QUIZ GT106

Soil Compressibility and Consolidation

Lucas Montogue

► PROBLEMS

PROBLEM 1
Which of the following is not an assumption in the derivation of Terzaghi’s
theory of one-dimensional consolidation?
A) The clay-water system is homogeneous.
B) The flow of water is two-dimensional.
C) Compressibility of water and soil grains is negligible.
D) The soil is fully saturated.

PROBLEM 2
When the total pressure acting at midheight of a consolidating layer is 200
2
kN/m , the corresponding void ratio of the clay is 0.98. When the total pressure
acting at the same location is 500 kN/m2, the corresponding void ratio decreases
to 0.81. Find the void ratio of the clay if the total pressure acting at midheight of
the consolidating layer is 1000 kN/m2.

A) e = 0.48
B) e = 0.58
C) e = 0.68
D) e = 0.78

PROBLEM 3a
Consider the soil profile shown in the following figure. The soil is subjected
to an uniformly distributed load Δ𝜎𝜎 = 31.1 kN/m2 on the ground surface. The sand
is such that 𝛾𝛾𝑑𝑑 = 16.5 kN/m3 and 𝛾𝛾sat,sand = 19.3 kN/m3; the underlying clay has
𝛾𝛾sat,clay = 20.5 kN/m3, LL = 38, eo = 0.89, and Cs = 0.25Cc. Depths H1, H2, and H3 are as
shown. Determine the primary consolidation displacement of the normally
consolidated clay layer.

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A) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 60.2 mm
B) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 73.8 mm
C) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 86.2 mm
D) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 99.8 mm

PROBLEM 3b
Determine the primary consolidation for the clay layer specified in the
previous problem if it had a preconsolidation pressure 𝜎𝜎𝑐𝑐′ = 95 kN/m2.
A) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 23.4 mm
B) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 33.3 mm
C) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 40.2 mm
D) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 50.1 mm

PROBLEM 3C
Refer to the soil introduced in Problem 3A. Given the coefficient of
consolidation 𝑐𝑐𝑣𝑣 = 0.24 cm2/sec, how long will it take for 75% consolidation to be
over in the field?
A) 𝑡𝑡 = 221 days
B) 𝑡𝑡 = 305 days
C) 𝑡𝑡 = 385 days
D) 𝑡𝑡 = 461 days

PROBLEM 4
A vertical section through a building foundation at a site is shown below.
The average modulus of volume compressibility of the clay is mv = 4×10-5 m2/kN.
Determine the primary consolidation settlement.

A) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 20 mm
B) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 40 mm
C) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 60 mm
D) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 80 mm

PROBLEM 5
The time required for 25% consolidation of a 40-mm thick clay layer,
drained on both ends, in the laboratory is 4 min. How long, in days, will it take for
a 2-m-thick clay layer of the same clay in the field under the same pressure
increment to reach 25% consolidation? The soil mass in the field is sandwiched
between two thick layers of gravel, as shown.

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A) 𝑡𝑡field = 1.69 days
B) 𝑡𝑡field = 2.58 days
C) 𝑡𝑡field = 3.47 days
D) 𝑡𝑡field = 4.36 days

PROBLEM 6A
A 6 m clay layer in the field, drained on both ends, is normally
consolidated. When the pressure exerted on it is increased from 100 to 200
kN/m2, the void ratio fell from 0.85 to 0.71. The hydraulic conductivity of the clay
layer was determined as k = 5.5×10-7 cm/sec. Calculate the time required for the
layer to reach 40% consolidation.

A) 𝑡𝑡 = 13.4 days
B) 𝑡𝑡 = 18.3 days
C) 𝑡𝑡 = 23.6 days
D) 𝑡𝑡 = 38.5 days

PROBLEM 6B
What is the settlement of the soil introduced in the previous part when it
reaches 40% consolidation?
A) (𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 )40% = 68.5 mm
B) (𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 )40% = 120.5 mm
C) (𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 )40% = 186.0 mm
D) (𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 )40% = 225.0 mm

PROBLEM 7
For a laboratory consolidation test on a 20-mm-thick clay specimen,
drained on one side only, the following data were obtained. If the time for 70%
consolidation was 6 min, determine the hydraulic conductivity of the clay in the
loading range.

Void ratio 𝜎𝜎′ (kN/m2)

0.85 125
0.93 240

A) 𝑘𝑘 = 1.62 × 10-7 cm/s

B) 𝑘𝑘 = 3.25 × 10-7 cm/s
C) 𝑘𝑘 = 1.62 × 10-6 cm/s
D) 𝑘𝑘 = 3.25 × 10-6 cm/s

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 PROBLEM 8A
A sample of saturated clay of height 25 mm and water content 33% was
tested in an oedometer. Loading and unloading of the sample were carried out,
beginning at 100 kN/m2 to 400 kN/m2 and then back to 100 again. The values of
the sample’s height Hz in each loading stage are tabulated below. Plot the results
as void ratio versus 𝜎𝜎𝑧𝑧′ , with the latter organized in a log scale.

𝜎𝜎𝑧𝑧′ (kPa) 100 200 400 200 100

𝐻𝐻𝑧𝑧 (mm) 25 24.14 23.28 23.35 23.44

PROBLEM 8b
Determine the compression indexes Cc and Cr for the data introduced in
the previous problem.
A) 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 = 0.035 and 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 0.090
B) 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 = 0.035 and 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 0.123
C) 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 = 0.060 and 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 0.090
D) 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 = 0.060 and 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 0.123

PROBLEM 8C
Determine the coefficient of volume compressibility between 𝜎𝜎𝑧𝑧′ = 200 kPa
and 𝜎𝜎𝑧𝑧′ = 300 kPa.
A) 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 = 5.54 × 10-5 m2/kN
B) 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 = 9.57 × 10-5 m2/kN
C) 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 = 5.54 × 10-4 m2/kN
D) 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 = 9.57 × 10-4 m2/kN

PROBLEM 9A
The following results were obtained from an oedometer test on a
specimen of saturated clay.

Pressure (kN/m²) 27 54 107 214 429 214 107 54

Void ratio 1.243 1.217 1.144 1.068 0.994 1.001 1.012 1.024

A layer of this clay 8 m thick lies below a 4 m depth of sand, the water
table being at the surface. The saturated unit weight for both soils is 19 kN/m2. A 4
m depth of fill of unit weight 21 kN/m3 is placed on the sand over an extensive
area. Determine the final settlement due to consolidation of the clay.

A) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 113.4 mm
B) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 232.5 mm
C) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 317.9 mm
D) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 436.8 mm

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 PROBLEM 9b
If the fill considered in the previous part were removed some time after
the completion of consolidation, what heave would eventually take place due to
swelling of the clay?
A) Δ𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = −11 mm
B) Δ𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = −25 mm
C) Δ𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = −39 mm
D) Δ𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = −53 mm

PROBLEM 9C
Assuming the fill specified in the previous parts is dumped very rapidly,
what would be the value of excess porewater pressure at the center of the clay
layer after a period of 3 years? The layer is open and has a coefficient of
consolidation cv = 2.4 m2/year.
A) 𝑢𝑢𝑒𝑒 = 35.2 kPa
B) 𝑢𝑢𝑒𝑒 = 55.1 kPa
C) 𝑢𝑢𝑒𝑒 = 74.3 kPa
D) 𝑢𝑢𝑒𝑒 = 93.4 kPa

PROBLEM 10
A clay layer below a foundation settles 15 mm in 200 days after the
building was completed. According to the oedometer results, this settlement
corresponds to an average degree of consolidation of 25%. Plot the settlement-
time curve for a 10-year period, assuming double drainage.

PROBLEM 11
Data obtained from a laboratory consolidation test are shown in the next
table.
Time (min) 0.25 1 2.25 4 9 16 25 36 1440
Total ΔH (mm) 0.12 0.23 0.33 0.43 0.59 0.68 0.74 0.76 0.89

Also, we have 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ = 100 kPa, 𝜎𝜎1′ = 200 kPa, and Ho = 23.6 mm. Find the
coefficient of consolidation in mm2/min using the root time method.
A) 𝑐𝑐𝑣𝑣 = 2.10 mm2/min
B) 𝑐𝑐𝑣𝑣 = 7.05 mm2/min
C) 𝑐𝑐𝑣𝑣 = 14.05 mm2/min
D) 𝑐𝑐𝑣𝑣 = 20.10 mm2/min

► ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Figure 1 Relationship between time factor and average degree of consolidation
for a uniform distribution and a triangular distribution of initial excess porewater
pressure.

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► SOLUTIONS

P.1 ■ Solution
Statements A and B are correct, since Terzaghi’s one-dimensional
consolidation theory presupposes that the soil is homogeneous and saturated.
This formulation is also based on the hypothesis that the compressibility of water
and soil grains is negligible, thus confirming statement C. The false statement is B,
because flow of water is assumed to occur in one direction only, namely, the
vertical direction.

► The correct answer is B.

P.2 ■ Solution
We were given two data points, one of which says that the void ratio of the
clay is 0.98 when the total pressure is 200 kN/m2, and another according to which
e2 = 0.81 when p2 = 500 kN/m2. Using these data, we can determine the
compression index,
e1 − e2 0.98 − 0.81
=Cc = = 0.427
log ( p2 p1 ) log ( 500 200 )
We want to determine the value of Cc when the void ratio decreases to
0.81. To do so, we make use of the value of Cc we have just computed and
substitute any one of the two data points we were initially given; then, we solve
the ensuing equation for the new void ratio e. Mathematically,

e1 − e2 0.98 − e
Cc
= → 0.427
=
log ( p2 p1 ) log (1000 200 )
∴ 0.298 =0.98 − e

∴e=0.68

► The correct answer is C.

P.3 ■ Solution
Part A: The in-situ overburden pressure is determined as follows,

H3
σ o′= γ d ,sand × H1 + ( γ sat,sand − γ w ) × H 2 + ( γ sat,clay − γ w ) ×
2
4
∴σ o′ = 16.5 × 2 + (19.3 − 9.8 ) × 3 + ( 20.5 − 9.8 ) × = 82.9 kPa
2
The compression index of the clay can be determined by means of the
liquid limit relationship,

Cc= 0.009 ( LL − 10 )= 0.009 × ( 38 − 10 )= 0.252

The primary consolidation settlement follows from the formula

Cc H  σ ′ + ∆σ 
ρs = log10  o 
1 + eo  σ o′ 
where Cc is the compression index, H is the thickness of the layer undergoing
consolidation, eo is the void ratio, 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ is the overburden stress, and Δ𝜎𝜎 is the
additional above-ground load. Substituting 0.252 for Cc, 4 m for H, 0.89 for eo, 82.9
kPa for 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ , and 32 kPa for Δ𝜎𝜎, we obtain

0.252 × 4  82.9 + 31.1 

=ρs log10  =  0.0738
= 73.8 mm
1 + 0.89  82.9 
The primary consolidation settlement of the clay layer is about 7
centimeters.

► The correct answer is B.

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 Part B: To determine which formula to use, we must verify the
relationship between the overconsolidation pressure, Δ𝜎𝜎𝑐𝑐′ = 95 kN/m2, and the
sum 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ + Δ𝜎𝜎′ = 82.9 + 31.1 = 114 kN/m2; since the latter is greater than the former,
the primary consolidation settlement is to be determined with the expression

Cs H  ∆σ c′  Cc H  σ ′ + ∆σ ′ 
=ρs log10  + log10  o 
1 + eo  σ o′  1 + eo  ∆σ c′ 
The swell index for the clay layer is one-fourth of the compression index,
i.e.,

Cs =0.25 × 0.252 =0.063

Substituting this value for Cs, Δ𝜎𝜎𝑐𝑐′ = 95 kN/m2, and the remaining variables
in the equation for 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 , we see that

0.063 × 4  95  0.252 × 4  82.9 + 31.1 

ρs =
log10  + log10  =0.0501 =
50.1 mm
1 + 0.89  82.9  1 + 0.89  95 
The overconsolidated soil will have a settlement about 30% lower than its
normally consolidated counterpart.

► The correct answer is D.

Part C: Recall that the time factor can be computed with the following
simple relationships: for U (degree of consolidation) ∈ (0 ; 60)%, the time factor Tv
is given by

2
π U 
Tv =  
4  100 
whereas for U > 60%, the following approximation is valid,

1.781 − 0.933log (100 − U )

Tv =

The second equation applies in this case, so that, substituting U = 75%, we

obtain

Tv = 1.781 − 0.933log10 (100 − 75 ) = 0.477

The time factor, Tv, is computed with the relation

cv t
Tv =
H dr2

where cv is the coefficient of consolidation, t is time, and Hdr is the longest drainage
path during consolidation. For soils drained at one side only (the upper end is
exposed to the adjacent sand layer, but the lower end is sealed by a rocky layer),
Hdr is to be taken as equal to the thickness of the layer, that is, Hdr = H3 = 400 cm.
Substituting this data, along with Tv = 0.477 and cv = 0.24 cm2/min, we can solve for
t,

ct 0.24 × t
Tv = v 2 → 0.477 =
H dr 4002

0.477 × 4002
=∴t = 318, 000 min
0.24
or, in terms of days,

318, 000 min

=t = 221 days
min
( 60 × 24 )
day
The clay layer should take over 7 months to consolidate.

► The correct answer is A.

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P.4 ■ Solution
The coefficient of volume compressibility allows the engineer to obtain a
quick estimate of the primary consolidation settlement using the rather simple
relation

ρ s mv H ∆σ ′
=
Here, we substitute 4×10-4 m2/kN for m, 2 m for the soil layer thickness H,
and 100 kPa for Δ𝜎𝜎′, giving

ρ s = mv H ∆σ ′ = ( 4 ×10 ) × 2 ×100 =
−4
0.08 m = 80 mm

The advantage of the equation we used is that mv is readily determined

from displacement data in consolidation tests. There is no need to compute void
ratio changes, as in the case of the compression index Cc. It should be noted that,
unlike settlement calculations involving Cc, computations with mv are somewhat
inaccurate because this parameter varies with stress levels. To reduce the effects
of nonlinearity, the vertical effective stress difference should not exceed 100 kPa
in calculating mv.

► The correct answer is D.

P.5 ■ Solution
Two soils of identical characteristics, be they in the lab or in the field,
should have the same time factor at the same degree of consolidation; the
coefficient of consolidation should be the same as well. Accordingly, we can write

cv tlab ct t t
T50 = 2
= v2field → lab2
= field
2
H dr,lab H dr,field H dr,lab H dr,field

Substituting tlab = 4 min, Hdr,lab = 0.040/2, and Hdr,field = 2/2 = 1 m, 𝑡𝑡field is

determined to be

tlab tfield 4 tfield

= → =
( 0.040 2 ) ( 2 2 )
2 2 2 2
H dr,lab H dr,field

) ×4
( 2 2=
2

∴ tfield
= 5000 min
( 0.040 2 )
2

1 day
tfield 5000 min ×
∴= = 3.47 days
1440 min
or about 3 and a half days.

► The correct answer is C.

P.6 ■ Solution
Part A: The time factor is given by
cv t
Tv =
H dr2

Solving for time, we get

cv t Tv H dr2
T=
v t
→= (I)
H dr2 cv

The coefficient of consolidation, in turn, is related to other physical

quantities by the expression

k
cv =
mvγ w

where k is the hydraulic conductivity of the soil, mv is the coefficient of volume

compressibility, and 𝛾𝛾𝑤𝑤 is the unit weight of water. One of the variables above that
is not yet available is mv; it is defined as

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 av
mv =
1 + eavg

where eavg is the average void ratio and av is the coefficient of compressibility; the
latter is given by the ratio of change in void ratio to change in stress,

∆e 0.71 − 0.85 m2
av
= = = 0.0014
∆σ ′ 200 − 100 kN

The average void ratio eavg, in turn, is

0.71 + 0.85
=eavg = 0.78
2
so that

av 0.0014 m2
mv
= = = 7.87 ×10−4
1 + eavg 1 + 0.78 kN

Substituting in the expression for cv gives

k 5.5 ×10−9 [ m s ]
cv = = 7.15 10−7 m 2 s =
=× 0.0618 m 2 day
mvγ w  m 2
  kN 
( 7.84 ×10−4 )  kN  × 9.81  m3 
 
 
Using Figure 1, we see that the time factor that corresponds to a
consolidation of 40% is Tv = 0.126. Also, for a soil stratum drained on both ends,
we have Hdr = 6/2 = 3 m; substituting Tv, Hdr, and cv in equation (I) brings to

Tv H dr2 0.126 × ( 6 2 )
2

=t = = 18.3 days
cv 0.0618

The soil needs over half a month to attain 40% consolidation.

► The correct answer is B.

Part B: To obtain the settlement at 40% consolidation, we should first

determine the full primary consolidation. To do so, we compute the compression
index as

∆e
Cc =
σ′ 
log10  2 
 σ 1′ 
where Δ𝑒𝑒 = |0.85 − 0.71| = 0.14 and 𝜎𝜎2′ ⁄𝜎𝜎1′ = 200/100 = 2. Thus,

0.14
=Cc = 0.465
log10 2

The primary settlement is given by

Cc H  σ ′ + ∆σ ′ 
ρs = log10  o 
1 + eo  σ o′ 
Substituting Cc = 0.465, H = 6 m, eo = 0.71, 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ = 100 kN/m2, and 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ + Δ𝜎𝜎′ =
200 kN/m2, it follows that

0.465 × 6  200 
=ρs log10=
  0.491
= m 491 mm
1 + 0.71  100 
The full consolidation of the soil will be just short of half a meter, which is
quite high for a 6-m-thick layer such as the one under consideration. We assume
that the 40% settlement is simply 0.4 times the full primary consolidation 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 ; that
is,

( ρ s )40% =0.4 ρ s =0.4 × 465 = 186 mm

► The correct answer is C.

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P.7 ■ Solution
The coefficient of consolidation is given by

k
cv =
mvγ w

Solving for the hydraulic conductivity k yields

k
cv
= k cv mvγ w (I)
→=
mvγ w

The coefficient of volume compressibility, mv, is given by

av
mv =
1 + eavg

where av is the coefficient of compressibility and eavg is the average void ratio. The
coefficient of compressibility, in turn, is the ratio of change in void ratio to change
in overburden stress,

∆e
av =
∆σ ′

In the present case, |Δ𝑒𝑒| = |0.85 – 0.93| = 0.08 and |Δ𝜎𝜎′| = |240 – 125| =
115 kPa, so that

0.08 m2
av
= = 6.96 ×10−4
115 kN
The average void ratio is eavg = (0.85 + 0.93)/2 = 0.89. Substituting in the
equation for mv gives

mv
=
( 6.96 ×10=) −4

3.68 ×10−4
m2
1 + 0.89 kN
The time factor can be obtained from Figure 1 or computed with the
approximation 𝑇𝑇𝑣𝑣 = 1.781 − 0.933 log(100 − 𝑈𝑈[%]), which is valid when U > 60%; we
choose the latter option, obtaining

Tv = 1.781 − 0.933log (100 − 70 ) = 0.403

We now have all necessary variables to determine the coefficient of

consolidation, cv,

cv t Tv H dr2
Tv = → cv =
H dr2 t

where Hdr = 50 mm for a soil drained on one end only and t = 6 min, so that

0.403 × ( 20 ×10−3 )
2

cv
= = 2.69 ×10−5 m 2 min
6
Returning to equation (I), the hydraulic conductivity is determined to be

k = cv mvγ w = ( 2.69 ×10−5 ) × ( 3.68 ×10−4 ) × 9.81 = 9.71×10−8 m min

or, equivalently,

m 1 min 100 cm
k 9.71×10−8
= × × = 1.62 ×10−7 cm s
min 60 s 1 m

► The correct answer is A.

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P.8 ■ Solution
Part A: The change in void ratio is determined as

∆H
∆e =
H o (1 + eo )

where eo is the initial void ratio, Δ𝐻𝐻 is the change in height, and Ho is the thickness
of the clay sample. Since the soil is saturated, the initial void ratio is simply the
product of water content and specific gravity,

eo = wGs = 0.33 × 2.67 = 0.881

Similarly, the change in soil thickness is such that

∆H = H o − H f = 25 − 24.14 = 0.86 mm

The variation in void ratio easily follows,

∆H 0.86
=∆e = = 0.018
H o (1 + eo ) 25 × (1 + 0.881)

The void ratio e1 after the first loading is obtained as

∆e = eo − e1

∴ e1= eo − ∆e = 0.881 − 0.018= 0.863

Applying similar calculations to the later loading stages, the following table
is prepared,
𝜎𝜎𝑧𝑧′ (kPa) 𝐻𝐻𝑓𝑓 (mm) Δ𝐻𝐻 Δ𝑒𝑒 𝑒𝑒
100 25
200 24.14 0.86 0.018 0.863
400 23.28 1.72 0.037 0.844
200 23.35 1.65 0.035 0.846
100 23.44 1.56 0.033 0.848

The plot we were asked to obtain is one of void ratio, the blue column
above, versus the vertical effective stress, the red column, with the latter
measured on a log scale. This can be done with Mathematica’s ListLogLinearPlot
command, as shown.

Part B: The compression index is the average slope of the normal

consolidation line in a plot of void ratio versus the logarithm of stress;
mathematically,

∆e 0.018
=Cc = = 0.060
σ   200 
log10  2  log10  
 σ1   100 

Similarly, the recompression index is the average slope of the

unloading/reloading curve, that is,

∆e 0.037
=Cr = = 0.123
σ   400 
log10  3  log10  
σ2   200 

► The correct answer is D.

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 Part C: The coefficient of volume compressibility can be determined with
the relation

∆e
mv =
∆σ ′ (1 + eo )

Substituting Δ𝑒𝑒 = 0.018, Δ𝜎𝜎′ = 300 – 200 = 100 kPa, and eo = 0.881 gives

0.018
mv
= = 9.57 ×10−5 m 2 kN
( 300 − 200 ) × (1 + 0.881)
The coefficient of volume compressibility is close to 10-4 kPa-1.

► The correct answer is B.

P.9 ■ Solution
Part A: For one-dimensional consolidation, we can estimate the
settlement of soil with the expression

eo − e1
ρs = H dr
1 + eo

Approximate values of e are obtained from the following graph. Since the
clay layer is relatively thick, we propose dividing it into four equal strata, each with
2-m thickness, as illustrated below.

Then, the following table is prepared. In the second column the initial
stress 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ is the product (4 + 1) × (19.0 – 9.8) = 46 kN/m2, where the first factor is
the depth from the surface to the middle of the first layer and the second is the
submerged unit weight of either soil. The third column, in turn, is the sum of the
aforementioned 46 kPa and the stress due to the overlying sand fill, 4 × 21 = 84
kPa, totaling 𝜎𝜎1′ = 46 + 84 = 130 kPa.

2 2
Layer 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ (kN ⁄m ) 𝜎𝜎1′ (kN ⁄m ) 𝑒𝑒𝑜𝑜 𝑒𝑒1 𝑒𝑒𝑜𝑜 − 𝑒𝑒1 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 (mm)
1 46 130 1.236 1.123 0.113 101.1
2 64.4 148.4 1.2 1.108 0.092 83.6
3 82.8 166.8 1.172 1.095 0.077 70.9
4 101.2 185.2 1.15 1.083 0.067 62.3
Total ρ 317.9

As highlighted in the blue column, the total settlement of the clay layer will
be close to one foot.

► The correct answer is C.

Part B: When the clay is expanding, the stresses 𝜎𝜎1′ and 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ switch places in
the previous table, and the e1 void ratio values are taken from the unloading path
of the e-log 𝜎𝜎′ curve. Then, the following table is prepared.

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 2 2
Layer 𝜎𝜎𝑜𝑜′ (kN ⁄m ) 𝜎𝜎1′ (kN ⁄m ) 𝑒𝑒𝑜𝑜 𝑒𝑒1 𝑒𝑒𝑜𝑜 − 𝑒𝑒1 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 (mm)
1 130 46 1.123 1.136 -0.013 -12.2
2 148.4 64.4 1.108 1.119 -0.011 -10.4
3 166.8 82.8 1.095 1.104 -0.009 -8.6
4 185.2 101.2 1.083 1.091 -0.008 -7.7
Total ρ -39.0

As shown in the red column, the clay will experience about 39 millimeters
of heave.

► The correct answer is C.

Part C: If the layer is open, the drainage path is Hdr = 8/2 = 4 m.

Substituting this value, along with cv = 2.4 m2/year and t = 3 yrs, we obtain a time
factor

cv t 2.4 × 3
Tv
= = = 0.45
H dr2 42

The porewater pressure corresponds to the weight of the fill, i.e., ui = Δ𝜎𝜎 =
4 × 21 = 84 kN/m2. The expression for porewater developed in one-dimensional
consolidation theory is

m =∞
2ui   Mz 
∑M   exp ( − M Tv )
2
=ue sin 
m=0   H dr 
In this case, z = Hdr. and the sine term above simplifies as

 Mz 
sin   = sin M
 d 
where M is such that

π 3π 5π
M= , , ,...
2 2 2
We can then prepare the following table.

M sin 𝑀𝑀 M 2 Tv exp −𝑀𝑀2 𝑇𝑇𝑣𝑣

𝜋𝜋⁄2 +1 1.110 0.329
3𝜋𝜋⁄2 -1 9.993 4.57×10-5

Notice that the term involving the second possible value of M, that is,
3𝜋𝜋⁄2, is associated with a term exp(−𝑀𝑀2 𝑇𝑇𝑣𝑣 ) that is quite small (= 4.57 × 10−5 ). Thus,
considering the first value of M only is a reasonable approximation. Finally, the
porewater pressure at the center of the clay after 3 years is such that

2
ue = 2 × 84 × ×1× 0.329 = 35.2 kPa
π
► The correct answer is A.

P.10 ■ Solution
The degree of saturation, U, is the ratio of settlement at time, 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 , to total
settlement, 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠,total ; solving for 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠,total gives

ρs ρ 15
U= → ρ s ,total =s = = 60 mm
ρ s ,total U 0.25

The time factor for 25% consolidation is obtained with the usual
approximation (or from Figure 1),

2
π  U [%] 
2
π  25 
=Tv =  =  0.049
4  100  4  100 

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 The time span for 25% consolidation to occur, when converted to years, is
t25 = 200/365 = 0.55 yr. Since the drainage path and the coefficient of consolidation
are the same, we can make use of the equality

Tv ,1T 0.049 Tv ,2
=v ,2 → =
t1 t2 0.55 t2
0.55
∴ t2 = Tv ,2
0.049
11.22Tv ,2
∴ t2 =

Using the relationship above and the adequate time factors, we can
tabulate the necessary data.

U (%) Tv2 t 2 (yrs) 𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 (mm)

0 0 0.00 0
5 0.002 0.02 3
10 0.008 0.09 6
15 0.018 0.20 9
20 0.031 0.35 12
25 0.049 0.55 15
30 0.071 0.80 18
40 0.126 1.41 24
50 0.197 2.21 30
60 0.287 3.22 36
70 0.403 4.52 42
80 0.567 6.36 48
90 0.848 9.51 54

The plot we are looking for is one of settlement in mm (the red column)
versus time in years (the blue column).

P.11 ■ Solution
We first compute the average thickness as Havg = 23.6 – 4.1/2 = 21.55 mm.
The drainage path is Hdr = 21.55/2 = 10.78 mm. We then tabulate settlement and
square-root-of-time values as shown, then plotting the former (blue row) versus
the latter (red row).

Time (min) 0.25 1 4 9 16 25 36 81 1440

1/2
√Time (min ) 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 37.9
Total ΔH (mm) 0.622 1.244 2.468 3.4 3.838 3.97 4 4.051 4.1

To derive the coefficient of consolidation with the root time method, we

begin by delineating a tangent to the curve of settlement against time1/2 beginning
at the origin, as shown.

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 It is found that √𝑡𝑡𝐴𝐴 = 4.5 min1/2. The next step is to draw a second line, this
time going from the origin to the abscissa corresponding to 1.15√𝑡𝑡𝐴𝐴 = 1.15 × 4.5 =
5.18 min1/2; the line in question is shown in blue below.

Finally, the intercept of the blue line with the settlement-time1/2 curve is to
be taken as the time required for 90% consolidation, t90. Projecting the intercept
onto the abscissa yields �𝑡𝑡90 .

The green line intercepts the horizontal axis at �𝑡𝑡90 ≈ 3.4 min., which
corresponds to a time of 90% consolidation t90 = 11.56 min. We are then ready to
substitute the available data in the expression for the time factor Tv, which can be
easily solved for the coefficient of consolidation,

cv t90 Tv H dr2
Tv= → cv=
H dr2 t90

At 90% consolidation, the time factor Tv = 0.848; also, given the current
height 20 – 0.89 = 19.1 mm, the drainage path is such that 𝐻𝐻dr = �𝐻𝐻𝑜𝑜 + 𝐻𝐻𝑓𝑓 �⁄4 = (20

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+ 19.1)/4 = 9.8 mm. Substituting the available data in the expression for cv, we
obtain

Tv H dr2 0.848 × 9.82

=cv = = 7.05 mm 2 min
t90 11.56

► The correct answer is B.

► ANSWER SUMMARY

Problem 1 B
Problem 2 C
3A B
Problem 3 3B D
3C A
Problem 4 D
Problem 5 C
6A B
Problem 6
6B C
Problem 7 A
8A Open-ended pb.
Problem 8 8B D
8C B
9A C
Problem 9 9B C
9C A
Problem 10 Open-ended pb.
Problem 11 B

► REFERENCES
• BUDHU, M. (2011). Soil Mechanics and Foundations. 3rd edition. New York:
John Wiley and Sons.
• CRAIG, R. (2004). Craig’s Soil Mechanics. 7th edition. London: Spon Press.
• DAS, B. and SOBHAN, K. (2014). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. 8th
edition. Stamford: Cengage Learning.
• LIU, C., and EVETT, J. (2008). Soils and Foundations. 7th edition. Upper
Saddle River: Pearson.

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