ABSTRACT Due to overlying loads or groundwater extraction, the boundary stresses of in‐situ aquitards are complex and variable. Consequently, the consolidation deformation caused thereby makes it challenging to accurately determine hydrogeological parameters and predict deformation using traditional methods. Complex stress boundaries impose a significant computational burden on the estimation of hydrogeological parameters. To simplify the computational complexity, this study proposes two generalization methods for complex stress boundaries: multistage constant and multistage linear loads. Based on these two methods, analytical solutions for the nonlinear consolidation deformation rate and magnitude of aquitards are derived. Through dimensionless analysis of the deformation rate, a new type‐curve fitting method is proposed for estimating hydrogeological parameters; parameter inversion results are obtained by fitting the analytical model with laboratory measured data. Finally, by comparing the measured data with the predicted curve of subsequent deformation based on the inversion results, the results exhibit a good degree of fitting. The results show that the hydrogeological parameters estimated by the two generalization methods and corresponding analytical solutions proposed in this study exhibit good accuracy in predicting deformations under subsequent loading stages, directly verifying the rationality of the two generalizations and the accuracy of the analytical solutions. The proposed analytical approach enhances our understanding of the nonlinear consolidation behavior of aquitards, contributes to the development of consolidation theory, and provides practical guidance for engineering applications.
Wang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.