ENG 464 Assignment 1 1 ENG464 Geotechnical Engineering Assignment 1 Numerical analysis of consolidation Part 1 A 4 m thick clay stratum is drained on its upper surface but is effectively impervious at its lower boundary. It is subjected to an initially uniform pore water pressure distribution of 100 kPa through its depth. The coefficient of consolidation of this clay is approximately 0.1 m2/month; using Taylor's series approximation, and Gibson and Lamb's method, using a finite difference, numerical analysis approach, estimate the degree of consolidation of the clay two years after the start of consolidation. Formulae: ( 2 ) ui, j+1 = ui, j + β ui−1, j + ui+1, j − ui, j (2 2 ) ui, j+1 = ui, j + β ui−1, j − ui, j 2 2 β nm h c t T v d v = = All software, spreadsheets, and other calculations used in the solution to the aforementioned problem are to be submitted for checking. (16) Part 2 i) Analyse the effect of the selection of value of operator β, based upon your solution in Part 1. State the mathematical condition required for minimum truncation error: then demonstrate that this is applicable in the case analysed in Part 1. (4) ii) Describe how the results of the analysis undertaken for Part 1 may influence site management decisions for a civil engineering contractor. (5) (Total marks 25) The small print This is not a task which can be completed simply by looking at the InterNet. Original thinking is required, demonstrating sound reasoning and rational argument (including diagrams, calculations, and spreadsheets developed as appropriate) to support your conclusions. Students' attention is drawn to the University's policy on plagiarism. The report must be set out as a formal technical submission/calculation sheet. This report is worth 10 % of the marks for this unit. Submissions are due by 1630 (ACST) on the Thursday of Week 4 (see Learnline for details).