Contents

1. Triaxial Test BS 1377: Part 7: 1990.............................................................2

1.1 Abstract............................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Introduction....................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Objective.......................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Experimental Procedure........................................................................................ 3
1.5 Apparatus.......................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Calculations and Results....................................................................................... 5
1.7 Discussion....................................................................................................... 11
1.8 Conclusions..................................................................................................... 12
References........................................................................................................... 13
Appendix............................................................................................................. 14
2. The Oedometer Test (BS 1377: Part 5:1990)...........................................16
2.1 Abstract.......................................................................................................... 16
2.1 Introduction..................................................................................................... 16
2.2 Objective........................................................................................................ 17
2.3 Experimental Procedure...................................................................................... 17
2.4 Apparatus........................................................................................................ 18
2.5 Calculations and Results..................................................................................... 19
2.5.1 Calculation................................................................................................ 20
2.5.2 Results...................................................................................................... 28
2.5.3 Graphs...................................................................................................... 29
2.6 Discussion....................................................................................................... 37
2.7 Conclusion...................................................................................................... 38
References........................................................................................................... 39
Appendix............................................................................................................. 40

Geotechnical Engineering B

1
 Laboratory Report

1. Triaxial Test BS 1377: Part 7: 1990

Unconsolidated Un-drained Test
1.1 Abstract
This unconsolidated undrained triaxial test is to establish a technique for determining the
shear strength of a cohesive soil by means of a triaxial compression.

The test which was conducted by applying various cell pressures ranging from 100kN/m 2,
200kN/m2 and 400kN/m2 for sample A, B and C respectively gave a C-value with no phi
value. All steps, calculations and results are detailed in this report.

1.2 Introduction
In this unconsolidated un-drained triaxial test, an un-drained soil sample (clay) specimen is
subjected to a definite all-round pressure and then the principal stress difference is applied
immediately with no drainage being permitted at any stage of the test (R.F. Craig, 1997). The
value of shear strength for a specific soil is key to obtaining solutions to possible problems
relating to the stability of a soil mass in defining the load that can be exerted on the soil from
constructions.
The procedure is in accordance with BS 1377:1990 part 7. The purpose of this laboratory
report is to test three samples of un-drained clay and determine the shear strength and
shearing resistance of these samples.

1.3 Objective
To establish a procedure for determining the Unconsolidated Un-drained Test by Triaxial
Compression without measurement of pore pressure, which gives the shear strength of
cohesive soil.

2
1.4 Experimental Procedure
The triaxial test started with the preparation of three samples of saturated clay rightly
compacted in a cylindrical metal tubes of 38mm diameter with a height of 76mm.
The brass former was removed from the sample and the sample placed within a rubber
membrane for the purposes of the experiment.
The sample is then placed on the triaxial testing pedestal whereby the top and bottom
plates are inserted and held to the rubber membrane by means of a rubber O-ring.
The outer casing is then placed over the sample and the vessel filled with water,
making sure all the air is displaced through the air point at the top of the apparatus.
The triaxial testing machine was set to a rate of 2%/min with every 0.5mm deflection
recorded the proving ring reading for each of the three samples.
The cell pressure of the water was set to 100kPa for the first experiment and increased
to 200kPa then 400kPa for the last sample.
Once all results had been noted the cell pressure was released and the water left to
drain from the cell.

3
1.5 Apparatus
Sampling tube
Sample extruder
Wire saw
Automatic balance
Callipers
Rubber membrane
Membrane stretcher
O-ring
Porous stone

Figure 1.1 Triaxial test set-ups

4
1.6 Calculations and Results
Length of specimen, lo : 76 mm, Diameter of specimen: 38mm Area specimen, AO:
0.001134m2

Sample A (100 kPa)

Table 1.1

Time Strain Stress Strain

(min) l (kPa) (%)
(mm) l /lo
()
00.0 0 0 0
1:38 0.71 310.92 0.0093
2:27 1.91 322.69 0.0251
3:38 3.24 331.39 0.0426
4:22 4.54 333.43 0.0597
5:37 5.88 349.4 0.0774
6:33 7.17 355.67 0.0943
7:57 8.51 368.82 0.1120
8:28 9.8 375.64 0.1289
9:37 11.14 388.03 0.1466
10:46 12.45 400.78 0.1638
11:22 13.76 414.64 0.1811
12:48 15.08 420.41 0.1984
13:54 16.41 431.33 0.2160
15:47 17.71 434.22 0.2330
17:34 19.03 435.30 0.2504

5
Sample B (200 kPa)

Table 1.2

Time Strain Stress Strain

(min) l (kPa) (%)
(mm) l /lo
()
00.0 0 0 0
1:25 1.09 350.23 0.0143
2:27 2.41 362.25 0.0317
3:17 3.72 370.78 0.0489
4:28 5.01 384.56 0.0659
5:19 6.29 390.85 0.0828
6:20 7.47 400.96 0.0983
7:25 8.79 402.46 0.1157
8:29 10.08 407.10 0.1326
9:28 11.42 410.00 0.1503
10:25 12.71 415.40 0.1672
11:30 14.05 420.69 0.1849
12:10 15.34 428.57 0.2018
13:30 16.68 435.44 0.2195
14:20 17.99 439.54 0.2367
15:30 18.42 440.21 0.2424

Sample C (400 kPa)

Table 1.3

Time Strain Stress Strain

(min) l (kPa) (%)
(mm) l /lo
()

6
00.0 0 0 0
1:10 1.07 331.88 0.0141
2:27 2.34 352.31 0.0308
3:36 3.62 367.1 0.0476
4:16 4.78 372.31 0.0629
5:28 6.01 380.39 0.0791
6:22 7.21 387.34 0.0949
7:27 8.38 390.99 0.1103
8:34 9.54 402.44 0.1255
9:28 10.72 415.02 0.1411
10:30 11.83 425.38 0.1557
11:30 13.04 436.53 0.1716
12:54 14.26 448.43 0.1876
13:25 15.58 451.94 0.2050
14:00 16.87 453.33 0.2220
14:58 18.16 450.21 0.2389

500
450
400
350
300
Stress 250
(kPa) 200
Strain (%) Stress (kPa)
150
100
50
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3

Strain (%)

Fig 1.2 Graph of Strain (%) Vs Stress(kPa), Sample A

7
 500
450
400
350
300
Stress 250
(kPa) 200 Strain (%) Stress (kPa)
150
100
50
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3

Strain (%)

Fig 1.3 Graph of Strain (%) Vs Stress(kPa), Sample B

8
 500
450
400
350
300
Stress 250
(kPa)
200 Strain (%) Stress (kPa)
150
100
50
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3

Strain (%)

Fig 1.4 Graph of Strain (%) Vs Stress(kPa), Sample C

Table 1.4

Sample Deviator Stress Cell Pressure (3) Major Principal Stress

(1 3) = P/A (kPa) 1
A 435.30 100 535.30
B 440.21 200 640.21
C 450.52 400 850.52

9
Fig 1.5 Mohr Circle

Example calculation

Diameter of specimen = 38mm

Area Formula, A = A0/ 1-

Area of Specimen, = x 192 = 1134.1mm2

A = 1.134 x10-3 m2

Strain (), (%) = l /lo

0.71
=0.009(second row , fourth column of sample A)
i.e, 76

10
1.7 Discussion
The triaxial test is one of the utmost reliable methods available for determining shear strength

parameters. It is broadly used for research and conventional testing. When conducting site

investigations for buildings, in most situations short term stability will be the most critical.

Therefore the Unconsolidated Un-drained Tests will be used in the determination of total

shear strength parameters of cohesive soil.

The sample is subjected to a confining pressure by compression of the fluid in the chamber.

(Air was used as a compression medium). To cause shear failure in the sample, an axial stress

through a vertical loading ram (sometimes called deviator stress) was applied. This can be

applied in the following ways:

1. Applying dead weights or hydraulic pressure in equal increments until the specimen

fails. (Axial deformation of the specimen resulting from the load applied through the

ram is measured by a dial gauge.)

2. Applying axial deformation at a constant rate by means of a geared or hydraulic

loading press. This is strain-controlled test.

For this practical, the second method was applied:- applying axial deformation at a constant

rate by means of a geared/hydraulic loading press and this load was measured by a proving

ring.

Three different cell pressures were applied in this experiment, which are 100kN/m2,

200kN/m2 and 400kN/m2.

The Mohrs circle envelope is obtained throughout the graph of Deviator stress (kN/m 2)

against strain (%). A cohesive soil has a C value which is measured at the y-intercept of the

graph.

11
1.8 Conclusions
The Cohesive value C, obtained in this practical is 207kN/m 2 in the y-intercept with

approximately zero phi value this is as a result of fully saturated clay soil. This shows the soil

sample as a cohesive soil because granular soil has no or little C value with a high phi value.

Therefore the soil has a high shear strength.

12
References
Millar, P. J. The Triaxial Test Method. 1st ed. Lower Hutt [N.Z.]: Ministry of Works and

Development, 1982. Print.

Parry, R. H. G. The Triaxial Test. 1st ed. Cambridge: Univ. of Cambridge, Dept. of

Engineering, 1972. Print.

R.F. Craig. Soil Mechanics. 6 Edition. CRC Press, 1997

13
Appendix

14
Compacted soil sample sample tube, grease, stretcher plier o-ring

Setting up the machine sample set for test

Early failure stage total failure stage

15
 Consolidation Test

2. The Oedometer Test (BS 1377: Part 5:1990)

2.1 Abstract
Consolidation settlement is a key factor in when handling structural design that has to do with

foundations. Analysis of long-term settlements can be achieved by the soil exploration. This

test is carried out for the investigation of possible settlement rate for the construction of

reservoir/dam. The test was conducted in the laboratory using the oedometer test machine for

determining the compression index Cc, the coefficient of consolidation Cv, pre-consolidation

pressure and the Cr value. The final settlement rate was determined in this test and the result

is 0.59. All detailed procedures and calculations are included in this report.

2.1 Introduction
This test is used for determining the consolidation characteristics of low permeability soils
when subjected to vertical loading. It outcome of this test could be vital for the calculation of
estimations of structural foundation settlement when put on the ground.

The loads of structures built in the soil are presumably carried initially by incompressible
water within the soil void. With increasing loading, the water in the soil will tend to be
squeezed out from the void thereby leading to a decrease in the void and final settlement to
occur.

In high permeability soil, the process of consolidation is fast so only takes a short period but
in low permeability soil like the clay soil; the process of consolidation is slow and thus takes
a longer period.

16
2.2 Objective
This test is carried out on saturated soil specimens, to determine consolidation and swelling

parameters and analyse the rate of settlement.

2.3 Experimental Procedure

The test is carried out on a cylindrical specimen of saturated soil with dimension of
50mm diameter to 20mm height.
The desired load is applied
The shear pin was then removed
The dial gauge that reads the change of volume applied
The motor was started and reading of shear force was recorded
Change in volume reading till failure was recorded

17
2.4 Apparatus
Oedometer test machine

Dial gauge

Consolidation ring

Filter plates

Circular cell

Top cap

Porous stone

Load (kg)

18
2.5 Calculations and Results
Diameter of sample (D) = 50 mm = 0.05m
Sample Height (Ho)= 20 mm = 0.02m
Moisture Content (W) = 15%
Specific Gravity (Gs) = 2.7

Time Dial Gauge Reading (cm)

(min)
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
Load Load Load Load Load Load Load
(1.25kg) (1.90kg) (3.82kg) (7.63kg) (15.08kg (26.42kg (13.19kg
) ) )
0 0.713 0.7112 0.71 0.7032 0.603 0.7148 0.6903
0.25 0.7123 0.711 0.7075 0.703 0.6023 0.7142 0.6932
1 0.712 0.7108 0.707 0.7029 0.6021 0.7085 0.694
2.25 0.7116 0.7106 0.7061 0.7029 0.6016 0.7074 0.6953
4 0.7113 0.7105 0.7055 0.7027 0.6013 0.7064 0.696
9 0.7111 0.7105 0.705 0.6972 0.6011 0.7056 0.697
16 0.7109 0.7103 0.7044 0.6959 0.6009 0.7066 0.6979
25 0.7107 0.7103 0.7042 0.6949 0.6007 0.7058 0.6986
36 0.7105 0.7102 0.7039 0.694 0.6005 0.7053 0.6992
49 0.7103 0.7101 0.7037 0.6935 0.6004 0.7043 0.7001
64 0.7103 0.71 0.7035 0.6931 0.6004 0.7036 0.7008
81 0.7101 0.71 0.7031 0.6925 0.6002 0.7032 0.7014
100 0.71 0.71 0.7029 0.69221 0.6001 0.7029 0.7019

19
2.5.1 Calculation

Calculation

D2 0.05 2
Area = = =0.00196 m2
4 4

Day 1 = load 1.25 kg

load
Pressure = area

But, 1kN = 101.97kg

1.25
2
101.97 0.00196 m

2
= 6.25 kN/ m

Day 2 = load 1.90 kg

1.90
2
101.97 0.00196 m

2
= 9.5 kN/ m

Day 3 = load 3.82 kg

3.82

101.97 0.00196 m2

2
= 19.11 kN/ m

20
Day 4 = load 7.63 kg

7.63
2
101.97 0.00196 m

2
= 38.17 kN/ m

Day 5 = load 15.08 kg

15.08
2
101.97 0.00196 m

2
= 75.45 kN/ m

Day 6 = load 26.42 kg

26.42

101.97 0.00196 m2

2
= 132.19 kN/ m

Day 7 = load 13.19 kg

13.19

101.97 0.00196 m2

2
= 65.99 kN/ m

21
Table of changes in dial gauge reading (H)

Day Change in dial gauge reading, H (cm)

1 H = 0.713 0.71
= 0.003
2 H = 0.713 0.71
= 0.003
3 H = 0.713 0.7029
= 0.0101
4 H = 0.713 0.69221
= 0.02079
5 H = 0.713 0.6001
= 0.1129
6 H = 0.713 0.7029
= 0.0101
7 H = 0.713 0.7019
= 0.0111

e = WGs

W = 15%

Gs = 2.7

a) Void ratio at the end of the test = W x Gs

15
= 100 x 2.7

= 0.405

b) Void ratio per day = e = e eu

eo 1+ e+e o
H = ( Ho )

H o=20 mm

Day 1

22
Since H is in (cm), and Ho = 20mm, all values of H is thus converted to (mm) in this
calculation

eo 1+0.405+ e o
= (
0.03 20

20 e o = 0.03 + 0.01215 + 0.03e

o

0 eo eo
2 = 0.04215 + 0.03

0 eo eo
2 0.03 = 0.04215

eo
19.97 = 0.04215

0.04215
e o=
19.97

e o = 2.11 x 10-3

Day 2

eo 1+0.405+ e o

0.03 = ( 20

20 e o = 0.03 + 0.01215 + 0.03e

o

0 eo eo
2 = 0.04215 + 0.03

0 eo eo
2 0.03 = 0.04215

eo
19.97 = 0.04215

0.04215
e o=
19.97

23
e o = 2.11 x 10-3

24
Day 3

eo 1+0.405+ e o
= (
0.101 20

20 e o = 0.101 + 0.0409 + 0.101e

o

0 eo eo
2 = 0.1419 + 0.101

0 eo eo
2 0.101 = 0.1419

eo
19.899 = 0.1419

0.1419
e o=
19.899

e o = 7.13 x 10-3

Day 4

eo 1+0.405+ e o

0.2079 = ( 20

20 e o = 0.2079 + 0.08420 + 0.2079e

o

0 eo eo
2 = 0.2921 + 0.2079

0 eo eo
2 0.2079 = 0.2921

eo
19.7921 = 0.2921

0.2921
e o=
19.7921

e o = 1.48 x 10-2

25
26
Day 5

eo 1+0.405+ e o
= (
1.129 20

20 e o = 1.129 + 0.4572 + 1.129e

o

0 eo eo
2 = 1.5862 + 1.129

0 eo eo
2 1.129 = 1.5862

eo
18.871 = 1.5862

1.5862
e o=
18.871

e o = 8.41 x 10-2

Day 6

eo 1+0.405+ e o

0.101 = ( 20

20 e o = 0.101+ 0.0409 + 0.101e

o

0 eo eo
2 = 0.1419 + 0.101

0 eo eo
2 0.101 = 0.1419

eo
19.899 = 0.1419

0.1419
e o=
19.899

e o = 7.13 x 10-3

27
28
Day 7

eo 1+0.405+ e o
= (
0.111 20

20 e o = 0.111 + 0.0450 + 0.111e

o

0 eo eo
2 = 0.156 + 0.111

0 eo eo
2 0.111 = 0.156

eo
19.889 = 0.156

0.156
e o=
19.889

e o = 7.84 x 10-3

Day 1

eo
e-

= 0.405 2.11 x 10-3

= 0.40289

Day 2

eo
e-

= 0.405 2.11 x 10-3

= 0.40289

Day 3

eo
e-

29
= 0.405 7.13 x 10-3

= 0.3979

Day 4

eo
e-

= 0.405 1.48 x 10-2

= 0.3902

Day 5

eo
e-

= 0.405 8.41 x 10-2

= 0.321

Day 6

eo
e-

= 0.405 7.13 x 10-3

= 0.3979

Day 7

eo
e-

= 0.405 7.84 x 10-3

= 0.3972

30
2.5.2 Results
The reading against square root time

time Reading (cm)

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
(min)
0.0 0.7130 0.7112 0.7100 0.7032 0.6030 0.7148 0.6903
0.5 0.7123 0.7110 0.7075 0.7030 0.6023 0.7142 0.6932
1.0 0.7120 0.7108 0.7070 0.7029 0.6021 0.7085 0.694
1.5 0.7116 0.7106 0.7061 0.7029 0.6016 0.7074 0.6953
2.0 0.7113 0.7105 0.7055 0.7027 0.6013 0.7064 0.696
3.0 0.7111 0.7105 0.7050 0.6972 0.6011 0.7056 0.697
4.0 0.7109 0.7103 0.7044 0.6959 0.6009 0.7066 0.6979
5.0 0.7107 0.7103 0.7042 0.6949 0.6007 0.7058 0.6986
6.0 0.7105 0.7102 0.7039 0.6940 0.6005 0.7053 0.6992
7.0 0.7103 0.7101 0.7037 0.6935 0.6004 0.7043 0.7001
8.0 0.7103 0.7100 0.7035 0.6931 0.6004 0.7036 0.7008
9.0 0.7101 0.7100 0.7031 0.6925 0.6002 0.7032 0.7014
10.0 0.7100 0.7100 0.7029 0.6922 0.6001 0.7029 0.7019

The table shows about the pressure, changes in dial gauge reading, and void ratio.

Days Pressure Changes in dial Void ratio Final void ratio

gauge reading
Day 1 6.25kN/m2 0.003 0.00211 0.403
Day 2 9.5kN/m2 0.003 0.00211 0.403
Day 3 19.1kN/m2 0.0101 0.007131 0.398
Day 4 38.15kN/m2 0.02079 0.01475 0.390
Day 5 75.4kN/m2 0.1129 0.0840 0.321
Day 6 132.1kN/m2 0.0101 0.007131 0.398
Day 7 65.95kN/m2 0.0111 0.0079 0.397

31
32
2.5.3 Graphs
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
Reading (cm) 0.71
0.71 time Day 1
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Time (min)

0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71

Reading (cm) 0.71

0.71
time Day 2
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Time (min)

33
 0.71

0.71

0.71

0.71

Reading (cm) 0.7

time Day 3
0.7

0.7

0.7
0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Time (min)

34
 0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

Reading (cm) 0.7

0.69 time Day 4

0.69
0.69
0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Time (min)

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
Reading (cm) 0.6
time Day 5
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Time (min)

35
 0.72
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
Reading (cm) 0.7
time Day 6
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Time (min)

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.69
Reading (cm) 0.69
0.69 time Day 7
0.69
0.69
0.68
0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Time (min)

36
 0.42

0.4

0.38

0.36
Final void ratio (cm)
Final void ratio

0.34

0.32

0.3
1 10

Pressure

Coefficient of consolidation, Cv

Cv = 0.848 x H2
t90

Here H = 20mm = 2cm

Day 1

20.71
H= =0.645 cm
2

Where 0.71cm is the last dial gauge reading for day 1

And t90 = 0.7, from graph

So t90 = 0.72 = 0.49

37
 2
0.848 0.645
Cv = =0.72
0.49

Day 2

20.71
H= =0.645 cm
2

Where 0.71cm is the last dial gauge reading for day 2

And t90 = 2.1, from graph

So t90 = 2.12 = 4.41

2
0.848 0.645
Cv = =0.08
4.41

Day 3

20.7029
H= =0.649 cm
2

Where 0.7029cm is the last dial gauge reading for day 3

And t90 = 0.6, from graph

So t90 = 0.62 = 0.36

0.848 0.6492
Cv = =0.99
0.36

38
Day 4

20.6922
H= =0.654 cm
2

Where 0.6922cm is the last dial gauge reading for day 4

And t90 = 4.5, from graph

So t90 = 4.52 = 20.25

0.848 0.6542
Cv = =0.02
20.25

Day 5

20.6001
H= =0.700 cm
2

Where 0.6001cm is the last dial gauge reading for day 5

And t90 = 0.6, from graph

So t90 = 0.62 = 0.36

2
0.848 0.700
Cv = =1.15
0.36

Day 6

20.7029
H= =0.649 cm
2

Where 0.7029cm is the last dial gauge reading for day 6

And t90 = 1.3, from graph

39
So t90 = 1.32 = 1.69

2
0.848 0.649
Cv = =0.21
1.69

Day 7

20.7019
H= =0.649 cm
2

Where 0.7019cm is the last dial gauge reading for day 7

And t90 = 0.6, from graph

So t90 = 0.62 = 0.36

2
0.848 0.649
Cv = =0.99
0.36

0.72+ 0.08+0.99+0.02+1.15+0.21+0.99
=0.59
Therefore, average Cv = 7

Compression Index, Cc

Cc = eo e1___
log(o/1)

Cc = 0.392 0.34
log(4.8/4.0)

Cc = 0.657

Pre-consolidation value from the graph is 38.15kN/m2

Cr = eo e1___
log(o/1)

Using this formula, the Recompression index Cr, value could not be calculated due to an error
in laboratory data thereby giving a wrong curve path as shown in the graph.

40
But using Cr = 0.05Cc

Cr = 0.05 x 0.657

Cr = 0.0329

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2.6 Discussion
The parameters determined in this test are useful in determining the rate of primary and

secondary consolidation settlement of a dam or structure. The total load applied in this test is

69.29kg from day 1 to day 7. Different pressures were derived for each day at different

loading and thus a final void ratio was calculated for each day. The final reduced void ratio is

then plotted against the various pressures. Thus the pre-consolidation pressure was

determined from the graph. Data from this test result was useful in determining the

consolidation settlement and the time to reach 90% degree of consolidation.

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2.7 Conclusion

The compression index Cc for this test is 0.657 as being calculated from the slope of the

graph, this shows that the soil used for this test is medium soft clay from the standard

table below. More so, the coefficient of consolidation, Cv is determined using the square root

time method and so the average Cv value of the 7 days is 0.59(m 2/yr), this implies the rate of

settlement for this test is moderate as compared with the standard table below for Cv

values. The pre-consolidation pressure from the graph is 38.15kN/m 2 and this is the

maximum load for this design as any further loading beyond this value will bring failure

of the design. The Cr value cannot be deduced from the graph as a result of laboratory error.

But by Cr = 0.05 x Cc, Therefore, Cr = 0.0329.

Standards for Primary Compression Index Cc for several kinds of soils

Kind of soil Cc - Values

Dense Sand 0.0005 0.01
Loose Sand 0.025 0.05
Firm Clay 0.03 0.06
Stiff Clay 0.06 0.15
Medium Soft Clay 0.15 1.0
Organic Soil 1.0 4.5
Rock 0

Typical Values of Coefficient of Consolidation, Cv

Cv (m2/yr) Rate of Settlement Description
<0.5 Slow Clay about 20years for 90% consolidation
0.5-2.0 Moderate Sandy clays
2.0-5.0 Fast Clayey sand and clayey gravels
5.0< Rapid Consolidation complete during construction

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References
Knappett, Jonathan and R. F Craig. Craig's Soil Mechanics, Eighth Edition. 1st ed. Hoboken:

CRC Press, 2012. Print.

Lim, Yong Yeow, Gerald A Miller, and Kanthasamy K Muraleetharan. Settlement Behavior

Of Compacted Oklahoma Soils. 1st ed. Norman, Okla.: University of Oklahoma, Office of

Research Administration, 2003. Print.

Vardhanabhuti, Barames. The Coefficient Of Earth Pressure At Rest And Deformation And

Densification Of Granular Soils Subjected To Static And Dynamic Loading. 1st ed. 2006.

Print.

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Appendix

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