CE 329

Chapter 7
Time Rate of Consolidation
Read: Chapter 11 of Coduto et al. (2011)

1
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Time Rate of Consolidation

Learning Objectives:
• Review
• Terzaghi Theory of Consolidation
• One-Dimensional Consolidation Equation
• Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation for Double Drainage Case
• Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation for Single Drainage Case
• Degree of Consolidation
• Consolidation Settlement versus Time Computations
• Simplified Solution
• Average Degree of Consolidation
• Steps to Calculate Settlement at Any Time Using the Simplified Solution
• Relation between Single and Double Drainages
• Relation between the Number of Layers and Consolidation Time
• Correction for Construction Period
• Monitoring program
• Examples

2
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Review
▪ When a saturated compressible clay layer is subjected to a stress increase, elastic
settlement occurs immediately. Because the hydraulic conductivity of clay is
significantly low, the increase in the loading will generate excess pore water pressure
that gradually dissipates over a long period. Thus, the associated volume change
(that is, the consolidation) in the clay continue for long time after the elastic
settlement.

3
 Terzaghi Theory of Consolidation
Terzaghi (1928) proposed the first theory to predict the rate of consolidation for saturated
clay soils, assuming:
1. The system of clay and water is homogeneous (Cc, Cs, k, and Cv) are constant
throughout soil (at different locations).

CEE3322B-UWO
2. The soil is completely saturated (S=100%)
3. Soil particles and water are incompressible: settlement is due to change in void ratio
only. The soil grains are incompressible but may rearrange.
4. Darcy’s Law is valid.
4
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Terzaghi Theory of Consolidation
5. One-dimensional compression

CEE 3322B - UWO

6. One-dimensional drainage

7. Settlement (strain) is small: So, soil properties (Cc, Cs, k, and Cv) remain constant
with time.
5
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Terzaghi Theory of Consolidation
8. No secondary compression
9. Vertical total stress does not change with time.
10. Immediately after loading, excess pore pressure (ue or ∆𝑢) is constant with depth
and equal to ∆𝜎𝑣 . True for infinite loading (fill); Not true for finite loading (foundation)

6
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 One-Dimensional Consolidation Equation
For the derivation, consider a layer of clay that is located between two highly permeable
layers. The excess pore water pressure, ue, now varies with both depth z and time t, so
we have a partial differential equation ∆𝜎𝑣 Backfill
𝛿𝑢𝑒 𝛿 2 𝑢𝑒 Sand
= 𝐶𝑣 (Free drainage boundary)
𝛿𝑡 𝛿𝑧 2
𝑧𝑑𝑟 𝐻𝑑𝑟
Clay
(Compressible soil)
𝐻
where: 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝑢𝑒 = Excess pore water pressure. Sand
(Free drainage boundary)
𝑡 = Time
𝑘
𝐶𝑣 = Coefficient of consolidation = 𝐶𝑣 = 𝑚 𝛾
𝑣 𝑤
z = Vertical distance below the permeable layer

7
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 One-Dimensional Consolidation Equation
Drainage distance: Hdr

Backfill
Backfill
Sand
Sand
𝐻𝑑𝑟
Clay 𝐻
𝐻𝑑𝑟 Clay 𝐻

Sand
Rock
𝐻
𝐻𝑑𝑟 = 𝐻𝑑𝑟 = 𝐻
2
Double Drainage Single Drainage

8
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Double Drainage Case
Boundary Condition

Terzaghi’s consolidation theory can be solved with the following boundary conditions:

1) 𝑡 = 0, 𝑢𝑒 = ∆𝜎𝑣

2) 𝑧 = 0, 𝑢𝑒 = 0 At any time (Accurately, it

should be at any time after
3) 𝑧 = 𝐻 = 2𝐻𝑑𝑟 , 𝑢𝑒 = 0
t=0)

9
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Double Drainage Case
The analytical solution based on these boundary conditions produces the following
infinite series formula for ue at any point in the compressible strata at any time after the
application of the load
𝑁=∞
𝑢𝑒 4 (2𝑁 + 1)𝜋 𝑧𝑑𝑟 2𝑁+1 2 𝜋2
− .𝑇𝑣
= ෍ sin . 𝑒 4
∆𝜎𝑣 (2𝑁 + 1)𝜋 2 𝐻𝑑𝑟
where: 𝑁=0

𝑢𝑒
= is excess pore water pressure at a given depth relative to the initial induced stress
∆𝜎𝑣

at the point
𝑧𝑑𝑟
= is the depth into the consolidating layer relative to the maximum drainage distance
𝐻𝑑𝑟

𝑇𝑣 = is a dimensionless measure of time call the “Time Factor”

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 =
(𝐻𝑑𝑟 )2

t = Consolidation time 10
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Double Drainage Case
The solution of the previous equation can be presented graphically (Graphical Solution)

Isocrone

11
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Double Drainage Case
𝐴𝑡 𝑡 = 0, 𝑢𝑒 = ∆𝜎𝑣

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 =
∆𝜎𝑣 (𝐻𝑑𝑟 )2
Backfill
Sand

𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝑢𝑒
= 𝐻
𝐻𝑑𝑟 ∆𝜎𝑣 𝑢𝑒
Sand

12
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Double Drainage Case
𝐴𝑡 𝑡 = 𝑡1 , 𝑢𝑒 ↓, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∆𝜎′𝑣 ↑

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 =
∆𝜎𝑣 (𝐻𝑑𝑟 )2
Backfill
Sand

𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐻
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑢𝑒
Sand

13
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Double Drainage Case
𝐴𝑡 𝑡 = 𝑡2 , 𝑢𝑒 ↓↓, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∆𝜎′𝑣 ↑↑

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 =
∆𝜎𝑣 (𝐻𝑑𝑟 )2
Backfill
Sand

𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐻
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑢𝑒
Sand

14
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Double Drainage Case
𝐴𝑡 𝑡 = ∞, 𝑢𝑒 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∆𝜎′𝑣 = ∆𝜎𝑣

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 =
∆𝜎𝑣 (𝐻𝑑𝑟 )2
Backfill
Sand

𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐻
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑢𝑒
Sand

15
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Single Case
𝐴𝑡 𝑡 = 0, 𝑢𝑒 = ∆𝜎𝑣

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 =
∆𝜎𝑣 (𝐻𝑑𝑟 )2
Backfill
Sand

𝑢𝑒
𝐻𝑑𝑟 = 𝐻
∆𝜎𝑣 𝑢𝑒
Rock

16
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Single Drainage Case
𝐴𝑡 𝑡 = 𝑡1 , 𝑢𝑒 ↓, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∆𝜎′𝑣 ↑

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 =
∆𝜎𝑣 (𝐻𝑑𝑟 )2
Backfill
Sand

𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝐻
𝑢𝑒
Rock

17
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Single Drainage Case
𝐴𝑡 𝑡 = 𝑡2 , 𝑢𝑒 ↓↓, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∆𝜎′𝑣 ↑↑

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 =
∆𝜎𝑣 (𝐻𝑑𝑟 )2
Backfill
Sand

𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝐻
𝑢𝑒
Rock

18
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Solution for One-Dimensional Consolidation
for Single Drainage Case
𝐴𝑡 𝑡 = ∞, 𝑢𝑒 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∆𝜎′𝑣 = ∆𝜎𝑣

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 =
∆𝜎𝑣 (𝐻𝑑𝑟 )2
Backfill
Sand

𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝐻
𝑢𝑒
Rock

19
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 1
According to a laboratory consolidation test, Cv=0.0021 m2/day. A) Compute the
hydrostatic, excess, and total pore water pressures at Point B after 2000 days
after the placement of the fill.
b) When excess pore water pressure at B will be 10 kPa (using graphical
solution)?

20
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 1
Solution:

a) Pore water pressure at Point B after time t =

hydrostatic pore water pressure + excess pore water
pressure

𝑢 = 𝑢𝑜 + 𝑢𝑒

Excess pore water pressure can be found from One-Dimensional

Consolidation equation
𝑁=∞
𝑢𝑒 4 (2𝑁 + 1)𝜋 𝑧𝑑𝑟 2𝑁+1 2 𝜋2
= ෍ sin . 𝑒− 4
.𝑇𝑣
∆𝜎𝑣 (2𝑁 + 1)𝜋 2 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝑁=0

21
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 1
𝑁=∞
𝑢𝑒 4 (2𝑁 + 1)𝜋 𝑧𝑑𝑟 2𝑁+1 2 𝜋2
= ෍ sin . 𝑒− 4
.𝑇𝑣
∆𝜎𝑣 (2𝑁 + 1)𝜋 2 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝑁=0

Increase in the stresses due to fill

∆𝜎𝑣 = 3 × 19.2 = 57.6 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐻 10
𝐻𝑑𝑟 = = = 5𝑚 𝑧𝑑𝑟 = 3 𝑚
2 2
𝑧𝑑𝑟 3
= = 0.6
𝐻𝑑𝑟 5
𝐶𝑣 𝑡 0.0021 × 2000
𝑇𝑣 = 2 = = 0.168
𝐻𝑑𝑟 52
𝑢𝑒
N
∆𝜎𝑣
0 0.680523
1 0.003144
2 0
Sum 0.684 22
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 1
The excess pore water pressure at any time and depth can be found from the following
equation
𝑢𝑒
= 0.684 𝑢𝑒 = 0.684 × 57.6 = 39.4 𝑘𝑃𝑎
∆𝜎𝑣

Pore water pressure after 2000 days

𝑢 = 𝑢𝑜 + 𝑢𝑒 = 49 + 39.4 = 88.4 𝑘𝑃𝑎

23
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 1
a) Using Graphical Solution, we need 𝑧𝑑𝑟 Τ𝐻𝑑𝑟 , and 𝑇𝑣

𝑧𝑑𝑟 3
= = 0.6
𝐻𝑑𝑟 5

𝐶𝑣 𝑡 0.0021 × 2000
𝑇𝑣 = 2 = 2 = 0.168
𝐻𝑑𝑟 5
From the graph,
𝑢𝑒
= 0.66
∆𝜎𝑣

𝑢𝑒 = 0.66 × 57.6 = 38 𝑘𝑃𝑎

Pore water pressure after 2000 days

𝑢 = 𝑢𝑜 + 𝑢𝑒 = 49 + 38 = 87 𝑘𝑃𝑎
24
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 1
When excess pore water pressure at B will be 10 kPa (using graphical solution)?

𝑧𝑑𝑟 3
= = 0.6
𝐻𝑑𝑟 5

Increase in the stresses due to fill

∆𝜎𝑣 = 3 × 19.2 = 57.6 𝑘𝑃𝑎

𝑢𝑒 10
= = 0.2
∆𝜎𝑣 57.6

From the graph, Tv=0.68

𝐶𝑣 𝑡 0.0021 × 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 = 2 = = 0.68
𝐻𝑑𝑟 52

𝑡 = 8095 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 ≈ 22 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠

25
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 2
A fill is to be placed on the soil profile showing in the following figure. Using the
curves for the variation of 𝒖𝒆 Τ∆𝝈𝒗 with Tv , develop a plot of 𝒖𝒐 , 𝒖𝒆 , and u versus
depth at t=10 years after the placement. Also, Determine the total and effective
stress at t=10 years.

5.0 m

26
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 2
Solution:

The pore water pressure at any time is

𝑢 = 𝑢𝑜 + 𝑢𝑒

𝑢𝑜 = ℎ𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 = 𝛾𝑤 𝑧

𝑢𝑒 = excess pore water pressure at any time and depth, z

To find excess pore water pressure at any time and depth

𝑧𝑑𝑟 𝑢𝑒
,𝑇 ∆𝜎𝑣
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑣

27
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 2
Increase in the stresses due to fill
5.0 m
∆𝜎𝑣 = 3.5 × 19.7 = 68.9 𝑘𝑃𝑎

Hdr
The permeability of the SM and ML strata are
much greater than that of the CH strata, so

Hdr
the double drainage condition exists
𝐻 10
𝐻𝑑𝑟 = = =5𝑚
2 2
As the pore water pressure is required after 10
years, so we need to calculate time factor, Tv

𝐶𝑣 𝑡 3 × 10−3 × 10 × 365
𝑇𝑣 = 2 = = 0.438
𝐻𝑑𝑟 52

28
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 2
For example, at z=1
5.0 m
𝑧𝑑𝑟 1
= = 0.2
𝐻𝑑𝑟 5

zdr
Hdr
𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 = 2 = 0.438
𝐻𝑑𝑟

Hdr

zdr
𝑢𝑒
= 0.13
∆𝜎𝑣

ue at z=1

𝑢𝑒 = 0.13 × 68.9 = 9 𝑘𝑃𝑎

29
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 2
5.0 m
Depth
from
orginal Soil uo zdr zdr/Hdr 𝒖𝒆Τ∆𝝈𝒗 ue u

Hdr
ground
surface
m kPa m kPa kPa
0 0 0 --- 0 0 0
1 0 0 --- 0 0 0

Hdr
2 0 0 --- 0 0 0
SM
3 0 0 --- 0 0 0
4 9.81 0 --- 0 0 9.81
5 19.62 0 0 0 0 19.62
6 29.43 1 0.2 0.13 8.957 38.387
7 39.24 2 0.4 0.25 17.225 56.465
8 49.05 3 0.6 0.35 24.115 73.165
9 58.86 4 0.8 0.41 28.249 87.109
10 68.67 5 1 0.44 30.316 98.986
11 78.48 4 0.8 0.41 28.249 106.729
12 88.29 3 0.6 0.35 24.115 112.405
13 98.1 2 0.4 0.25 17.225 115.325
14 107.91 1 0.2 0.13 8.957 116.867
15 117.72 0 0 0 0 117.72
16 127.53 0 --- 0 0 127.53
ML
17 137.34 0 --- 0 0 137.34

30
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 2

uo+ue (kPa) u (kPa)

0 50 100 150 0 50 100 150
0 0

5 5

Depth (m)
Depth (m)
10 10

15 15

20 20

31
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 2
To find the effective stress at 10 years, we have to calculate total stress after increasing
the load, and pore water pressure after 10 years
𝜎𝑣 = 𝜎𝑣𝑜 + ∆𝜎𝑣
𝑢 = 𝑢𝑜 + 𝑢𝑒 After 10 years
Depth from 𝜎′𝑣 = 𝜎𝑣 − 𝑢
orginal σvo
uo=w.h ue u σvo σ’v
ground + σv
surface
kPa kPa kPa kPa kPa kPa
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 68.95 68.95
1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 19.00 87.95 87.95
2.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 38.00 106.95 106.95
3.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 57.00 125.95 125.95
4.00 9.81 0.00 9.81 76.20 145.15 135.34
5.00 19.62 0.00 19.62 95.40 164.35 144.73
6.00 29.43 8.96 38.39 110.20 179.15 140.76
7.00 39.24 17.23 56.47 125.00 193.95 137.49
8.00 49.05 24.12 73.17 139.80 208.75 135.59
9.00 58.86 28.25 87.11 154.60 223.55 136.44
10.00 68.67 30.32 98.99 169.40 238.35 139.36
11.00 78.48 28.25 106.73 184.20 253.15 146.42
12.00 88.29 24.12 112.41 199.00 267.95 155.55
13.00 98.10 17.23 115.33 213.80 282.75 167.43
14.00 107.91 8.96 116.87 228.60 297.55 180.68
15.00 117.72 0.00 117.72 243.40 312.35 194.63 32
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬ 15.00 117.72 0.00 117.72 243.40 312.35 194.63
 Example 2

Total stress, effective stress, and pore water pressure after 10 years

33
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Degree of Consolidation
Degree of Consolidation: Uz

Because the consolidation progresses by the dissipation of excess pore water pressure,
the degree of consolidation at a distance, z at any time t is

𝑢𝑡=𝑜 − 𝑢𝑧,𝑡 𝑢𝑧,𝑡

𝑈𝑧 = × 100 = (1 − ) × 100
𝑢𝑡=𝑜 𝑢𝑡=𝑜

where:
𝑢𝑡=0 = ∆𝜎𝑣 the excess pore water pressure at t=0
𝑢𝑧,𝑡 = the excess pore water pressure at time t and depth z
𝑁=∞
4 (2𝑁 + 1)𝜋 𝑧𝑑𝑟 2𝑁+1 2 𝜋2
− .𝑇𝑣
𝑈𝑧 = 1 − ෍ sin . 𝑒 4 × 100
(2𝑁 + 1)𝜋 2 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝑁=0

34
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Consolidation Settlement versus Time
Computations
To compute the consolidation settlement at any time, we need to know the vertical

effective stress, 𝜎′𝑣 (at this time).

▪ At the beginning of consolidation (𝑡 = 0 , 𝑆𝑐 = 0),

𝜎′𝑣 = 𝜎′𝑣𝑜 = 𝜎𝑣𝑜 −𝑢𝑜

▪ At the end of consolidation (𝑡 = ∞ , 𝑆𝑐 = 𝑆𝑐,𝑢𝑙𝑡 ),

𝜎′𝑣 = 𝜎′𝑣𝑓 = (𝜎𝑣𝑜 + ∆𝜎𝑣 ) − 𝑢𝑜 = 𝜎′𝑣𝑜 + ∆𝜎𝑣

▪ At any time, t,

𝜎′𝑣 = (𝜎𝑣𝑜 + ∆𝜎𝑣 ) − 𝑢𝑜 + 𝑢𝑒 = 𝜎 ′ 𝑣𝑓 −𝑢𝑒

35
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Consolidation Settlement versus Time
Computations
The vertical effective stress, 𝜎′𝑣 , varies with depth, so we must compute the
consolidation settlement using the following revised versions of consolidation settlement
equation
For Normally Consolidated Clay (NC) 𝝈′𝒑 = 𝝈′𝒗𝒐

𝐶𝑐 𝜎𝑣′
𝑆𝑐 = 𝐻 log ′
1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝜎𝑣𝑜

For Over Consolidated Clay (OC) – Case 1 𝝈′𝒗𝒐 < 𝝈′𝒗 ≤ 𝝈′𝒑

𝐶𝑠 𝜎𝑣′
𝑆𝑐 = 𝐻 log ′
1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝜎𝑣𝑜

For Over Consolidated Clay (OC) – Case 2 𝝈′𝒗𝒐 < 𝝈′𝒑 < 𝝈′𝒗

𝐶𝑠 𝜎𝑝′ 𝐶𝑐 𝜎𝑣′
𝑆𝑐 = 𝐻 log ′ + 𝐻 log ′
1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝜎𝑣𝑜 1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝜎𝑝
36
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Consolidation Settlement versus Time
Computations
The previous equations must be selected carefully, because the appropriate choice may
vary with both depth and time. The status of the soil might change with time, so a
computer-based solution is recommended to be used.

37
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Average Degree of Consolidation
It is helpful to define a new parameter that can provide us with the average degree of
consolidation for the entire depth of the clay layer at anytime t. This parameter is used in
the simplified solution

Average Degree of Consolidation: U

The average degree of consolidation for the entire depth of the clay layer at anytime t
can be written from
𝑆𝑐(𝑡)
𝑈 (𝑈𝑎𝑣𝑔 ) = × 100
𝑆𝑐,𝑢𝑙𝑡

where:
𝑆𝑐(𝑡) = the settlement at time t
𝑆𝑐,𝑢𝑙𝑡 = the ultimate (final) consolidation settlement (after full dissipation of excess pore
water pressure)
38
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Average Degree of Consolidation
Average Degree of Consolidation: U

For Tv ≤ 0.217 (U ≤ 52.6%)

4𝑇𝑣
𝑈= × 100
𝜋

For Tv > 0.217 (U > 52.6%)

0.085+𝑇𝑣
−
𝑈 = [1 − 10 0.933 ] × 100

39
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Average Degree of Consolidation
Average Degree of Consolidation: U

For U ≤ 52.6%
2
𝜋 𝑈
𝑇𝑣 =
4 100

For U > 52.6%

𝑇𝑣 = 1.781 − 0.933log(100 − 𝑈%)

40
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Average Degree of Consolidation
Average Degree of Consolidation: U

41
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Steps to Calculate Settlement at Any Time
Using the Simplified Solution
To compute the consolidation settlement at any time, we need to compute the ultimate
consolidation settlement (when we have full dissipation of excess pore water pressure).
1) Compute time factor, Tv at time, t

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 = 2
𝐻𝑑𝑟
2) Compute average degree of consolidation at time, t

For Tv ≤ 0.217 (U ≤ 52.6%)

4𝑇𝑣
𝑈= × 100
𝜋

For Tv > 0.217 (U > 52.6%)

0.085+𝑇𝑣
−
𝑈 = [1 − 10 0.933 ] × 100 42
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Steps to Calculate Settlement at Any Time
Using the Simplified Solution
3) Settlement at time, t, can be computed from the following equation
𝑆𝑐(𝑡)
𝑈= × 100
𝑆𝑐,𝑢𝑙𝑡
𝑈
𝑆𝑐(𝑡) = 𝑆𝑐
100

43
Comparison between computer solution and simplified solution
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 3
A 10 m thick clay layer with single drainage settled 9 cm in 4 years. The coefficient
of consolidation for this clay is 0.052 m2/day. a) Estimate the ultimate settlement
and b) find out how long it will take to settle to 80% of this amount.

Solution:
a)
At t = 4 years

𝐻𝑑𝑟 = 𝐻 = 10 = 10 𝑚

𝐶𝑣 𝑡 0.052 × 4 × 365
𝑇𝑣 = 2 = = 0.759
𝐻𝑑𝑟 102

Since Tv > 0.217 (U > 52.6%)

0.085+𝑇𝑣 0.085+0.759
− −
𝑈 = 1 − 10 0.933 × 100 = 1 − 10 0.933 ] × 100 = 87.4%

44
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 3
Average Degree of Consolidation

𝑆𝑐(𝑡)
𝑈= × 100
𝑆𝑐,𝑢𝑙𝑡

𝑆𝑐(𝑡) 9
𝑆𝑐,𝑢𝑙𝑡 = × 100 = × 100 = 10.3 𝑐𝑚
𝑈 87.4

b)

To settle 80%, it means U=80%

For U > 52.6%

𝑇𝑣 = 1.781 − 0.933log(100 − 𝑈%)
𝑇80 = 1.781 − 0.933 log 100 − 80 = 0.567

𝐶𝑣 𝑡 0.052𝑡
𝑇𝑣 = 2 𝑇80 = 0.576 = 𝑡 = 1091 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 ≈ 3 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
𝐻𝑑𝑟 100 45
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 4
A fill is placed over the soil shown below. Both SP and CL/ML strata are
compressible soil layers. Develop a plot of consolidation settlement versus time
using the simplified solution.
Note:

1) Ignore the elastic settlement

of clay due to its small value.
2) Use the principle of
consolidation to calculate
the settlement in Sand using
𝐶𝑐
= 0.007
1 + 𝑒0
3) Remember the settlement in
sand is immediate
settlement.

46
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 4
Solution:
The fill is placed over a wide area; therefore, the load will be distributed equally along
the soil profile.
∆𝜎′𝑣 = ∆𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐻 = 18 × 3.2 = 57.6 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Therefore, the final stress will be

𝜎′𝑣𝑓 = 𝜎′𝑣𝑜 + ∆𝜎′𝑣

𝜎′𝑣𝑓 = 𝜎′𝑣𝑜 + 57.6

As 𝜎′𝑚 = 0; therefore, the soil is normally consolidated

′
𝐶𝑐 𝜎𝑣𝑓
𝑆𝑐 = 𝐻 log ′
1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝜎𝑣𝑜 NC

47
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 4

′ ′ ′ 𝐶𝑐
Layer H 𝜎𝑣𝑜 𝜎𝑣𝑓 = 𝜎𝑣𝑜 + ∆𝜎′𝑣 Case 𝑆𝑝
(m) (kPa) (kPa) 1 + 𝑒0 (m)

1 1.2 =17.8 X 0.6-0=10.68 =10.68+57.6=68.28 0.007 0.006

2 3.1 34.20 91.8 0.007 0.009

3 2 53.25 110.85 0.19 0.121

4 2 65.63 123.23 0.19 NC 0.104

5 2 78.01 135.61 0.19 0.091

6 2 90.39 148.00 0.19 0.081

7 2 102.77 160.37 0.19 0.073

Summation 0.487

48
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 4

To draw the settlement of clay over years, we have to know

how much settlement occurred in sand soil and clay soil.

The total settlement = 0.487 m= 487 mm

Sand settlement = 0.006+0.009 m =0.015 m= 15 mm

Clay settlement = 487-15 = 472 m

Due to the high permeability of sand, the settlement occurs immediately, while in clay,
the settlement takes place over several years.

49
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 4

To determine the settlement over years, we have to find Tv, and U

For Tv ≤ 0.217 (U ≤ 52.6%)

𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑡 𝑇𝑣 = 2 4𝑇𝑣
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑈= × 100
𝜋
For Tv > 0.217 (U > 52.6%)
0.085+𝑇𝑣
−
𝑈 = [1 − 10 0.933 ] × 100

𝑈
𝑆𝑐(𝑡) = 𝑆𝑐
100

50
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 4

Settlement
Time Tv U
Sand Clay Total
Time (years)
days Years % mm mm mm 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
0
2 0.005479 0.000168 1 15 5 20
10 0.027397 0.00084 3 15 14 29 100

Settlement (mm)
100 0.273973 0.0084 10 15 47 62 200

1000 2.739726 0.084 33 15 155 170 300

2000 5.479452 0.168 46 15 217 232
400
4000 10.9589 0.336 65 15 306 321
500
8000 21.91781 0.672 85 15 400 415
600
16000 43.83562 1.344 97 15 457 472
20000 54.79452 1.68 99 15 466 481

51
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Relation between Single and Double Drainage

If two layers of the same clay have the same degree of consolidation, then their
time factors and coefficients of consolidation are the same. Hence,

𝐶𝑣 𝑡 𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 = 2 = 2
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒

2
𝑡𝑑𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐻2 /4
= 2 =
𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝐻2

𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
𝑡𝑑𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒 =
4

52
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Relation between the Number of Layers and
Consolidation Time
If very thin sand layers divide a thick clay layer into three sublayer and the three
sublayers have the same degree of consolidation as the thick layer, then their
time factors and coefficients of consolidation are the same. Hence,

𝐶𝑣 𝑡 𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 = 2 = 2
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑝𝑙𝑒
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒

2
𝑡𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝐻2 /9
= 2 =
𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝐻2
Triple Drainage

𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
𝑡𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒 =
9

53
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Correction for Construction Period
In reality, most load applied to soils do not occur instantaneously. They are usually
applied during some construction process that may last for weeks or months.
A simple method of computing settlements during and after the construction period is to
assume that the load is applied at a uniform rate, then adjust the time t in the settlement
computations as follows.
Before end of construction (t ≤ tc)
𝑡
𝑡𝑎𝑑𝑗 =
2
After competition of construction (t > tc)
𝑡𝑐
𝑡𝑎𝑑𝑗 = 𝑡 −
2
where
t = time since beginning of construction 𝐶𝑣 𝑡𝑎𝑑𝑗
𝑇𝑣 = 2
tc = duration of construction period 𝐻𝑑𝑟

tadj = adjusted time 54

 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation
Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation, cv

Curve fitting methods: fit laboratory data to match Terzaghi’s consolidation theory
a) Casagrande’s method - Log of time method
b) Taylor’s method - Square root of time method

Casagrande’s method Taylor’s method

CEE3322B-UWO 55
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation
Casagrande’s Method - Log of time method

1) Intersection of tangents to the 2) Select times t1 and t2 on the

consolidation curve: tp and R100 curved portion such that t2= 4t1.
Let the difference of specimen
deformation during time (t1 to 4t1)
be equal to Rt1 – R4t1.

CEE3322B-UWO 56
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation
Casagrande’s Method - Log of time method

3) Draw horizontal line equal to (Rt1 – 4) The difference between R100 and
R4t1) above t1. This will define Ro. Ro is the change in the height due to
consolidation.

CEE3322B-UWO 57
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation
Casagrande’s Method - Log of time method

6) Use Terzaghi’s one-dimensional

consolidation to calculate cv
2
𝑇𝑣 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐶𝑣 =
𝑡
2
𝑇50 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐶𝑣 =
𝑡50

Where,
𝑇50 = 0.196 = time factor at 50%
5) Find t50 at the middle of vertical consolidation
distance between Ro and R100 𝑡50 = time for 50% consolidation

CEE3322B-UWO 58
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 5
The figure below shows the results of consolidation test at pressure of 150 kPa.
The average height of the sample is 19.45 mm and the sample has double
drainage boundary. Determine the coefficient of consolidation
Solution:
2
𝑇50 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐶𝑣 =
𝑡50

𝐻 19.45
𝐻𝑑𝑟 = =
2 2
= 9.73 𝑚𝑚

For U ≤ 52.6%
2 2
𝜋 𝑈 𝜋 50 Note: The average thickness is
𝑇𝑣 = = = 0.197
4 100 4 100 calculated as the mean value
between the thickness before
From the Figure 𝑡50 = 5 𝑚𝑖𝑛 and after the stage
2
𝑇50 𝐻𝑑𝑟 0.197 × 9.732
𝐶𝑣 = = = 0.062 𝑚𝑚2 /𝑠
𝑡50 5 × 60 59
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation
Taylor’s Method - Square root of time method

1) Draw straight line for the initial part 2) Draw a second line from Ro at a
of the curve and find Ro. Mark off the distance 1.15d from vertical axis
horizontal distance of the line from the
vertical axis (d).

CEE3322B-UWO 60
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation
Taylor’s Method - Square root of time method

3) The intersection of the second line

and laboratory curve is R90, and t90

CEE3322B-UWO 61
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation
Taylor’s Method - Square root of time method

5) Use Terzaghi’s one-dimensional

consolidation to calculate cv
2
𝑇𝑣 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐶𝑣 =
𝑡
2
𝑇90 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐶𝑣 =
𝑡90

Where,
𝑇90 = 0.848 = time factor at 90%
consolidation
𝑡90 = time for 90% consolidation

CEE3322B-UWO 62
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 6
The figure below shows the results of consolidation test at pressure of 150 kPa.
The average height of the sample is 19.45 mm and the sample has double
drainage boundary. Determine the coefficient of consolidation
Solution:
2
𝑇90 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐶𝑣 =
𝑡90

𝐻 19.45
𝐻𝑑𝑟 = =
2 2
= 9.73 𝑚𝑚

For U > 52.6%

𝑇𝑣 = 1.781 − 0.933log(100 − 𝑈%)
𝑇90 = 1.781 − 0.933 log 100 − 90 = 0.848
From the Figure 𝑡90 0.5 = 3.8 ⇒ 𝑡90 = 14.44 𝑚𝑖𝑛

2
𝑇90 𝐻𝑑𝑟 0.848 × 9.732
𝐶𝑣 = = = 0.093 𝑚𝑚2 /𝑠
𝑡90 14.44 × 60 63
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation

64
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation

65
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation
Variation of cv: OC soils may have cv values 5-10 times those of NC soils

66
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
Correlation between the Coefficient of Consolidation
from Laboratory and Field
If two layers of the same clay have the same degree of consolidation, then their
time factors and coefficients of consolidation are the same. Hence,

𝐶𝑣 𝑡 𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇𝑣 = 2 = 2
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑙𝑎𝑏
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑

2
𝑡𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑
= 2
𝑡𝑙𝑎𝑏 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑙𝑎𝑏

67
 Example 7

The time required for 50% consolidation of a 25 mm thick clay layer (drained at
both top and bottom) in the laboratory is 3 min 15 sec. How long (in days) will it
take for a 3 m thick clay layer of the same clay in the field under the same
pressure increment to reach 50% consolidation? In the field, the clay layer is
drained at the top only.
Solution:
𝐶𝑣 𝑡 𝐶𝑣 𝑡
𝑇50 = 2 = 2
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑙𝑎𝑏
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑

2
𝑡𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑
= 2
𝑡𝑙𝑎𝑏 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑙𝑎𝑏

2
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 32
𝑡𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 = 2 𝑡𝑙𝑎𝑏 = × 195 = 11,232,000 𝑠𝑒𝑐 = 130 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑙𝑎𝑏 0.025 2
( 2 )
68
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 8

Refer to the previous example. How long (in days) will it take in the field for 70%
primary consolidation to occur?
Solution:
The coefficients of consolidation is same for the same soil
2 2 2
𝑇𝑣 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑇50 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑇70 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐶𝑣 = = =
𝑡 𝑡50 𝑡70

From the table, at U=50 %

𝑇50 = 0.196

From the table, at U=70 %

𝑇70 = 0.403

2 2
0.196 × 𝐻𝑑𝑟 0.403 × 𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑡70 = 266 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
=
130 𝑡70 69
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 9

A 3 m thick layer (double drainage) of saturated clay under a surcharge loading

underwent 90% primary consolidation in 75 days. Find the coefficient of
consolidation of clay for the pressure range.

Solution:
2
𝑇𝑣 𝐻𝑑𝑟
𝐶𝑣 =
𝑡
From the table, at U=90 %
𝑇90 = 0.848

3
0.848 × (2)2
𝐶𝑣 = = 0.02544 𝑚2 /𝑑𝑎𝑦
75

70
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Example 10

For normally consolidated clay

𝝈′𝒗𝒐 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝑷𝒂 𝒆 = 𝟏. 𝟐𝟐

𝝈′𝒗𝒐 + ∆𝝈′𝒗𝒐 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝑷𝒂 𝒆 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟖

The hydraulic conductivity, k, of the clay for the loading range is 0.61×10-4 m/day.
How long (in days) will it take for a 4 m thick clay layer (drained on one side) in the
field to reach 60% consolidation?

Solution:

Remember

𝐶𝑣 𝑡 𝑘 𝑎𝑣 ∆𝑒
𝑇𝑣 = 2 𝐶𝑣 = 𝑚𝑣 = 𝑎𝑣 =
𝐻𝑑𝑟 𝑚𝑣 𝛾𝑤 1 + 𝑒𝑜 ∆𝜎𝑣′

71
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 ‫‪Example 9‬‬

‫𝑣𝑎‬ ‫‪1‬‬ ‫‪𝑒𝑜 − 𝑒1‬‬

‫= 𝑣𝑚‬ ‫=‬ ‫‪′‬‬ ‫‪′‬‬
‫‪1 + 𝑒𝑜 1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝜎𝑣1‬‬ ‫𝑜𝑣𝜎 ‪−‬‬

‫‪1‬‬ ‫‪1.22 − 0.98‬‬

‫=‬ ‫𝑁𝑘‪= 0.00054 𝑚2 /‬‬
‫‪1 + 1.22 400 − 200‬‬

‫𝑘‬ ‫‪0.61 × 10−4‬‬

‫= 𝑣𝐶‬ ‫=‬
‫‪𝑚𝑣 𝛾𝑤 0.00054 × 9.81‬‬
‫𝑦𝑎𝑑‪= 0.012 𝑚2 /‬‬

‫‪2‬‬
‫𝑡 𝑣𝐶‬ ‫𝑟𝑑𝐻‬ ‫‪𝑇60 42 × 0.286‬‬
‫‪𝑇𝑣 = 2‬‬ ‫‪𝑡60‬‬ ‫=‬ ‫=‬ ‫𝑠𝑦𝑎𝑑 ‪= 572‬‬
‫𝑟𝑑𝐻‬ ‫𝑣𝐶‬ ‫‪0.012‬‬
‫‪72‬‬
‫د‪ .‬أسامة دربي‬
 Monitoring program
Soil Settlement

Settlement plate is used to monitor surface settlement

73
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Monitoring program
Soil Settlement

Settlement system is used to monitor surface and

subsurface settlements

74
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Monitoring program
Water table

Water Level Meter is used for measuring the depth to water in wells, boreholes,
standpipes, and tanks,

75
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Monitoring program
Excess pore water pressure

Piezometers is used for measuring the depth to water and excess pore water pressure
due to construction in boreholes

76
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬
 Monitoring program
Excess pore water pressure

77
‫ أسامة دربي‬.‫د‬