Transient Response of a Fluid-Saturated Poroelastic Layer Subjected to a Sudden Fluid Pressure Rise

The transient response of a fluid-saturated poroelastic layer resting on a very porous rigid foundation and subjected to a sudden fluid pressure rise on its upper surface is analyzed on the basis of Biot’s theory of poroelasticity. Compaction of the layer and fluid outflux from its bottom surface are calculated for five typical poroelastic materials: alundum and Ohio sandstone saturated with water, compact bone, and Albany felt and polyurethane foam filled with silicone fluid. For each of these materials, the numerical results are compared with those estimated by the “incompressible model” as well as the “rigid skeleton model” in order to examine the validity of these models.