Abaqus - Benchmark - The Terzaghi consolidation problem

Abaqus Benchmarks Manual , problem 1.14.1

In the provided Abaqus Benchmarked input file (terzaghi_cpe8p.inp), zero (0) was assigned to void ratio in the dialog box for material permeability. Can you please clarify why a zero value was defined for the void ratio where the problem definition outlined “The void ratio is assumed to be 1.5 initially throughout the sample”.

Also, I note that in the predefined field dialog box 1.1 void ratio was used for entire model. Is there any specific reason for this?

Thank you in advance!


ABAQUS Benchmarks Manual (v6.5-1) (wustl.edu)