On the stability and settling of suspended solids in settling ponds. Part I. Piece-wise linear consolidation analysis of sediment layer
The resultant large overall strains resulting from the consolidation of low solids content slurry sediments, such as those obtained in settling ponds, are predicted and compared with actual results for two sludge settling ponds. The computer technique developed in association with the piece-wise linear consolidation model permits inclusion of self-weight and eliminates restrictions such as small strains, constant load, and constant material consolidation parameters by solving the governing equations using the finite difference iterative technique. Good agreement between predicted and measured field values for the two ponds has been obtained. Keywords: large-strain consolidation, settling ponds, sediments, piece-wise linear consolidation, finite difference, iterative technique.