FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND
GEOMATIC ENGINEERING

GEOTECHNICS LAB

GROUP REPORT
Code of Subject BFC 31901
Code of Experiment U3
Title of Experiment CONSOLIDATION TEST
Date of Experiment 29 OCTOBER 2023
Session/ Group No. SEM I 23/24 - GROUP 5
Name of Group Leader NUR KHAIRUNNISA BINTI RUZAIMAN
Members of Group 1. NUR KHAIRUNNISA BINTI RUZAIMAN (AF210052)
2. NURIN ALEEYA NASUHA BINTI MOHD NAZRI
(AF210069)
3. NURIN BINTI ZULKEPLI MOHD (CF210273)
4. NURIN ADRINA YASMIN BINTI AHMAD
KAMARULZAMAN (CF210078)
5. NURUL AIN BINTI MOHD NOOR HISHAM (DF220213)
6. MUHAMMAD PUTRA HAIQAL BIN MOHD LEZAHAR
(DF220094)
Lecturer/Instructor/Tutor DR. MOHAMMAD NASIR BIN MOHAMAD TAHER
Date of Submission 5 NOVEMBER 2023
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5 SCR WT TSCR
(%)
Data  Data is not  Data lacks  Good  Accurate  Accurate
represented precision representation of representation representation of
or is not  Greater than the data using of the data using the data using
accurate 20% tables and/or tables and/or tables and/or
difference graphs graphs graphs
with  Less than 15%  Data is fairly  Graphs and tables
accepted difference with precise are labeled and
6
values accepted values  Less than 10% titled
 Precision is difference with  Data is precise
acceptable accepted values with less than 5%
difference with
accepted values
Results &  Trends/  Trends/  Trends/patterns  Trends/ patterns  Trends/ patterns
Analysis patterns are patterns are are logically are logically are logically
not not analyzed analyzed for the analyzed analyzed
analyzed  Answers to most part  Questions are  Questions are
 Questions questions are  Questions are answered in answered
incomplete answered in complete thoroughly and in 6
are not
answered  Analysis is complete sentences complete
 Analysis is inconsistent sentences  Analysis is sentences
not relevant  Analysis is thoughtful  Analysis is
general insightful
Discussion  No  A discussion  A discussion  Accurate  Accurate
& discussion statement statement and discussion discussion
Conclusion and and conclusion of the statement and statement and
conclusion conclusion of results of the conclusion of the conclusion of the
were the results is experiment results of the results of the
included or incomplete indicates experiment experiment
showed with little whether results indicates indicates whether
8
little effort reflection on support the whether results results support the
and the hypothesis support the hypothesis
reflection experiment hypothesis  Possible sources
on the  Possible sources of error identified
experiment of error and lesson learnt
identified from the
experiment was
discussed and
concluded
Name of Accessor: Signature: Date: Total Score

/100
Comment by Assessor Acknowledgement of Receive
 STUDENT CODE OF ETHIC
(SCE)
DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND GEOMATIC ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

I, hereby confess that I have prepared this report on my own effort. I also admit not
to receive or give any help during the preparation of this report and pledge
that everything mentioned in the report is true.

Student Signature

Name : NUR KHAIRUNNISA BINTI RUZAIMAN

Matric No. : AF210052

Date : 5 NOVEMBER 2023

 STUDENT CODE OF ETHIC
(SCE)
DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND GEOMATIC ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

I, hereby confess that I have prepared this report on my own effort. I also admit not
to receive or give any help during the preparation of this report and pledge
that everything mentioned in the report is true.

Student Signature

Name : NURUL ADRINA YASMIN BINTI

AHMAD

Matric No. : CF210078

Date : 5 NOVEMBER 2023

 STUDENT CODE OF ETHIC
(SCE)
DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND GEOMATIC ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

I, hereby confess that I have prepared this report on my own effort. I also admit not
to receive or give any help during the preparation of this report and pledge
that everything mentioned in the report is true.

Student Signature

Name : NURIN ALEEYA NASUHA BINTI

MOHD NAZRI

Matric No. : AF210069

Date : 5 NOVEMBER 2023

 STUDENT CODE OF ETHIC
(SCE)
DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND GEOMATIC ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

I, hereby confess that I have prepared this report on my own effort. I also admit not
to receive or give any help during the preparation of this report and pledge
that everything mentioned in the report is true.

Student Signature

Name : NURIN BINTI ZULKEPLI MOHD

Matric No. : CF210273

Date : 5 NOVEMBER 2023

 STUDENT CODE OF ETHIC
(SCE)
DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND GEOMATIC ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

I, hereby confess that I have prepared this report on my own effort. I also admit not
to receive or give any help during the preparation of this report and pledge
that everything mentioned in the report is true.

Student Signature

Name : NURUL AIN BINTI MOHD NOOR

HISHAM

Matric No. : DF220213

Date : 5 NOVEMBER 2023

 STUDENT CODE OF ETHIC
(SCE)
DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND GEOMATIC ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

I, hereby confess that I have prepared this report on my own effort. I also admit not
to receive or give any help during the preparation of this report and pledge
that everything mentioned in the report is true.

Student Signature

Name : MUHAMMAD PUTRA HAIQAL BIN

MOHD LEZAHAR

Matric No. : DF220094

Date : 5 NOVEMBER 2023

TABLE OF CONTENT

BIL. CONTENTS PAGES

1. INTRODUCTION 1-2

2. METHODOLOGY 3-6

3. DATA ANALYSIS 7-9

4. QUESTIONS 10-16

5. DISCUSSION 17

6. CONCLUSION 18

7. REFERENCES 19

8. APPENDIX 20
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Consolidation testing is a crucial procedure in geotechnical engineering, providing vital

insights into the behavior of soils under load. It is a method used to understand how soils,
especially fine-grained ones like clays, compress and settle over time when subjected to different
stress levels. This process is essential for assessing the stability of structures like buildings,
bridges, and dams, as well as predicting the long-term settlement of the ground.

During consolidation testing, soil samples are subjected to controlled loads and
monitored over time to measure the gradual deformation or settlement. This information is
invaluable for engineers and construction professionals, as it helps them design foundations that
can withstand the expected ground movements, ensuring the safety and longevity of structures.
Consolidation testing is particularly significant in areas prone to subsidence or ground shifting,
where understanding soil behavior is essential for sustainable and secure construction practices.

By providing accurate data on how soils compact under loads, consolidation tests
contribute significantly to the field of geotechnical engineering. This knowledge aids in making
informed decisions about foundation design, preventing potential structural damage, and
ensuring the stability of infrastructures over time. Understanding the principles behind
consolidation testing is fundamental for engineers and geologists alike, as it forms the basis for
safe and resilient construction practices in various environments.

Objectives
a) To determine the consolidation characteristics of soils of low permeability.
b) To calculate the coefficient of consolidation (Cv).

1
Theory Background

When a fully saturated soil is subjected to a compressive stress, its volume tends to decrease.
The decreasing of its volume is due to compression of the solid grains and escape of water from
the voids. In a free drainage soil such as saturated sand the escape of water can take place
rapidly. But in clay, due to low permeability, the movement of water occurs very much slowly
and therefore, considerable time may be required for excess water to be squeezed out to
permeable boundaries.
Settlement is the direct result of the decrease in soil volume and consolidation is the rate of
volume decrease with time. The consolidation test is used to estimate the amount of settlement
and time of consolidation. From this test some consolidation parameters such as coefficient of
consolidation (cv), coefficient of volume compressibility (mv), compression index (Cc),
preconsolidation pressure (Pc) can be determined.

There are two methods for determining the coefficient of consolidation:

(i) Casagrande or log (time) or 50% consolidation
(ii) Taylor or √ time or 90% consolidation

The coefficient of consolidation can be determined by this equation,

2
 CHAPTER 2
METHODOLOGY
EQUIPMENTS

NO EQUIPMENT PICTURE

1. Consolidation apparatus:
● Consolidation ring
● Corrosion-resistant porous plate
● Consolidation cell
● Dial Gauge
● Loading device

2. Balance readable to 0.1g

3. Vernier caliper

4. Stop-clock readable to 1s

3
PROCEDURE
1. Using internal vernier callipers, measure the ring's height and internal diameter (D).
2. Use the closest 0.01g (𝑚𝑅) to weigh the ring.

3. Slicing and cutting the sample to form a ring.

4. Determine the initial moisture content from trimming soil.

5. The specimen (𝑚1) and ring weights are calculated.

6. The mass of bulk specimen (m) to the nearest 0.01 g was determined using this equation:
7. On the porous disc, the specimen and consolidation ring were positioned in the centre,
with the cutting edge on top.

4
8. After the cell body and ring retainer were set up, the upper porous disc was positioned in
the centre of the specimen.
9. On the platform of the machine base, the consolidation cell was positioned in the centre.

10. The loading stem was adjusted by screwing it downward until the end engaged closely in
the recess on top of the loading cap. The beam ends were raised to enable the loading
yoke to be raised to a vertical position.
11. The compression dial gauge was attached to the arm on the support post.
12. The load hanger was meticulously filled with weight (2.5 kg).

13. To ensure that the specimen and upper porous disc are fully immersed, room temperature
water was introduced to the cell.
14. Start the clock and wind down the beam support equally.

5
15. The compression gauge readings were recorded on a consolidation test form at the
predetermined time intervals after being watched together with the clock.

16. Plotting the compression values against time on a logarithmic scale and against
square-root time

6
 CHAPTER 3
DATA ANALYSIS

Result and calculation

Date started: 17/2/2011 Sample No: 1

Soil Type: peat soil

BEFORE TEST

Moisture content for trimming : S.G (Assumed) : 2.7

Weight of ring: 102.28 g Diameter of ring: 73.73 mm

Weight of sample + ring: 458.01g Area of ring: 4269.5 𝑚𝑚

2

Weight of sample: 355.73 g Thickness of ring: 18.93 mm

Weight of dry sample: 44.12 g Volume of ring : 80821.6 𝑚𝑚

3

Weight of initial moisture: 311.61 g 3

Density, ρ : 4.401 Mg/𝑚
3
Dry density ρ𝑑: 0.55 Mg/𝑚

𝐺
Initial void ratio, ρ 𝑠 - 1 = 3.91
𝑑

7
 Readings

Elapsed Time Time √time Clock time Gauge Reading

(min)
Hr Min Sec

0 0 0 8.40 0

10 0.17 0.41 0.057

20 0.33 0.57 0.082

30 0.50 0.71 0.105

40 0.67 0.82 0.126

50 0.83 0.91 0.144

1 1 1 8.40 0.170

2 2 1.41 8.41 0.286

4 4 2 8.44 0.477

8 8 2.83 8.48 0.805

15 15 3.87 8.55 1.242

30 30 5.48 9.10 1.674

1 60 7.75 9.41 1.828

8
Calculation

Weight of sample = Weight of sample + ring - Weight of ring

= 458.01g - 102.28 g
= 355.73 g

Weight of initial moisture = Weight of sample - Weight of dry sample

= 355.73 g - 44.12 g
= 311.61 g

Initial moisture contents = Weight of initial moisture / Weight of dry sample

= 311.61 g/ 44.12 g
= 7.0628 × 100%
= 7.1%

2
Area of ring = π𝐷 /4
2
= π(73. 73) /4
2
= 4269.5𝑚𝑚

Volume of ring = Area of ring x Thickness of ring

2
= 4269.5 𝑚𝑚 x 18.93 mm
3
= 80821.6𝑚𝑚

𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 (𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔)

Density,ρ = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
−6
355.73× 10 𝑀𝑔
= −9 3
80821.6 × 10 𝑚
3
= 4.401 Mg/𝑚

𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒

Dry density,ρ𝑑= 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
−6
44.12 × 10 𝑀𝑔
= −9 3
80821.6 × 10 𝑚
3
= 0.55 Mg/𝑚

9
 CHAPTER 4
QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1:
a) From your experimental data, determine the coefficient of consolidation, Cv (m/year)
using Casagrande Method. Please comment on your answer.
Sample 1 : Load 2.5 kg (peat soil)

Settlement (mm)

Log Time (min)

2
0.917 𝐻
Cv =
𝑡50

2
0.917 𝑥 0.005
= 2.5
−6
4.925 𝑥 10
= 2.5
−6 2
= 2.463 x 10 𝑚𝑚 /𝑚𝑖𝑛

10
 2
𝑚 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 24ℎ𝑟 365 𝑑𝑎𝑦
Cv = 2.463 x 10
−13
𝑚𝑖𝑛
x 1ℎ𝑟
x 1𝑑𝑎𝑦
x 1 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟

= 1.249 x 10−6 x 10 𝑚2 /𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟

Through the use of the Casagrande consolidation testing method, engineers and
geotechnical professionals may understand how soils settle over time under applied pressures
thanks to a recognizable pattern in the relationship between settlement and logarithmic time.
Graphing settlement versus the logarithm of time yields a straight line graph with certain
characteristics when using the Casagrande method. A parameter called Cv indicates how quickly
the consolidation process changes throughout a test. The following graph can be created once the
test's calculating portion is finished. Based on the calculation of using the casagrande method,
factors such as the magnitude of Cv (higher values imply faster consolidation), the quality and
reliability of the data, and how this result may impact the design and construction of the
engineering project. It's also important to assess if the calculated Cv aligns with expectations for
the given soil type and conditions. If the result is consistent with typical values for the soil type,
it may be considered valid. If not, further investigation or additional tests may be necessary.

b) Clay sample collected at depth 5m at Batu Pahat has a unit weight (ɣ) of 18 kN/m³. The
following data were recorded during an odometer test.

Effective 25 50 100 200 400 800 200 50

stress(
kN/m²)
Void ratio 0.85 0.82 0.71 0.57 0.43 0.3 0.4 0.5
(e)

i. Plot the graph of void ratio against effective stress on a semi log graph and determine the
compression index (Cc) and pre-consolidation pressure (Pc).

11
 Compression Index (Cc) = Slope of Graph

e1 = 0.82, e2 = 0.71, σ1 = 50, σ2 = 100

𝑒1 − 𝑒2
Cc = σ2
𝐿𝑜𝑔 ( σ1 )

(0.82−0.71)
Therefore, Cc = 100 = 0.183
𝐿𝑜𝑔 50

Pre-consolidation Pressure (Pc)

From graph, Pc = 150 kN/m²

ii. Determine the coefficient of volume compressibility (mv)

Δ𝑒 1
mv =
Δ𝑎 1+ 𝑒 𝑎𝑣𝑔

𝑒1 + 𝑒2
e avg = 2

12
 0.82 + 0.71
= 2
= 0.765

1
mv = (0.813) = 0.104
1+ 0.765

iii. Define whether the soil is normally consolidated or over consolidated.

At 5m, the present effective pressure is

σ′ = (2.5)(15.6) = 5(18 − 9.81)
= 79.95 kN/m²

σć = 59kN/m²

σć 59
OCR =
σ′
= 79.95
= 0.74 < 1 (Over Consolidated)

The soil is over consolidated, OCR<1. It means that the stress had been applied to the
sample of soil previously is less than the stress applied during that test

13
QUESTION 2:

a) From the experimental data , determine the coefficient of consolidation, cv (m2

/year) using Taylor Method. Please comment your answer.

Answer:

𝑇90 = 6. 80 min
T90 = 46.24 min

2
𝑇𝑣 𝐻 𝑑𝑟
Cv = 𝑡90
2
(0.8480)(18.93) 𝑚𝑚
Cv = 46.24 𝑚𝑖𝑛

2
Cv = 6. 572 𝑚𝑚 /𝑚𝑖𝑛
2 2 2
𝑚𝑚 1𝑚 525600 𝑚𝑖𝑛
Cv = 6.572 𝑚𝑖𝑛
× 2 2 × 1 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
1000 𝑚𝑚

2
Cv = 3. 454 𝑚 /𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟

14
 ∴ From the calculation, we can determine that the calculation coefficient consolidation which is
2
3. 454 𝑚 /𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟.

b) Clay samples collected from 10 meters deep in Parit Raja has a unit weight (γ) of 20
3
kN/𝑚 . The following data were recorded during an oedometer test.

Effective Stress (𝑘𝑁/𝑚 )

2 50 100 200 400 800 1600 400 100

Void Ratio (e) 0.95 0.92 0.81 0.67 0.53 0.4 0.5 0.6

i) Plot the graph of void ratio against effective stress on semi-log graph and
determine the compression index (Cc) and preconsolidation pressure (Pc).
ii) Determine the coefficient of volume compressibility (𝑚𝑣).

iii) Define whether the soil is normally consolidated or over consolidated.

Answer:
i)

15
Cc = slope of the graph
0.92 − 0.53
= 800
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑔( 100 )

= 0.408
∴ From the graph, we obtained;
- Pre-consolidation pressure,
2
Pc = 150 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
- Coefficient of volume compressibility,
∆𝑒 1
𝑚𝑣 = ∆σ' 1+𝑒 𝑎𝑣𝑔

∆𝑒
∆σ'
= slope of the graph
𝑒1+𝑒𝑠
𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 2

0.95+0.6
= 2

= 0. 775
∆𝑒 1
𝑚𝑣 = ∆σ' 1+𝑒 𝑎𝑣𝑔

1
= 0. 456( 1+0.775 )

= 0.262
ii) d = 10m
𝑃0 = γ × 𝑑

= 20 × 10
2
= 200 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝑃𝑐
Over-consolidation, OCR = 𝑃0

150
= 200

= 0. 75 < 1
∴ OCR < 1 suggests that there is excessive soil consolidation. It indicates that the soil sample
was under less stress prior to the test than it was under stress during the test

16
 CHAPTER 5
DISCUSSION

Soil consolidation, as defined by this experiment in soil mechanics and geotechnical

engineering, is the process by which soil settles and becomes more compact over time as a result
of water evaporation from its pore spaces. This process usually happens when weight or strain is
given to the soil based on the weight of the various loads. This must be considered while
construction embankment structures, and other civil engineering projects. Many factors influence
the rate of consolidation and degree of settlement, including soil type, starting water content,
applied stresses and soil permeability. Engineering uses soil mechanics under various loading
circumstances utilizing laboratory investigations such as consolidation tests. This understanding
is required for designing foundations and assuring the stability of buildings built above or on
earth.
The experiment accomplished the objective of our experiment, which was to investigate
the features of soil consolidation with flow permeability. We used 353.73 grams of clay in this
experiment. The T90 value may be calculated from the graph using the Taylor technique, which
is 46.24 minutes

17
 CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this lab report has offered a thorough examination of the consolidation
procedure. We have given our results, talked about the experimental process, and explored the
theory underlying consolidation. We have learned more about the behavior of soils during
consolidation and its significance in geotechnical engineering thanks to the data that was
gathered and examined. The present investigation provides a useful tool for comprehending and
describing soil consolidation, and its conclusions have practical implications for engineering
endeavors.

18
REFERENCE

Anupoju, S. (2018, September 27). Consolidation Test on soil by consolidometer or oedometer.

The Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/soil-consolidation-test/3054/

Connections, D. (2022, April 4). What Is Soil Consolidation And Why Is It Important? Dirt

Connections.https://www.dirtconnections.com/what-is-soil-consolidation-and-why-is-it-i

mportant/

Hossain, M. S., PhD PE. (2021, January 14). Consolidation test. Pressbooks.

https://uta.pressbooks.pub/soilmechanics/chapter/consolidation-test/

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APPENDIX

20