For different initial heights and solids concentration of flocculated calci
um carbonate suspensions in the compression range, the variations of the su
bsidence rates are discussed in accordance with the Michaels and Bolger met
hod. A mathematical model based on the consolidation theory has been applie
d to generalize the Michaels and Bolger method, and to discuss the relation
ships between the permeability, the effective pressure and the solids conce
ntration. In accordance with this model and the experimental results, it is
deduced that the relationship between the effective pressure and the solid
s concentration differs considerably from that obtained by other methods, w
hereas the values of permeability for different solids concentration are cl
ose to those deduced by different methods. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. A
ll rights reserved.