How should I choose the reference time for the ssc model?
Is the reference time should be the start of consolidation itself or should it be the time at which the primary consolidation ends( pore pressure reaching zero)?
- It is just a “reference time”, you can choose whatever you like, but other parameters, particularly, index-creep, should be compatible to it.
- I do not quite understand this question.
Below explains the reference time (from the manual) :
The Soft-Soil-Creep (SSC) model takes time-dependence into account so that the volumetric cap expands to a new position within a specific time (called reference time in the model) instead of instantaneously in the SS model. Furthermore, the cap will never stop expanding although with a continuously decreasing expansion rate.
time-reference f(a)
reference time, τ. The default value is 1.0, which should be compatible to the time unit used in the model. This parameter provides time scale. For example, if the time unit used in the model is day, denotes the soil takes an increment of 1 day to reach the normally consolidated state. The Typical value of 1 (if the time unit is in day) is compatible to the standard incremental oedometer tests which run with 1 (day) increments.