The influence of partial saturation of the fill on the consolidation of embankment dams during construction is investigated using the finite element method. A finite element model for partially saturated consolidation which includes coupled deformation and water and air flow, and the influence of suction on the strength, stiffness and flow is used in the analysis. The influence of partial saturation on the settlements, pore pressures and stresses is investigated under one dimensional conditions during construction of a dam. Comparisons are also made with the predictions of a simple compressible fluid consolidation model. Partial saturation reduces the final settlements and the pore water pressures developed during construction, but accelerates the rate of consolidation. For saturated fills, both the models give similar results. However for partially saturated fills, the compressible fluid model overpredicts the rate of consolidation and settlements, and underpredicts the pore pressures.

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