also possible.
You will attain theoretically correct results if the consolidation coefficient Cv is the same
for load increase and decrease.

4.3 Consolidation settlements for non-linear compression
This approach is based on a suggestion by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hartmut Schulz. The explanatory text
originates principally from Prof. Schulz.
In Figure 3, this approach is demonstrated. Such representations are attained from the evaluation
of load-settlement tests. The GGU-OEDOM program allows such representations and test evalua-
tions.
Normalspannung [kN/m²] (logarithmisch)

10 20 50 100 200 500 1000
0.50
0.40
Porenzahl [-]
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
Figure 3 Stress - pore ratio relationship (GGU-OEDOM program)
The initial assumption is of a linear reduction of the pore ratio e with the logarithm of the effective
vertical stress σ'. From this, the compression ε is found by relating it to the total volume.
CC σ ' ( z , t ) + ∆σ ' ( z, t )
ε ( z, t ) = ∗ ln(
1 − e0 ( z ) σ 0' ( z )
• ε(z,t) = compression as a function of the location z and the time t

• CC = compression index
• e0(z) = pore ratio at z before loading
• σ0' (z) = stress at z before load increase
• ∆σ0' (z,t) = compression change as a function of z and t
The effective vertical stresses as a function of the location z within the layer and the time t during
the consolidation process are already integrated into this equation. Furthermore, the fact that the
pore ratio changes linearly with the logarithm of the stress change is also considered. It follows
from this that the compression index CC is a constant. The evaluation in Figure 3 corresponds to
the example in Figure 4, which shows that in this case the compression index CC is almost con-
stant across the complete stress region (CC ≈ 0.08). Only then can calculations be carried out using
this approach.

Normalspannung
Normal [kN/m²]
stress [kN/m²] (logarithmisch)
(logarithmic)
10 20 50 100 20 0 500 1000
0.14
0.12
CC [--]]
iw ert Cc
0.10
ns beicient
0.08
Kom press iocoeff

0.06
Compession
0.04
0.02
0.00
Figure 4 Stress - compression index relationship (GGU-OEDOM program)
The following input values are required for each layer:
• Compression index CC
• Pore ratio e0(top) = pore ratio e0 at top of layer
• Stress σ' 0(top) = effective stress σ'0 at the top of the layer before loading
• Stress σ' 0(bottom) = effective stress σ'0 at the bottom of the layer before loading
The program first determines the porewater pressure distribution ∆u(t,z) at time t across the layer
depth z. The procedures described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 are applied for this purpose. The stress
change is then calculated:
∆σ'(z,t) = σ0'(z) + ∆u(z,t)
σ0'(z) can be calculated from σ' 0(top) and σ' 0(bottom).
Further, the pore ratio e0(z) is computed from:
e0(z) = e0(top) + ln(σ'0(top)/ σ0'(z))*CC
We now have all variables to facilitate evaluation of the above equation.
CC σ ' ( z , t ) + ∆σ ' ( z, t )
ε ( z, t ) = ∗ ln(
1 − e0 ( z ) σ 0' ( z )
A dimensionless compression for the depth z is acquired for each time step. The integration of
these values across the depth provides the settlement s(t).
D
s (t ) = ∫ ε ( z , t ) ∗ dz
0
D = layer thickness
The equations described here are implemented in the program.

If you use the consolidation coefficient CV and the compression index CC in your calculations, the
program also provides a permeability determined using:
CV ⋅ CC ⋅ γ W
k=
(1 − e0 ) ⋅ σ '
4.4 Analytical solution with vertical drainage
Besides classical consolidation theory, the program also commands cases in which consolidation
is accelerated by vertical drains (e.g. sand drains). These principles are also explained in Braya M.
Das (1983); Advanced Soil Mechanics; McGraw Hill.
Section
Plan
de
dw = 2 * rw
Vertical drain
Area of influence
Figure 5 Vertical drains
The honeycomb structure surrounding a drain can be converted to an equivalent circle, so that
axis-symmetrical consolidation modelling can be performed for each drain. In this case, according
to theory, dissipation of excess porewater pressure only occurs horizontal to the drains (axis-
symmetrical), so the drainage conditions at the top and base of the layer need not be given. How-
ever, the centres de of the drains and the radius rw of the drains must be given. In consolidation
layers with vertical drains the excess porewater pressure at any time is constant across the whole
layer depth. The excess porewater pressure is, however, variable as a function of the distance r
from the axis of the vertical drain. GGU-CONSOLIDATE determines the average porewater
pressure distribution.
4.5 Numerical solution with vertical drainage
In contrast to the analytical solution with vertical drainage, the numerical solution also allows
multi-layer systems, arbitrary porewater pressure distribution and load increase. Analytical meth-
ods with horizontal subdivisions, the spacing of which can be defined using the menu item "Edit /
System parameters", are used for modelling the numerical solution in accordance with the previ-
ous sections. The consolidation degree U is then determined using numerical integration for the
given times.

5 Short introduction using a worked example
5.1 Example system
The following system is given:
Layer A
Layer B
Figure 6 Example system
The unit weight of the embankment material is 19 kN/m³. The crown width is 5.0 m. The slopes
are inclined at 1 : 1.5. The following laboratory test values were determined for both consolidation
layers:
• Layer A
ES = 4 MN/m²
k = 1 * 10-8 m/s
• Layer B
ES = 2 MN/m²
k = 1 * 10-9 m/s
The maximum surcharge on the embankment is 5 * 19 = 95 kN/m². The system can drain to the
top and bottom. The settlement at time t = ∞ is approx. 40 cm. The embankment is tipped in
approx. 100 days. The question to be clarified is: at what point in time is 80 % of settlement
achieved.

5.2 Test 1: Consolidation (analytical)
First, the system will be investigated using classical consolidation theory. As this is actually a two-
layer system, we must simplify. The most brutal type of simplification is to model with a layer
thickness of 10.5 m, the smallest constrained modulus of ES = 2 MN/m² and the smallest perme-
ability of k = 10-9 m/s.
Start the program. Select the menu item "File / New" or, if you already have a file loaded, "Edit /
Type of consolidation" and enter the preferences from the following dialogue box:

Select the menu item "Edit / System parameters" and enter the values from the following dia-
logue box:
Select the menu item "Edit / Define times". The times given here are unsuitable for this problem,
as the consolidation time will certainly be more than 12 days for the current system. You can eas-
ily convince yourself of this by leaving the box with "Cancel" and selecting the menu item "Sys-
tem / Analyse" and then examining the temporal development of the degree of consolidation in
the diagram at the lower right. If necessary, use the zoom function to enlarge the diagram (menu
item "Graphics preferences / Zoom info"). Now return to this menu item. You can now indi-
vidually edit the times given in the input fields; this is simpler, however, with the "Generate"
button.

Enter the values as shown in the dialogue box and confirm with "OK". Don't forget to activate the
"Quadratic" check box. Voila!
You have now generated a time series with a quadratic increase up to 901 days. Leave the dia-
logue box using "Close".
Now select the "System / Analyse" menu item. After a short time you will see the results. If eve-
rything has been entered correctly you can see from the time-settlement graphic at the lower right
that around 900 days are needed until 80% settlement has occurred. Alternatively, you can read
off the respective values from the table at the left page margin.
A 3-year embankment lying time would be unacceptable to the client. The system will therefore be
examined below in more detail.

5.3 Test 2: Consolidation (numerical)
With numerical consolidation, the two-layer system can be considered. Select the following pref-
erences from the menu item "Edit / Type of consolidation":
The number of menu items in the "Edit" menu has increased. Select the menu item "Edit / System
parameters" and enter the data from the following dialogue box:
You can skip the menu item "Edit / Define times", as the same times as for Test 1 will be used.
Select the menu item "Edit / Soils". Enter the following values into the dialogue box and confirm
with "Close".

Select the menu item "Edit / Porewater pressure (max)", in order to enter the porewater pressure
distribution at the start of consolidation. Edit the number of stresses to 2 with the "x stress(es) to
edit" button. Then enter the values into the dialogue box.
You thus define a constant porewater pressure of 95.0 kN/m² across both layers. Now select the
menu item "System/Analyse". The program first performs an estimate of the modelling time re-
quired. If the forecast modelling time is greater than 5 seconds, a message box opens, allowing
you to start or abort the analysis. Information on reducing the modelling time is available by press-
ing the "Info" button. If you click "Yes", modelling follows. If everything has been entered cor-
rectly you can see from the time-settlement graphic at the lower right that around 350 days are
needed until 80% settlement has occurred. Alternatively, you can also read the respective values
from the table at the left page margin.
In contrast to the brutal forecast of 900 days in Test 1, this more sensitive investigation has
brought about a reduction in the lying time by a factor of approximately 3. The client, however, is
impatient and will still not accept an embankment lying time of around 1 year. The system will
therefore be examined below in even more detail.

5.4 Test 3: Consolidation (numerical) with real porewater pressure distribution
The assumption that the porewater pressure at time t = 0 is constant across the whole layer depth is
not exactly true. Because of the infinite extent of the embankment in section, lower pressures
result. In order to consider the real porewater pressure distribution, select the menu item "Edit /
Porewater pressure (max)" and then the "Generate" button. Enter the values into the dialogue
box.
The foundation width of 12.50 m is approximately the crown width of the embankment and half of
each slope width.
For "Distance foundation base-layer top [m]", the top of the uppermost consolidation
layer should always be taken as reference.
This is not necessarily ground level, but must be taken from the system to be investigated.
In this example, the top of the uppermost consolidation layer is 2.0 m below the embankment; you
must therefore enter a value of 2.0 for "Distance foundation base-layer top [m]". After confirm-
ing with "OK" the program models the stress distribution across the consolidation layers in accor-
dance with elastic-isotropic half-space theory.

Using the "Forward" button, navigate through the list to view the stresses at a depth of 10.5 m.
As an alternative to the automatic generation of porewater pressures you can, of course, also enter
the values manually.
Select the "System/Analyse" menu item. Evaluation of the analysis shows that the consolidation
time for 80% settlement has now been reduced to approx. 330 days, which is, of course, still not
satisfactory for the impatient client.
In the initial task formulation it was noted that the embankment tipping time was around 100 days.
The influence of this will now be investigated.

time-dependent loading function
It will be assumed that the 95 kN/m² surcharge is applied approximately linearly over a period of
100 days. In principal, the program can cope with any kind of stress increase. Select the menu
item "Edit / Load increase". Change the number of load increments to 2 and enter the values
from the following dialogue box.
For times which exceed the final time given here, a load component of 100% will always
be assumed, so that no further input is necessary.
Select the "System/Analyse" menu item. An evaluation of the analysis shows that the consolida-
tion time until 80% settlement is achieved is now around 380 days. However, as this analysis also
includes the tipping time of 100 days, the lying time after completion of tipping is reduced to 280
days, which represents a gain of 50 days compared to the Test 3 model.
The client is still not satisfied with this. Luckily, however, drilling carried out in the meantime has
shown that there is a thin layer of sand between the two cohesive layers, which can drain laterally.
The influence this is investigated in Test 5 below.

time-dependent loading function and boundary condition
Under the assumption that the intercalated sand layer can take on a porewater pressure u = 0, the
system can be adjusted accordingly. Select the menu item "Edit / Boundary conditions" and set
the number of boundary conditions to 1. Then enter the following values:
This simulates a porewater pressure of "0" in the transition zone between the layers during con-
solidation.
Select the "System / Analyse" menu item. An evaluation of the analysis shows that the consolida-
tion time until 80% settlement is achieved is now around 310 days. However, as this analysis also
includes the tipping time of 100 days, the lying time after completion of tipping is reduced to 210
days. The clients asks if it cannot be done quicker. Of course it can, but only using vertical drains
(see Test 6).
5.7 Test 6: Consolidation (analytical) with vertical drains
Select the menu item "Edit / Type of consolidation" and apply the following settings:

Consolidation modelling with vertical drains will first be performed on a one-layer system. It is
therefore necessary, as in Test 1, to simplify the current two-layer system to a system with one
layer. Select the menu item "Edit / System parameters" and enter the values from the following
dialogue box, similar to Test 1. Afterwards, analyse the system.
For drain centres of 1.5 m and a drain radius of 0.05 m the lying time is now only 50 days until
80% of settlements have occurred. The client is still not satisfied with this. So, last try!

5.8 Test 7: Consolidation (numerical) with vertical drains and actual porewater
pressure distribution and time-dependent loading function
In analogy to Test 4, a two-layer system will now be investigated. Select the following preferences
from the menu item "Edit / Type of consolidation":
In "Edit / System parameters", enter the following values:
Input for soil properties, porewater pressure distribution and load increases are analogous to Tests
2 to 4.

Boundary conditions can not be applied for numerical modelling of vertical drains.
The analysis shows that - after the tipping time of 100 days is complete - 80% of settlements have
occurred after a further lying time of only 10 days. This is still too long for the client.
Complete soil replacement is currently planned within the protection of a complex sheet pile wall
structure. The replacement material has a permeability of > 1 * 10-5 m/s. Apart from the substan-
tial reduction in absolute settlements, a projection of the time-settlement profile shows that 99% of
settlement has already occurred after approx. 2 hours. Can we live with this?

5.9 Test 8: Worked example with compression index CC
On the basis of Test 5 (see Section 5.6), time-settlement analysis with compression indices (see
Section 4.3) shall now be demonstrated. In addition to the values from Test 5, we need the follow-
ing input data:
• Compression index CC
• Pore ratio e0(top) = pore ratio e0 at top of layer
• Stress σ'0(top) = effective stress σ'0 at the top of the layer before loading
• Stress σ'0(bottom) = effective stress σ'0 at the bottom of the layer before loading
The compression indices CC and the pore ratio e0(top) are known from load-settlement tests.
• Layer A
CC = 0.08
e0(top) = 0.42
• Layer B
CC = 0.11
e0(top) = 0.45
The stresses σ'0(top) and σ'0(bottom) prior to loading can be determined from the unit weights of the
individual layers and their thicknesses. We have the following unit weights:
Figure 7 Section of example system
• Sand
γ/γ ' = 20/10 kN /m³
• Layer A
γ ' = 8 kN /m³
• Layer B
γ ' = 5 kN /m³

The groundwater level is at 1.0 m below the embankment formation level. This gives us the
following stress values:
• Layer A
σ'0(top) = 1.0 * 20.0 + 1.0 * 10.0 = 30 kN/m²
σ'0(bottom) = 30.0 + 4.0 * 8.0 = 62 kN/m²
• Layer B
σ'0(top) = 62 kN/m²
σ'0(bottom) = 62.0 + 6.5 * 5.0 = 94.5 kN/m²
Now enter the values from Test 5. Then select the menu item "Edit / System parameters". Acti-
vate the button "With compression index Cc" and confirm with "OK".
Select the menu item "Edit / Soils" and enter the following values:

Go to the "System / Analyse" menu item. The various result graphics are then displayed on the
screen, including the porewater pressure diagram.
Figure 8 Porewater pressure diagram test 8
Double-clicking in the diagram opens the editor box; here, you can select a visualisation using 101
days by pressing the "Select times" button. The effective stresses σ'0 are also displayed in the
porewater pressure diagram.
An evaluation of the analysis shows that the consolidation time until 80% settlement is achieved is
around 270 days. However, as this analysis also includes the tipping time of 100 days, the lying
time after completion of tipping is reduced to 170 days.

6 Description of menu items
6.1 File menu
6.1.1 "New" menu item
The desired solution method can be defined in a dialogue box. You will see the same dialogue box
by going to the "Edit/Type of consolidation" menu item.
In the dialogue box you define the unit of time to work with and whether the constrained modulus
is given as "kN/m²" or "MN/m²". Explanations of the consolidation types can be found in the
"Preface" and in the "Theoretical principles" sections.
6.1.2 "Load" menu item
You can load a file with system parameters, which was created and saved at a previous sitting, and
then edit the system.
6.1.3 "Save" menu item
You can save data entered or edited during program use to a file, in order to have them available at
a later date, or to archive them. The data is saved without query with the name of the current file.
Loading again later creates exactly the same presentation as was present at the time of saving.
6.1.4 "Save as" menu item
You can save data entered during program use to an existing file or to a new file, i.e. using a new
file name. For reasons of clarity, it makes sense to use ".KON" as file suffix, as this is the suffix
used in the file requester box for the menu item "File / Load". If you choose not to enter an exten-
sion when saving, ".KON" will be used automatically.

6.1.5 "Printer preferences" menu item
You can edit printer preferences (e.g. swap between portrait and landscape) or change the printer
in accordance with WINDOWS conventions.
6.1.6 "Print and export" menu item
You can select your output format in a dialogue box. You have the following options:
• "Printer"
allows graphic output of the current screen contents to the WINDOWS standard printer or
to any other printer selected using the menu item "File / Print preferences ". For direct
output, the following dialogue box appears
• In the upper group box, the maximum dimensions which the printer can accept are given.
Below this, the dimensions of the image to be printed are given. If the image is larger than
the output format of the printer, the image will be printed to several pages (in the above ex-
ample, 4). In order to facilitate better re-connection of the images, the possibility of enter-
ing an overlap for each page, in x and y direction, is given. Alternatively, you also have the
possibility of selecting a smaller zoom factor, ensuring output to one page ("Fit to page"
button). Following this, you can enlarge to the original format on a copying machine, to en-
sure true scaling. Furthermore, you may enter the number of copies to be printed.
• "DXF file"
allows output of the graphics to a DXF file. DXF is a common file format for transferring
graphics between a variety of applications.
• "GGUCAD file"
allows output of the graphics to a file, in order to enable further processing with the
GGUCAD program. Compared to output as a DXF file this has the advantage that no loss
of colour quality occurs during export.

• "Clipboard"
The graphics are copied to the WINDOWS clipboard. From there, they can be imported
into other WINDOWS programs for further processing, e.g. into a word processor. In order
to import into any other WINDOWS program you must generally use the "Edit / Paste"
function of the respective application.
• "Metafile"
allows output of the graphics to a file in order to be further processed with third party soft-
ware. Output is in the standardised EMF format (Enhanced Metafile format). Use of the
Metafile format guarantees the best possible quality when transferring graphics.
If you select the "Copy area" tool from the toolbar, you can copy parts of the graph-
ics to the clipboard or save them to an EMF file.
Using the "Mini-CAD" program module you can also import EMF files generated using
other GGU applications into your graphics.
• "MiniCAD"
allows export of the graphics to a file in order to enable importing to different GGU appli-
cations with the MiniCAD module.
• "GGUMiniCAD"
allows export of the graphics to a file in order to enable processing in the GGUMiniCAD
program.
• "Cancel"
Printing is cancelled.

6.1.7 "Batch print" menu item
If you would like to print several annexes at once, select this menu item. You will see the follow-
ing dialogue box:
Create a list of files for printing using "Add" and selecting the desired files. The number of files is
displayed in the dialogue box header. Using "Delete" you can mark and delete selected individual
files from the list. After selecting the "Delete all" button, you can compile a new list. Selection of
the desired printer and printer preferences is achieved by pressing the "Printer" button.
You then start printing by using the "Print" button. In the dialogue box which then appears you
can select further preferences for printer output such as, e.g., the number of copies. These prefer-
ences will be applied to all files in the list.
6.1.8 "Exit" menu item
After a confirmation prompt, you can quit the program.
6.1.9 "1, 2, 3, 4" menu items
The "1, 2, 3, 4" menu items show the last four files worked on. By selecting one of these menu
items the listed file will be loaded. If you have saved files in any other folder than the program
folder, you can save yourself the occasionally onerous rummaging through various sub-folders.

6.2 Edit menu
6.2.1 "Project identification" menu item
You may enter a more detailed description of the system , which will be automatically entered into
the "General legend" (see Section 6.4.1).
6.2.2 "Type of consolidation" menu item
Using this menu item you can edit the default preferences of the current system. The dialogue box
corresponds to the box in the menu item "File / New" (see descriptions in Section 6.1.1).

6.2.3 "System parameters" menu item
6.2.3.1 Analytical methods
The governing system boundary conditions are entered using the menu item "Edit / System pa-
rameters". If you have chosen to use an analytical method to solve the problem, you will see the
following dialogue box (example):
Using classical consolidation
You must first enter the layer thickness and the load that initiates the consolidation process.
In order to properly model the temporal development of settlement, the consolidation coefficient
CV is required. This can be calculated from the constrained modulus ES and the permeability coef-
ficient k or be entered directly, if the value is known from oedometer tests. Enter your data ac-
cording to the activated check boxes.

Alternatively, the settlements can also be calculated using the compression index CC. Further in-
formation on this can be read by pressing the "Info" button after activating the "Use" compression
index CC check box. In the English-speaking world, in contrast to Germany, the compression
index CC is not defined to base loge, but to base log10. This can be specified here.
For the "Classical consolidation (analytical)" you then define the drainage conditions (see lower
section of the above dialogue box). The number given after "No. of depth subdivisions" defines
the number of points at which the program determines the porewater pressure. Because the pro-
gram performs an integration of the porewater pressures at these points to determine the degree of
consolidation, you should ensure that the number of subdivisions is not too small.
For a system utilising "Consolidation (analytical) with vertical drains", drainage is exclusively
horizontal, resulting in constant porewater pressures across the layer thickness for all time steps.
The "No. of depth subdivisions" in a system with vertical drains can therefore be defined using
the minimum value of "3", thereby reducing modelling time. For the same reason, layer thickness
does not influence the modelling results. It is only useful for the graphical representation of the
porewater pressure distribution.
It is not necessary to define drainage conditions in a system employing vertical drains. Instead of
the drainage conditions the "Vertical drainage geometry" group box is shown. Here, you define
the drain centres and the drain radius (also see Figure 5 in "Theoretical principles", Section 4.4).
Using consolidation with vertical drains

6.2.3.2 Numerical methods
If you chose to employ a numerical solution method, you need only select general boundary con-
ditions in "Edit/System parameters". Input of soil properties can be carried out by going to the
"Edit/Soils" menu item (see Section 6.2.6). When you go to "Consolidation with both types
(numerical)", the following dialogue box opens
You must first enter the depth increment (difference equations). The proposed default value of
0.05 is generally sufficient for all but very thin layers. If you are unsure about the selected time
increment, repeat a previous calculation using either half or double the increment and then com-
pare the two results. If the deviation is only minor, the selected time increment was sufficiently
small.
Here, you also specify whether modelling is carried out using the consolidation coefficient CV
and/or the compression index CC.
Define the drainage conditions and the dimensions of the vertical drains in the lower group box. If
you select one of the other numerical methods in the "Edit / Type of consolidation" menu item,
only the respective relevant group box ("Drainage conditions" or "Vertical drains") is displayed.

6.2.4 "Define times" menu item
This menu item allows you to define times for the consolidation analysis.
If you would like to edit the number of times used, press the "x times to edit" button and then
enter the new number of times. Use the "Sort" button to achieve ascending sorting of times. This
sorting is carried out automatically upon leaving the dialogue box, without the function being
explicitly called-up.
You can also use this function to eliminate a time from the table.
Simply assign the time to be eliminated a large value (e.g. 9999.0) and then click the
"Sort" button. The corresponding time is now the last time in the table and can be deleted
by reducing the number of times accordingly.
Using the "Generate" button you can easily generate a large number of new times applying a
predefined increase mechanism (also see the example in Test 1, Section 5.2).

6.2.5 "Select times" menu item
Using this menu item you can select certain of the defined times to be displayed in the porewater
pressure distribution or consolidation ratio graphics.
All times are activated by pressing the "All" button. All times are deactivated by pressing the
"None" button. This menu item is particularly useful because as many points (times) as possible
should be used in order to achieve a continuous smooth course in the graphical representation of
the temporal development of the consolidation degree. However, too many distribution lines dis-
turb the graphical representation of porewater pressure profiles, as they often merge into one an-
other.
6.2.6 "Soils" menu item
This menu item is only available for the numerical methods. The soil properties are entered
in "Edit / System parameters" when employing analytical methods.
First, define the number of soils in your system using the "x soil(s) to edit" button. Using the
"Sort" button, you can sort the soils according to depth; otherwise, sorting is carried out automati-
cally upon leaving the dialogue box. To delete soil layers simply assign the soil a large depth
value (e.g. 99.0) and then press the "Sort" button. The corresponding soil is now at the end of the
table and can be deleted by reducing the number of soils accordingly.
If you activated neither "With consolidation coefficient CV" nor "With compression index CC"
in the "Edit / System parameters" menu item, you will see the following dialogue box.
The layer depths (base) are with reference to the top of the uppermost consolidation layer, as are
all other inputs. Furthermore:
• ES = constrained modulus of soil [kN/m²]

• k = permeability of soil [m/s].

You can alter the units for the constrained modulus to "kN/m²" in "Edit/Type of consolidation".
In order to allow modelling of the temporal development of settlement, the consolidation coeffi-
cient CV is required. This can be calculated from the constrained modulus ES and the permeability
coefficient k:
CV = ES * k / gamma(water)
Using the "Calculate" buttons it is possible to determine the constrained modulus or the value of k
for a given value of CV and to adopt this as the new parameter.
If you activated "With consolidation coefficient CV" in the "Edit/System parameters" menu
item, enter the value of k and the consolidation coefficient into the slightly different dialogue box.
If you activated "With consolidation coefficient CV" in the "Edit/System parameters" menu
item, the soils dialogue box is expanded by the corresponding parameters. Depending on whether
you are also working with the consolidation coefficient CV, you will see the corresponding input
boxes for CV or constrained modulus and k.

6.2.7 "Soils (reloading)" menu item
This menu item is only available if you have selected numerical methods and you are
working with a non-monotonous load increase.
In the dialogue box you define the ratio of the constrained modulus for reloading to the con-
strained modulus for initial loading for each type of soil. If you are working with the compression
index, define CC/CS accordingly.
6.2.8 "Porewater pressure (max)" menu item
This menu item is only active if you have selected one of the numerical methods.
If you would like to edit the number of stresses, select the "x stresses to edit" button and then
enter the new number of stresses. Using the "Sort" button, you can sort the stresses according to
depth. This sorting is carried out automatically upon leaving the dialogue box, without the func-
tion being explicitly called-up.
The layer depths (base) are with reference to the top of the uppermost consolidation layer, as are
all other inputs. You must also define the governing porewater pressures u corresponding to the
given depths.
The porewater pressure distribution can be saved to a "*.kon_spg" file using the "Save" button; it
can be reloaded later using the "Load" button and thus be adopted for a different system.

A special delicacy here is the "Generate" button:
It allows you to generate the stress distribution of any footing foundation at either the characteris-
tic point or at the foundation centre. The "Increment (depth)" input specifies the depth subdivi-
sions at which the stresses are calculated. If the footing is located above the consolidating layer,
specify the distance in "Distance foundation base - layer top".
6.2.9 "Boundary conditions" menu item
This menu item is only active if you have selected "Classical consolidation (numerical)"
as the consolidation type.
If there are permeable layers within the system which can drain externally, it is possible to use this
menu item to take this influence into consideration by means of boundary conditions (also see
"Theoretical principles", Section 4.2.2).
Enter the depth and the respective porewater pressure, which will then be kept constant for a sub-
sequent analysis for the entire duration of consolidation.

6.2.10 "Load increase" menu item
Consideration of a continuous load application during a structure's entire manufacturing phase can
be achieved using this menu item. Using the "x load increments to edit" button in the following
dialogue box you first define the number of load increases.
The load increase need not necessarily be defined as linear but can be entered as any kind of poly-
gon course. Define the time and corresponding percentage load increase. It is also possible to
model a load decrease.
The increase is then converted to a step function. The exact form of the step function depends on
the time steps selected for use in the consolidation analysis (see menu item "Edit / Define times",
Section Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.).
Actual load increase

100 %
Step function
Selected consolidation times
The more consolidation times are defined in the region of the load increase, the more precise will
be the approximation of the real function to the step function.

6.2.11 "Installation time (vertical drains)" menu item
This menu item is only active if you have selected "Consolidation with both types (nu-
merical)" as the consolidation type.
You must define the installation time of the vertical drains. The time from which the vertical
drains are incorporated in the analysis is marked in the evaluation diagrams.
6.2.12 "cv(axial)/cv" menu item
This menu item is only active if you have selected "Consolidation with both types (nu-
merical)" as the consolidation type.
You define the ratio of the consolidation coefficients CV (axial)/CV .
6.3 System menu
6.3.1 "Analyse" menu item
This starts the analysis. The program first performs an estimate of the modelling time required. If
the forecast modelling time is greater than 5 seconds, a message box opens, allowing you to start
or abort the analysis. Information on reducing the modelling time is available by pressing the
"Info" button. If you click "Yes", modelling follows. Once complete, the modelled system is dis-
played.

6.4 Output preferences menu
6.4.1 "General legend" menu item
A legend with general properties will be displayed on your output sheet if you have activated the
"Show legend" check box. Using this menu item you can alter the type of presentation.
You can edit the legend "Heading" at will. The position of the legend can be defined and edited
using the values "x value" and "y value". You control the size of the legend using "Font size" and
"Max. no. of lines"; where necessary, several columns are used.
The fastest way to modify the position of the legend is to press the [F11] function key and
then to pull the legend to the new position with the left mouse button pressed.
The file name can be switched off ("None" option button) or be displayed automatically with or
without the path by selecting the appropriate "Short" or "Long" option button.
Any project identification entered (see Section 6.2.1) will also be shown in the general legend.

6.4.2 "Porewater pressure/consolidation ratio" menu item
If you activate the "Show porewater pressure/consolidation ratio" check box in the dialogue
box for this menu item, your output sheet will display a graphical representation of the porewater
pressure profile across the depth, or the consolidation ratio (see "Theoretical principles"). A
variety of settings are available in the dialogue box, depending on the type of consolidation se-
lected and the system defaults.
You can define and edit the position of the graphics by editing the values "x" and "y", and
"Width" and "Height". You can also edit these values from within the screen presentation by
pressing the [F11] function key (see Section 6.4.10).
With the help of the combi-box below "X axis as:", the representation of the x-axis can be
switched from porewater pressure in [kN/m²] or [MN/m²] to a representation as the dimensionless
consolidation ratio UZ. The porewater pressures can also be saved as an ASCII file. Here, you can
define the time up to which the values are saved in the dialogue box.
The "Select times" button activates the same dialogue box as that which opens using the menu
item "Edit / Select times" (see Section 6.2.5).

If you activate the "Show porewater pressure/consolidation ratio" check box the distribution
lines are labelled with either the "Times" or the auxiliary value "TV". TV is defined as
TV = CV / H² * t
CV = consolidation coefficient = k * ES/γW

H = layer thickness
t = time
Representation of the curve by means of "TV" is generally only useful when re-modelling
standardised curves from the literature.
You can specify the "Font size" and define your own axes values. After clicking on "Define axes"
you specify the "Max. ratio" of the x- and y-axes.
If you activate the "Show soil layers" check box, the current soil sequence is displayed in the
graphics. This check box is only available when using a numerical method. When modelling with
the compression index CC a number of selections affecting the representation can be made in the
lower group box. You are also offered the option of marking the time of installation for subse-
quently installed vertical drains (numerical consolidation with both drain types).

6.4.3 "Time-settlement" menu item
If you activate the "Time-settlement display" check box in the dialogue box for this menu item,
the temporal profile of the degree of consolidation is displayed on the screen.
If the "Vertical axis from top to bottom" check box is activated, representation is reversed with
regard to the normal representation of settlements. Using the "Dimensionless time axis as TV"
check box it is possible to switch representation of the time axis to dimensionless TV values. This
is generally only useful when re-modelling standardised curves from the literature.
You can indicate your selected times with a marker; the size, colour and shape of the marker can
be specified in a dialogue box by pressing the "Marker" button. Alternatively, you can choose
user-defined axes or a logarithmic time axis. If the labelling of the time axis is too tight, you can
edit the units of time in the "Edit / Type of consolidation" menu item.

In the "Vertical axis as" group box you define the variable to be drawn versus the time axis. This
also activates further fields for specifying preferences with regard to the selected variable, depend-
ing on the chosen representation. In the above dialogue box the "Settlement [cm]" option button
is activated. So the "Measured settlements" group box is also active and you can display individ-
ual measured values, for example measured at on-site settlement gauges, in addition to the calcu-
lated settlement curve. The additional measured values are entered into a separate dialogue box
which opens after you click the "Edit" button.
Further graphic elements can be activated at the bottom of the dialogue box. For example, if you
have defined a load increase, the step function on which modelling is based can be displayed in
the graphics by activating the "Show load curve" check box. This makes a separate representation
of the load curve unnecessary (see Section ).
6.4.4 "System" menu item
The current system is displayed in the graphics when you activate the "Show system" check box.
The format and appearance of the graphics can be altered using this menu item.
If you have selected a numerical method for the type of consolidation, you can label the system
diagram with the soil names at the desired position (see dialogue box).

6.4.5 "Output table" menu item
In addition to graphically representing the temporal profile of the degree of consolidation, a table
(output table) containing the degree of consolidation is also displayed if the "Show output table"
check box is activated in the dialogue box. The settlements can also be shown in the output table.
pressing the [F11] function key (see Section 6.4.10). The font size used for the output table entries
is automatically adapted by the program to suit the size of the graphics.
By default, the output table also uses the dimensionless time value TV. The TV entry can be sup-
pressed by deactivating the "Output table with TV" check box. Further entries can also be
adopted for the output table. In addition, it is possible to save the output table by clicking the
"Save values as ASCII file" button.

6.4.6 "Soil properties" menu item
A legend containing the soil properties is displayed with the graphics. If the "Show legend" check
box is activated you can edit the representation in the dialogue box for this menu item.
You can define and edit the position of the legend using the values "x" and "y". The size of the
legend is controlled by the values for "Font size". The fastest way to modify the position of the
legend is to press the [F11] function key and then to pull the legend to the new position while
holding the left mouse button.
If "System coloured" is activated in the combi-box, the soils will be displayed coloured both in
the soil properties legend and in the system graphics (see Section 6.4.4). You can also define ei-
ther hatching or colour fill and hatching for the different soil types in the combi-box. If you select
"System without all", the soils are merely numbered. The depths of the individual soil layers are
shown in the legend if the "With depths" check box is activated. The required settings can be
made in the "Soil colours + hatching" group box.
• "Automatic"
The soils are assigned soils colours automatically by the program. If the check box is not
selected, the soil colours individually defined using the "Soil colours" button will be adop-
ted.
• "Soil colours"
You will see a dialogue box, in which you can define your preferences. After clicking the
button with the desired number you can assign each soil layer a new number or reorganise
using the "Soil colours / Reorganise" command button. You can save your colour prefer-
ences to a file with " Soil colours / Save" and use them for different systems by means of
the " Soil colours / Load" command button. In the lower group box you can also transfer
the colour preferences to the Windows colour management dialogue box, or vice versa, as
user-defined colour preferences for example. You can read a further description by press-
ing the "Info" button.

• "Hatching"
Opens a dialogue box in which you can define different hatching for each soil.
• "Legend hatching factor"
Input here allows tighter hatching in the soil legend. Input < 1.00 can be useful if the hatch-
ing spacing is so large that the differences in the hatching of individual soils can no longer
be properly discerned in the relatively small boxes used in the legend.
6.4.7 "Load curve" menu item
If you have defined a load increase, the load curve can be displayed in the graphics. If the "Show
load curve" check box is activated you can edit the representation in the dialogue box for this
menu item.
In addition to the actual load curve, the step function used as the basis for modelling, resulting
from the user-defined consolidation times, is also represented. Click the "Define axes" button to
alter the axes selected by the program. In the subsequent dialogue box you specify the times and
load values as minimum and maximum values to be used for the x- and y-axes.
You are also offered the option of marking the time of installation for subsequently installed verti-
cal drains (numerical consolidation with both drain types).

6.4.8 "Pore ratio diagram" menu item
This menu item is only active if you have selected Compression index CC for the settle-
ment analysis (see menu item "Edit/System parameters", Section 6.2.3).
If the "Pore ratio diagram display" check box is activated you can edit the graphical representa-
tion in the dialogue box for this menu item.
By pressing the "Marker" button a further dialogue box opens allowing you to define the size,
colour and shape of the marker (e.g. triangle, rectangle, circle) according to your wishes. In order
to suppress a representation with markers, deactivate the "Pore ratio diagram with markers"
check box in this dialogue box.

6.4.9 "Page size and margins" menu item
The default page set-up is A3 when the program is started. You can edit the page format in the
following dialogue box.
• "Page in general" defines the size of the output sheet. The A3 format is set as default. The
program automatically draws thin cutting borders around the page, which are required
when using a plotter on paper rolls. The borders can be switched off using the menu item
"Graphics preferences / With borders".
• "Page margins" defines the position of a frame as a distance to the margins. This frame
encloses the subsequent diagram.
6.4.10 "Move objects" menu item
Select this menu item in order to position legends, diagrams or other graphical elements at the
desired position on the output sheet. You can also move objects by pressing the [F11] function
key and then positioning the objects with the left mouse button pressed. In that case an info-box
appears no more.
It is also possible to alter the size of diagrams by selecting this menu item or after pressing the
[F11] function key. A split line with pointers then appears over the moveable diagram boundaries.

6.5 Graphics preferences menu
6.5.1 "Refresh and zoom" menu item
The program works on the principle of What you see is what you get. This means that the screen
presentation represents, overall, what you will see on your printer. In the last consequence, this
would mean that the screen presentation would have to be refreshed after every alteration you
make. For reasons of efficiency and as this can take several seconds for complex screen contents,
the screen is not refreshed after every alteration.
If, e.g., after using the zoom function (see below), only part of the image is visible, you can
achieve a complete view using this menu item. The zoom factor may be user-defined. It is much
simpler, however, to get a complete overview using the [Esc] key. Using the [F2] key, you can
refresh the screen without altering the zoom factor.
6.5.2 "Zoom info" menu item
By clicking two diametrically opposed points you can enlarge a section of the screen in order to
view details better. An information box provides information on activating the zoom function and
on available options.
6.5.3 "Legend font selection" menu item
With this menu item you can switch to a different true-type font. All available true-type fonts are
displayed in the dialogue box.
6.5.4 "With borders" menu item
The program automatically draws thin cutting borders around the page, which are required when
using a plotter on paper rolls. The borders can be switched on or off using this menu item.

6.5.5 "Pen colour and width" menu item
In order to enhance the clarity of the graphics you can edit the pen settings for various graphical
elements.
You can edit the pen widths types for the elements shown in the dialogue box; by clicking on the
button with the element designation you can also edit the pen colours. The vertical and horizontal
auxiliary lines form the mesh in the graphical representation of the porewater pressure profile and
the degree of consolidation.
On black and white printers (e.g. laser printers), colours are shown in a corresponding grey scale.
Graphic elements employing very light colours may be difficult to see. In such cases it makes
sense to edit the colour preferences.
6.5.6 "Mini-CAD toolbar" menu item
Using this menu item you can add text, lines, circles, polygons and images (e.g. files in formats
BMP, JPG, PSP, TIF, etc.) to the graphics. For details please see the supplied "Mini-CAD" user
manual.
Elements created with the "Mini-CAD toolbar" are based on the page format (in mm). This
makes you independent of the coordinate system and keeps you in the same position on the page.
You should select the "Mini-CAD toolbar" if you wish to place general information on the draw-
ing (company logo, report numbers, plan numbers, stamp etc.). Once you have saved the header
information to disk (see "Mini-CAD" user manual), you can load it into completely different sys-
tems (with different system coordinates). The saved header information will appear in exactly the
same position on the page, which greatly simplifies the creation of general page information.

6.5.7 "Toolbar preferences" menu item
After starting the program a horizontal toolbar appears below the program menu bar. If you would
rather work with a popup window with several columns, you can specify your preferences using
this menu item. The smarticons can also be switched off.
At the bottom of the program window you find a status bar with further information. You can also
activate or switch off the status bar here. The preferences will be saved in the "GGU-
CONSOLIDATE.ALG" file (see menu item "Graphics preferences / Save graphics prefer-
ences") and will be active at the next time the program is started.
By clicking on the tools (Smarticons) you can directly reach most of the program functions. The
meaning of the Smarticons appears as a text box if you hover with the mouse pointer over the
tools. Some of the tool functions can be activated from the normal menu items.
"Zoom out"
If you have previously zoomed in, this tool returns to a full screen display.
"Zoom (-)" / "Zoom (+)"

With the zoom functions you can zoom in or out of parts of the image, by clicking the left mouse
button.
"Undo move object"

By clicking this icon the last performed movement of graphical elements made using the [F11]
function key or the menu item "Graphics preferences / Move objects" can be undone.
"Restore move object"

By clicking this symbol, the last object movement undo carried out using "Undo move object"
can be restored.
"Copy area"
Use this tool if you would like to copy only parts of the graphics in order to paste them, e.g. to a
report. You will see information on this function and can then mark an area, which will be copied
to the clipboard or can be saved in a file.
"Colour on / off"
If you need to remove the colour from the system presentation, to create a black and white print-
out, for example, use this on / off switch.

6.5.8 "Load graphics preferences" menu item
You can reload a graphics preferences file into the program, which was saved using the "Graph-
ics preferences / Save graphics preferences" menu item. Only the corresponding data will be
refreshed.
6.5.9 "Save graphics preferences" menu item
Some of the preferences you made with the menu items of the "Graphics preferences" menu can
be saved to a file. If you select "GGU-CONSOLIDATE.ALG" as file name, and save the file on
the same level as the program, the data will be automatically loaded the next time the program is
started and need not be entered again.
6.6 ? menu
6.6.1 "Copyright" menu item
You will see a copyright message and information on the program version number.
The "System" button shows information on your computer configuration and the folders used by
GGU-CONSOLIDATE.
6.6.2 "Help" menu item
The GGU-CONSOLIDATE online-help is opened using an installed browser (e.g. MS Internet

Explorer). The help function can also be accessed using the [F1] function key.
6.6.3 "GGU on the web" menu item
Using this menu item you can access the GGU Software website: www.ggu-software.com.
Keep in touch with new program versions and the regular download offers.
6.6.4 "GGU support" menu item
This menu item takes to the GGU-Software Support area at www.ggu-software.com.
6.6.5 "What's new?" menu item
You will see information on program improvements in comparison to older versions.
6.6.6 "Language preferences" menu item
This menu item allows you to switch the menus and the graphics from German to English and vice
versa. To work in German, deactivate the two switches "Dialoge + Menüs übersetzen (translate
dialogues, menus)" und "Graphiktexte übersetzen (translate graphics)".
Alternatively, you can work bilingually, e.g. with German dialogue boxes but with graphic output
in English.

7 Tips
In the menus and dialogue boxes, some letters are underlined. By pressing [Alt] and the corre-
sponding letter simultaneously, you can call up the program function via the keyboard, as an alter-
native to using the mouse.
You can scroll the screen with the keyboard using the cursor keys and the "Page up" and "Page
down" keys.
If you click the right mouse button anywhere on the screen a context menu containing the princi-
pal menu items opens.
By double-clicking the left mouse button on legends or Mini-CAD elements, you will immediately
move to the editor for the selected element and can then edit it.
By clicking and pulling with the mouse, with [Ctrl] pressed, you activate the zoom function, i.e.
the selected section will fill the screen.
Some of the function keys are assigned program functions. The allocations are noted after the
corresponding menu items. The individual function key allocations are:
• [Esc] refreshes the screen contents and sets the screen back to A3 format. This is useful if,
for example, you have used the zoom function to display parts of the screen and would like
to quickly return to a complete overview.
• [F1] opens the online-help.
• [F2] refreshes the screen without altering the current magnification.
• [F3] opens the menu item "Edit / System parameters".
• [F5] opens the menu item "System / Analyse".
• [F11] activates the menu item "Output preferences / Move objects".

8 Index
Function keys ................................................... 60
A
G
Analysis, start/abort.......................................... 45
General page informations................................ 57
GGUCAD ......................................................... 33
B GGUMiniCAD ................................................. 34
Boundary conditions, define....................... 25, 44 Graphics activation, general legend.................. 46
Graphics activation, load curve ........................ 53
Graphics activation, output table ...................... 51
C Graphics activation, pore ratio diagram............ 54
Calculation, pore ratio ...................................... 13 Graphics activation, porewater
Calculation, stress change................................. 13 pressure/consolidation ratio.......................... 47
Clipboard .......................................................... 34 Graphics activation, soil properties legend....... 52
Colours, soils .................................................... 52 Graphics activation, system .............................. 50
Colours, switch on/off ...................................... 58 Graphics activation, time-settlement ................ 49
Colours/pens, for graphical elements................ 57 Graphics, integration of .................................... 57
Company letterhead.......................................... 57
Compression index ........................................... 12 H
Compression index, analysis using................... 29
Consolidation coefficient.................................... 8 Hatching, soils .................................................. 53
Consolidation degree .......................................... 9 Hooke's Law ....................................................... 8
Consolidation layer............................................. 9
Consolidation modelling, axis-symmetrical ..... 14 I
Consolidation ratio ............................................. 9
Consolidation times, define .............................. 39 Installation .......................................................... 7
Consolidation times, generate........................... 18 Installation time, mark in graphics ............. 48, 53
Consolidation times, select for representation .. 40
Consolidation, theory ......................................... 8
Constrained modulus .......................................... 8
L
Context menu ................................................... 60 Labelling, time axis .......................................... 49
Copy area.................................................... 34, 58 Language preferences ....................................... 59
Copy protection system ...................................... 7 Legend, soil properties ..................................... 52
Cutting borders ........................................... 55, 56 Legend, system properties ................................ 46
Licence protection .............................................. 7
D Load application, continuous............................ 11
Load curve, display in
Darcy's Law........................................................ 8 time-settlement graphics .............................. 50
Dataset description, define ............................... 36 Load decrease ................................................... 11
Dataset description, display .............................. 46 Load increase, define........................................ 44
Depth distribution steps .................................... 10 Load increase, step function ....................... 11, 45
Depth subdivisions, define ............................... 38 Load increase, time-dependent ......................... 24
Difference equations......................................... 10
Difference equations, define depth increments. 39
Dongle ................................................................ 7
M
Drainage conditions, consideration .................... 8 Metafile ............................................................ 34
Drainage conditions, define .............................. 38 Mini-CAD................................................... 34, 57
DXF, export...................................................... 33 Modelling time, reducing ................................. 45
Modelling times................................................ 10
E Modelling times, extreme ................................. 10
Multi-layered system ........................................ 10
Elastic-isotropic half-space theory ................... 22
EMF format ...................................................... 34
O
F Oedometer test.................................................. 12
Font selection ................................................... 56

Font size, general legend .................................. 46
P
Font size, soil properties legend ....................... 52 Page format, change ......................................... 55
Forecast, modelling time .................................. 11 Page margins .................................................... 55

Pen preferences, graphical elements................. 57 T
Permeability, using Cv and Cc ......................... 14
Porewater pressure (max), define ..................... 21 Times, deleting ................................................. 40
Porewater pressure distribution, save to file ..... 43 Toolbar, menu items ......................................... 58
Print, batch........................................................ 35 Translation........................................................ 59
Print, graphics................................................... 33 True-type font................................................... 56
Print, section..................................................... 34
Printer preferences............................................ 33
Program, improvements.................................... 59
U
Program, information........................................ 59 User-defined axes, porewater
Program, preferences ........................................ 59 pressure/consolidation ratio.......................... 48
Project data ....................................................... 57 User-defined axes, time-settlement................... 49
Project identification, display ........................... 46
V
S
Vertical drains, consideration ........................... 14
Sand drains ....................................................... 14 Vertical drains, define geometry................. 26, 39
Scroll the screen ............................................... 60 Vertical drains, define installation time............ 45
Settlements, show additional measured values . 50 Vertical stress, effective ................................... 12
Smarticons, menu items.................................... 58
Soil layers, new/delete...................................... 41
Soil properties, define................................. 37, 41 W
Solution, analytical ............................................. 8 What you see is what you get ........................... 56
Solution, numerical........................................... 10 WIBU-BOX/WIBU-KEY................................... 7
Status bar .......................................................... 58
Stress, from footing foundation ........................ 22
Stress, generate of footing foundation .............. 43 Z
System parameters, define................................ 37
Zoom function ............................................ 56, 58
System, coloured .............................................. 52
System, information ......................................... 59

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Analysis of one-dimensional consolidation processes

in single- and multi-layered systems

Last revision: November 2005

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 2 of 62 November 2005

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 3 of 62 November 2005

Figure 1 Consolidation layer ...........................................................................................................9

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 4 of 62 November 2005

The GGU-CONSOLIDATE program system allows the analysis of one-dimensional consolida-

Beside the calculation of analytically derived solutions (Terzaghi), the GGU-CONSOLIDATE

Thus, five different consolidation types are offered:

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 5 of 62 November 2005

• Legend with general information

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4.1 Consolidation theory after Terzaghi and analytical solution

γW = 10 kN /m³ = unit weight of water

Furthermore, the drainage conditions of the layer must be considered:

• Draining to the top and bottom;

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 8 of 62 November 2005

Figure 1 Consolidation layer

A further term is the consolidation ratio Uz, which is defined as:

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 9 of 62 November 2005

• Braya M. Das (1983)

∆t / (∆z)² < 0.5

In the program, the stricter demand of 0.2 is implemented as opposed to 0.5.

4.2.2 Multi-layered system

High-permeability soils require only small time steps.

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 10 of 62 November 2005

4.2.3 Continuous load application

Actual load increase

Selected consolidation times

Figure 2 Step function

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 11 of 62 November 2005

Normalspannung [kN/m²] (logarithmisch)

Figure 3 Stress - pore ratio relationship (GGU-OEDOM program)

• ε(z,t) = compression as a function of the location z and the time t

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 12 of 62 November 2005

Kom press iocoeff

Figure 4 Stress - compression index relationship (GGU-OEDOM program)

The following input values are required for each layer:

∆σ'(z,t) = σ0'(z) + ∆u(z,t)

σ0'(z) can be calculated from σ' 0(top) and σ' 0(bottom).

Further, the pore ratio e0(z) is computed from:

e0(z) = e0(top) + ln(σ'0(top)/ σ0'(z))*CC

We now have all variables to facilitate evaluation of the above equation.

The equations described here are implemented in the program.

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 13 of 62 November 2005

4.4 Analytical solution with vertical drainage

Figure 5 Vertical drains

4.5 Numerical solution with vertical drainage

GGU-CONSOLIDATE User Manual Page 14 of 62 November 2005

5.1 Example system

The following system is given:

Figure 6 Example system

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