Sedimentation Behavior of Four Dredged Slurries in China

Sedimentation model tests were carried out on four clays in China for investigating the sedimentation behavior of slurries. The sedimentary process can be divided into fluid state and consolidation state. The consolidation state of slurries can be divided into Non-Terzahi soil and Terzaghi soil. The void ratio responsible for the intersect point of fluid state and consolidation state is determined as 8.6 times the void ratio at liquid limit based on the difference of settling type which can be divide into Consolidation settling and Zone settling with the initial void ratio increase. According to the relationship between the stable void ratio (at the end of consolidation) and the initial void ratio, the suggested value of void ratio at the transition point from Non-Terzaghi soil to Terzaghi soil is 2.8 times its value at liquid limit.