A STUDY OF THE CONFORMABILITY OF FINITE ELEMENT EQUATIONS FOR SYMMETRIC AND NON-SYMMETRIC BIOT'S CONSOLIDATION

The conformability of finite element equations for symmetric and non-symmetric Biot's consolidation is discussed in this paper. It is found that the symmetry of the coefficient matrix of finite element equations for Biot's consolidation is dependent on the integration by part to the pore pressure item in Biot's equilibrium equations. When integration by part is not performed to the pore pressure item in Biot's equilibrium equations, non-symmetrical coefficient matrix results. When integration by part is performed to the pore pressure item in Biot's equilibrium equations, symmetrical coefficient matrix is produced, and the corresponding nodal load has different meaning. If the nodal load is handled in the same way, conformability of the finite element equations for Biot's consolidation will be reached.