Observational techniques by curve fitting for predicting radial consolidation settlement

In this article, two curve fitting observational methods for predicting radial consolidation settlement are proposed. The methods utilize computer programs with iterative optimization algorithms and numerical integration to fit the Barron’s radial consolidation curve using the least square analysis concept. The accuracy of the proposed methods is verified against testing results from the constant rate of strain consolidometer with radial drainage and field monitoring data. The results show that the proposed method 1 provides the highest accuracy when compared to the Asaoka method and proposed method 2. All the predicted curves plotted using the proposed methods have an excellent fit with a coefficient of determination, R-squared >0.99. The proposed methods are simple to apply, and the ultimate settlement and coefficient of radial consolidation can be easily obtained using only time and settlement data, regardless of their intervals.