Study on richards model in the prediction of wharf foundation settlement

Based on the actual measurement data in 10 field testing wharf foundation sites, the curve fitting of foundation settlement versus time curves was carried out, and had a prediction of foundation settlement. Aiming at the settlement characteristics of wharf foundation, Richards mathematical model was selected. The fitting results of 10 field measurement data with the model showed that the fitting precision was high, the correlativity coefficients R was from 0.97191-0.99950, the average value was 0.99087.The fitting effect with the model was better than the hyperbolic model. The average value of absolute value of error between prediction value and actual measurement value was 4.17196%, and especially, was 1.31328% in the tail of fitting curves. The following conclusions can be drawn that the Richards mathematical model have good adaptability and it is accurate and credible for fitting of foundation settlement versus time curves, and corresponding fitting equations can be used to forecast settlement of wharf foundation.