A general method for two-dimensional finite strain elastoplastic consolidation analysis of high-water-content soft soils in irregular soil domains: from theory to applications

This paper presents a general computational method for two-dimensional (2D) elastoplastic finite strain consolidation analysis of soft soils with high-water-contents. A modified compressibility relationship capable of accounting for zero initial effective stress is embedded into Gibson’s 2D large strain consolidation theory. Using the finite volume method (FVM), the solving procedure is described in detail, including the reconstruction of data structures, the treatment of diffusive and transient terms, matrix assembly, and a calculation flowchart. A parameter calibration strategy for the consolidation model is subsequently provided. The accuracy of the FVM-based computational framework is verified through two verification cases. The proposed FVM-based method and modified compressibility relationship are then applied to simulate an existing geotextile-tube dewatering field test. In addition, a physical model test was conducted and successfully simulated using the method. Results show that the proposed FVM-based method with modified 2D consolidation equations captures nonlinear compressibility, nonlinear permeability, and finite-strain effects, explicitly accounts for the zero initial effective stress of high-water-content soft soils, and, more importantly, is applicable to arbitrary 2D-shaped soil domains. Compared with commercial software, a large language model (LLM) assisted preprocessing and model setup workflow improves modeling efficiency.