Experimental investigation on settling behaviour of Hong Kong marine deposits in settling column condition

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 self-weight 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.