10CV54 Unit 07
10CV54 Unit 07
10CV54 Unit 07
Consolidation may be defined as the gradual expulsion of pore water from voids is defined as consolidation. or
1. It is a line-dependent phenomenon.
2. Soil is completely saturated.
3. Volume reduction is due to expulsion of pore water from voids.
4. It occurs on account of load placed on the soil is called consolidation..
Δh
W W
V1 S S
V2
(a) (b)
Fig.1. Before consolidation After consolidation
Terzaghi’s One dimensional consolidation theory:
Assumptions:
The following are the assumptions of one dimensional consolidation theory;
a.The soil is homogeneous and fully saturated.
b.Soil particles and water are incompressible.
c.Darcy’s law for the velocity of flow of water through soil is perfectly valid.
d.Coefficient of permeability,k is constant during the process.
e.Soil is laterally confined so that the compression is one dimensional.
f.Excess pore water drains out only in a vertical direction.
g.Linear relationship between effective pressure and void ratio exist are constant for every stage of consolidation.
h.The time log of consolidation is due entirely to the low permeability of soil, and thus the secondary consolidation is disregarded.
The following figure shows one dimensional consolidation theory;
Sand
Drainage face Δσ total vertical stress
A Ui=ΔσIz d
dx
dy H/2 t=0t4 t4 t3 t2 t1
Clay σIz t=00
Uz t=00
H
Consolidated layer H/2
Sand b c
Fig.a. Section of clay layer Fig.b. Excess pore pressure distribution.
σIz=Vertical effective pressure at depth Z.
Uz=Pore pressure at depth Z.
Fig.2.
A layer of clay is shown sandwiched between two sand strata. The clay layer is subjected to an increase in total vertical stress Δσ
distributed uniformly a semi-infinite area. At the instant of loading, that is,t=0, the excess pore pressure will increase uniformly
by ui (ui= Δσ) over the thickness H of the layer as shown by abcd in figure(b). After a time t has elapsed, because of the drainage into
the sand layers above and below, the distribution of excess pore water pressure will have changed to the shape shown by the unshaded
portion in figure(b).
H is the maximum distance that water has to travel to reach a drainage face; that is, the length of the longest drainage path. If
there are two drainage surfaces, one of the top and another at bottom of the consolidation layer, it is called double drainage layer and
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H will then be equal to half of the thickness of the clay layer(H=H/2). If there is only one drainage surface, it is called single drainage
layer and H will be equal to the thickness of clay layer (i.e. H=H).
In the Terzaghi’s solution, he consider the three factors i.e.,
a. Drainage path(H)
b. Time factor(Tv)
c. Coefficient of Consolidation(Cv). i.e.,
Cv t
Time factor Tv = (1)
H2
k
Cv = (2)
mv γ w
k (1 + e )
Cv = (3)
a v *γ w
Where, Tv= time factor.
t= time in seconds.
H=Thickness of permeability in cm/sec or m/sec.
k=Co-efficient of volume change in cm2/sec or m2/sec.
mv= Co-efficient of volume change in cm2/gm or m2/KN.
Cv= Co-efficient of consolidation in cm2/sec or m2.sec
γw= Unit weight of water in gm/cm3 or KN/m3.
av= Co-efficient of compressibility.
e=void ratio.
e0 − e f
mv = (4).
(1 + e0 ) * ( p ef − p o )
Normally Consolidated, Under Consolidated and Over Consolidated Soils:
a. Normally Consolidated Soils:
A soil is said to be normally loaded if the present effective overburden pressure Po is the maximum pressure to which the layer
has ever been subjected at any time in its history is called normally consolidated soils.
i.e. Pc=Po
where, Po is called Overburden pressure
Po=γz in KN/m2
Pc=Preconsolidated pressure=Pc=load/area in KN/m2.
(Total load of building)
Pc=structural load
G L
G
γ= density of soil
Z
b
Fig.3. Normally consolidated soils.
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Pc=structural load
G L
G L
Z=depth of foundation
Clay layer or depth of foundation.
γ= density of soil
Fig.4. Over Consolidated soils:
i.e. Pc>Po
where, Po=γZ in KN/m2.
Pc=Total design load of structure in KN/m2.
Z γ
D Clay
E X
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
σ' (Applied effective pressure) KN/m2
Fig.6. Pressure-void ratio Curve.
Procedure:
1. Now increased the load from A to B then void ratio decreased, then the portion AB called Vergin Compression Curve.
2. Then now decreased or remove the load after certain time then the pressure decreased from point B to C and increased the void ratio
from point B to C then the point BC is called Expansion Curve.
3. Once again increased the pressure C to D point at a certain load and decreased the void ratio from point C to D is called
Recompression Curve.
4.Now then goon increased the vertical load continuously upto point E then the void ratio will decreased continuously upto till end,
point E is called Vergin Curve.
Determination of preconsolidation Pressure,Pc: by
a. Casagrande’s method. b. Log-Log method.
a. Casagrande’s method:
Y
α
Tangent line AC
B Horizontal line AB
A E α/2
pc'
X
logp'
Fig.7. Pressure-Void ratio Curve.
Compiled by: Prof.B.S.Chawhan M.Tech(Geo-Tech Engg), Asst.Professor,CED,Government.Engineering College,Haveri-581110(12/4/2011-Till date)
Procedure:
1. The point A of maximum curvature is selected by inspection on the curved portion.
2. Draw a horizontal line AB and the line AC tangent to the curve are drawn through the point A.
3. The angle BAC is then bisected by the line AD.
4. The point of intersection E of the bisector AD.
5. Now draw the backward extension of the lower straight portion of the curve represents the probable preconsolidation pressure
P c.
b. Log-Log method or Burmister method:
Y
5 F H
A
1
1
C 3 B
Original triangle hatched
2 O 1
D
Void ratio(e)
4 BC-Rebound Curve
CD-Reloaded Curve
6
k E
logp' X
After the completion of consolidation under the desired maximum vertical pressure, the specimen is unloaded and allowed to swell.
After the completion of swelling, the final dial readings are taken and the specimen is taken out the consolidometer and dried to
determine its water content.
Pressure Void ratio Curves for determination of void ratio:
The pressure-void ratio curve can be obtained if the void ratio of the sample at the end of each increment of load is determined.
The following parameters are required to determine void ratio (e);
a. Cross-sectional area of sample A.
b. The specific gravity, G of the solids.
c. The dry weight, Ws of the soil sample.
d. The sample thickness h, at any stage of the test.
Let Vs= Volume of the solids in the sample.
where, Vs= Ws/Gγw or Vs=hsa or hs=Vs/a
where, hs= thickness of solid matter then e is the void ratio of the sample, then;
Ah − Ahs h − hs h − hs
e= = ∴e = (1)
Ahs hs h
where, h=thickness of sample
eo Cc=compression index
ef
)( p ) in m /KN. (4)
(1 + eo f − po
d. Co-efficient of Compressibility, av:
It is the decrease in void ratio per unit increase in pressure is called coefficient of compressibility av and this is given by the
following relation;
eo − e f
av = (5)
p f − po
e. Degree of Consolidation, U:
The degree of consolidation is depends on the following factors i.e.
a. Number of drainage faces
b. Thickness of clay layer (d)
c. Coefficient of permeability (k)
d. Coefficient of compressibility (av)
e. Magnitude of the consolidating pressure.
Therefore the degree of consolidation may be expressed by the following empirical expressions;
when, U<60%;
2
π⎛U ⎞
Tv = ⎜ ⎟ (6)
4 ⎝ 100 ⎠
when, U>60%
Tv=1.781-0.933log10(100-U%) (7)
Determination of Co-efficient of Consolidation by
a. Square root of time fitting method.
b. Logarithmic time fitting method and .
c. Rectangular hyperbola method.
a. By square root of time fitting method:
Y
(Ro to Rc called initial consolidation)
10
9 Ro
8 (R0=Initial dial gauge reading at
Rc pressure increment, i.e. t=0 or U=0%)
7
6 Rc called corrected zero reading
5 X1
4 X1' X1'=1.15x1 along X-axis
3
Dial gauge2 X2
Reading 1 X2'=1.15X2 along x-axis
(10-2 mm) X3 X3'=1.15X3 along x-axis
R90, U=90% C
0 Rf
X
√t (minutes)
Fig. 10. Time Consolidation Curve (Square root of Time fitting method).
Procedure:
1. Now plot the t V/s Dial gauge readings in mm and locate the points i.e, x1, x2,x3, x4,……+etc due to
pressure increment.
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2. Now locate the Ro point on Y-axis @ initial dial reading.
3. Then draw a line passing through all these points.
4. Now then locate x1'= 1.15x1, x2'= 1.15x2, x3', x4'……….+ xn' along with respect to X-axis.
5. Then now draw a straight line along these points and coincide on a curve and locate the point Re at Y-
axis.
6. Now from this joined point C draw a horizontal line parallel to x-axis and draw a vertical down ward line
at perpendicular to the x-axis.
7. This joined point d is called time t taken at 90% consolidation R90 on the Y-axis.
8. Rf is called approximate 100% consolidation.
For 90% consolidation, the coefficient of consolidation is given by ;
(Tv )90 d 2
Cv = (1)
t 90
where, Tv=Time factor for 90% consolidation (U=90%) from table (10.1) as per Alamsingh and Chawdhary page 26. Tv=0.848
d=Average drainage path or drainage path
0.848d 2
∴ Cv = (2)
t 90
For 50% consolidation then Tv=0.197
0.197d 2
∴ Cv = (3)
t 50
Or
0.197d 2
∴t = (4)
Cv
Hi + H f Hi − ΔH
Where, d = or for double drainage face for t90
4 2
Hi + H f Hi − ΔH
d= or for double drainage face for t50 and ΔH=compression of sample at t50
4 2
Note:-1. Always you locate the dial gauge readings from top to bottom on Y-axis.
2. Always locate the pressure increment from origin O.
3. These square root time fitting method and logarithmic time fitting methods are called Curve fitting methods.
b. By Logarithmic of Time fitting method:
Rc, U(%) Z
R=50,U=50%
DGR in mm
R=100,U=100% B
A
Rf t50, U=50%
t1/4 t1
Procedure:
1. Two straight portions of the curve intersect at 100% U; the corresponding dial gauge reading designated as R100.
2. A time t1, say 1min, is located on X-axis and locate the point (x) on the early origin curve.
Compiled by: Prof.B.S.Chawhan M.Tech(Geo-Tech Engg), Asst.Professor,CED,Government.Engineering College,Haveri-581110(12/4/2011-Till date)
3. A second point correspond to t1/4 is select and locate the point(x) on the curve.
4. A horizontal line at a height equal to the vertical distance between the second point (z=t1-t1/4).
Now the ordinate of this horizontal line is the corrected zero reading Rc.
5. The consolidation from Rc to R100 is called the primary consolidation.
6. From R100 to Rf= is called secondary consolidation
7. Now locate 50% consolidation, U=50% in between Rc to R100 i.e. R50 is on the curve and t50 on the X-
axis.
Therefore, the co-efficient of consolidation is calculated by the equation;
(Tv )50 d 2 0.197d 2
Cv = or = (1)
t 50 t10
C. By Rectangular hyperbola Method:
m
t/ΔH
D
X
O Time, t
eo Cc
ef
Peo Pef
Fig: 13. e-logP curve
To find: i. Cv=?.
Procedure:
a.We have, Coefficient of volume compressibility, mv;
e0 − e f 1.2 − 1.1
mv = = = 2.84 * 10 − 4 m 2 / kN .
(1 + eo ) * ( p ef − p eo ) (1 + 1.2) * (320 − 160)
b. We have, Co-efficient of consolidation, Cv;
k 8 * 10 −10
Cv = = = 2.87 *10 −7 m 2 / sec .
mv * γ w 2.84 * 10 * 9.81
−4
eo Cc
ef
X
Peo pef
Fig.14. e-logP curve
To find: i) Cv=?.
Procedure:
a. We have, Coefficient of volume compressibility,mv;
e0 − e f 0.70 − 0.65
mv = = = 5.8824 *10 − 4 m 2 / KN
(1 + eo ) * ( pef − peo ) (1 + 0.7 ) * (100 − 50)
b.We have, Co-efficient of consolidation(Cv):
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e0 − e f 0.7 − 0.65
Cc = = = 0.116
log10 p ef − lod1 p ef log 10100 − log 50
Jan/2004
3. Saturated soil of 5m thick lies above an impervious stratum below a pervious stratum. It has compression index 0.25 and k
is 3.2*10-10m/sec. Its void ratio at a stress of 147KN/m2 is 1.9, Calculate;
i. The change in void ratio due to increase of stress to 190KN/m2.
ii. Coefficient of volume compressibility,iii. Co-efficient of consolidation, iv. Time required for 50% consolidation.
Solution: Given data
a. H=5m thick=d, b. Cc= 0.25, c. k=3.2*10-10m/sec, d..eo=1.9, e. po=147KN/m2 and f. pf = 196KN/m2.
Impervious
Cc Saturated soil
eo 5m
ef
July/2004
4. A saturated soil stratum of 5m thick lies above an impervious stratum. It has a compression index of 0.25 and a Coefficient
of permeability of 3.2*10-3mm/sec. It has a void ratio of 1.9 at normal stress of 0.15N/mm2. Compute;
i. The void ratio due to increase of stress to 0.2N/mm2.
ii. Settlement of soil stratum due to the above increase in stress.
Solution: Given data
a. H=5m=5000mm=d, b. Cc= 0.25, c. k=3.2*10-3mm/sec, d.eo=1.9, e. po=0.15N/mm2 and f. pf = 0.2N/mm2.
Impervious
eo Cc Saturated soil
5m
ef
Cc
eo
ef
Peo Pef
8m Clay layer
C
60
50 m m=dy/dx=(55-30)810-2/(56-26.25)=8.4034*10-3
D=8*10-2
40
30
b
20
d
10
D
0 X
O 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Time, t
Tv d 2
Cv = (1)
t
C v 1 * t1 C v 2 * t 2
2
= 2
d1 d2
2 2
⎡d ⎤ ⎡1.85 ⎤
t 2 = ⎢ 2 ⎥ * t1 = ⎢ ⎥ * 5 = 17.1125 min utes
⎣ d1 ⎦ ⎣ 1 ⎦
15. A normally consolidated clay of thickness 4m is sandwiched between to sand layers with outlets. The stress at the mid-
height of the clay layer was 1.9t/m2 before any loading was placed. However, due to placement of a fill on the ground surface
the stress at the midle-height of the clay layer increases by 1.1t/m2. The initial void ratio and compression index of clay were
1.2 and 0.3 respectively. Determine the total compression of the clay a long time after placement of the fill and time required
for 20% and 80% of ultimate compression if co-efficient of consolidation of clay is 4*10-3cm2/sec.
Solution: Given data
a. H=4m, b. po=1.9t/m2, c.Δp=1.1t/m2, d. eo= 1.2, e. Cc=0.3, f. Cv=4*10-3cm2/sec.
GL
G
Sand
4m 2m Clay layer
2m
Sand
Fig.20. Soil strata location.
To find: a. St=?. b. t=? for U=20%, c.t=? for U=80%.
Procedure:
1. We know that the total settlement is given by the following equation;
HC c ⎡ p + Δp ⎤
St = log10 ⎢ o ⎥ (1)
1 + eo ⎣ po ⎦
4 * 0.3 ⎡1.9 + 1.1⎤
St = log10 ⎢ = 10.82cm or 0.1082m
1 + 1.2 ⎣ 1.9 ⎥⎦
2. For 20% consolidation;
2 2
π⎛U ⎞ π ⎛ 20 ⎞
Tv = ⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ = 0.0314
4 ⎝ 100 ⎠ 4 ⎝ 50 ⎠
3. We have;
Compiled by: Prof.B.S.Chawhan M.Tech(Geo-Tech Engg), Asst.Professor,CED,Government.Engineering College,Haveri-581110(12/4/2011-Till date)
2
⎛ 400 ⎞
2 0.0314 * ⎜ ⎟
Tv d ⎝ 2 ⎠
t= = = 314159.25 sec or *1/60*60*60=3.636days.
Cv 4 * 10 −3
4. For 80% consolidation;
Tv = 1.781 − 0.933 log(100 − U % ) = 1.781 − 0.933 log(100 − 80) = 0.567
2
⎛ 400 ⎞
2 0.567 * ⎜ ⎟
Tv d ⎝ 2 ⎠
5. t = = = 5671390.14 sec or 65.641days.
Cv 4 * 10 −3
16. During a consolidation test, a sample of fully saturated clay 3m thick is consolidated under a pressure increment of
200KN/m2. When equilibrium is reached, the sample thickness is reduced to 2.6cm, the pressure is then removed and the
sample is allowed to expand and adsorb water . The final thickness is observed as 2.8cm and the final moisture content is
determined as 24%. If the specific gravity of the soil solids is 2.7, find the void ratio of the sample before and after
consolidation.
17. A recently completed fill was 10m thick and its initial average void ratio was 1.0. the fill was loaded on the surface by
constructing an embankment covering a large area of the fill. Some months after the embankment was constructed,
measurements of the fill indicated an average void ratio of 0.8. Estimate the compression of the fill.
18.Soil investigation at a site gave the following information. Fine sand exists to a depth of 10.6m and below this lie a soft clay
layer 7.6m thick. The water table is at 4.6m below the ground surface. The submerged unit weight of sand γb is 10.4KN/m3,
and the wet unit weight above the water table is 17.6KN/m3.The water content of the normally consolidated clay Wn-40%, its
liquid limit WL=45%, and the specific gravity of the solid particles is 2.78. The proposed construction will transmit a net stress
of 120KN/m2 at the centre of the clay layer. Find the average settlement of the clay layer.
19. A strata of normally consolidated clay of thickness 3m is drained on one side only. It has a hydraulic conductivity of
k=5*10-8 cm/sec and a coefficient of volume compressibility mv=125*10-2cm2/sec. Determine the ultimate value of the
compression of the stratum by assuming a uniformity distributed load of 250KN/m2 and determine the time required for
20percent and 80percent consolidation.
GOOD-LUCK