Geotechnical Engineering Journal of the SEAGS & AGSSEA ISSN 0046-5828
Vol. 42 No.4 December 2011
Experimental Investigation on Settling Behavior of Hong Kong Marine Deposits
in Settling Column Condition
F. Tong J.H.Yin and G.F. Zhun
ABSTRACT: Due to the high water content and viscous property, the Hong Kong marine deposit (HKMD) frequently poses challenge to geotechnical practice, particularly to the reclamation in Hong Kong. Formation of HKMD typically goes through sedimentation and selfweight consolidation. These behaviours are time-dependent and hard to describe. A series of one-dimensional settling column consolidation tests were conducted on the HKMD. Results reveal that the settling curve and settling rate are significantly affected by the sediment concentration in self-weight consolidation. Soils even exhibit viscosity in self-weight consolidation. After the primary self-weight consolidation, the settling rate is reduced in the “secondary consolidation”. Related parameters from sketches are evaluated for a better interpretation of the consolidation behaviour.
KEYWORDS: Experimental Investigation, Settling Behaviour, Hong Kong Marine Deposits, Settling Column Condition
