Slide 1 of 74 Revised 03/2013

14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS

Consol i dat i on
FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSOLIDATION
CLAY
SAND
SAND
DEPTH
Ao (Vertical Stress Increase)
CONSOLIDATION:
Volume change in saturated soils
caused by the expulsion of pore
water from loading.
Saturated Soils:
Ao causes u to increase immediately
Sands: Pore pressure increase
dissipates rapidly due to high
permeability.
Clays: Pore Pressure dissipates
slowly due to low permeability.
after Figure 7.1a. Das FGE (2005).
Slide 2 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
CLAY
SAND
SAND
DEPTH
Ao (Vertical Stress Increase)
after Figure 7.1a. Das FGE (2005).
At Time of Initial Loading (t = 0)
Pore water takes initial change in
vertical loading (Ao = Au) since
water is incompressible
Soil skeleton does not see initial
loading
Variation in Total, Pore water, and Effective Stresses
in Clay Layer
Figure 7.1b. Das FGE (2005)
FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 3 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
CLAY
SAND
SAND
DEPTH
Ao (Vertical Stress Increase)
after Figure 7.1a. Das FGE (2005).
Between time t = 0 to t =
Pore water increase due to initial
loading dissipates
Soil skeleton takes loading as
pore pressure decreases
Variation in Total, Pore water, and Effective Stresses
in Clay Layer
Figure 7.1c. Das FGE (2005)
FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 4 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
CLAY
SAND
SAND
DEPTH
Ao (Vertical Stress Increase)
after Figure 7.1a. Das FGE (2005).
At time t =
Pore water increase due to initial
loading completely dissipated
(Au = 0)
Soil skeleton has taken loading.
Effective stress increase now equals
vertical stress increase (Ao = A'o)
Variation in Total, Pore water, and Effective Stresses
in Clay Layer
Figure 7.1e. Das FGE (2005)
FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 5 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
CLAY
SAND
SAND
DEPTH
Ao (Vertical Stress Increase)
after Figure 7.1a. Das FGE (2005).
THE SPRING ANALOGY
(a)
Initial
Loading
Water takes
load
Soil (i.e.
spring) has
no load
(b)
Dissipation
of Excess
Water
Pressure
Water
dissipating
Soil starts to
t k l d
(c)
Final
Loading
Water
dissipated
Soil has load
FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 6 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Consolidometer
Figure 7.2. Das FGE (2005)
D2435-11 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils
Using Incremental Loading
ONE DIMENSIONAL (1D) CONSOLIDATION TEST
Slide 7 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure E-1 USACE EM1110-1-1904.
ShearTrac II DSS Equipment
(Courtesy of Geocomp Corporation)
1D CONSOLIDATION TEST EQUIPMENT
Slide 8 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 7.4. Das FGE (2005).
1D CONSOLIDATION TESTING
LOAD INCREMENT DATA
THREE STAGES
Stage I: Initial Compression
Primarily caused by preloading.
Stage II: Primary Consolidation
Excess pore water pressure
dissipation and corresponding
soil volume change.
Stage III: Secondary Consolidation
Occurs after excess pore
water pressure dissipation.
Due to plastic deformation/
readjustment of soil particles.
Slide 9 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
VOID RATIO-PRESSURE PLOTS
Figure 7.5. Das FGE (2005)
s
v
s
v
s
v
o
H
H
A H
A H
V
V
e = = = Initial Void Ratio (e
o
):
Slide 10 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
s
H
H
e
1
1
A
= A
1 1
o o o
'
= =
'
Figure 7.6. Das FGE (2005)
Figure 7.5. Das FGE (2005)
Change in Void
Ratio due to 1
st
Loading (Ae
1
):
New Void Ratio
after 1
st
Loading:
1 1
e e e
o
A =
@ End of Load 1
VOID RATIO-PRESSURE PLOTS
Slide 11 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
s
H
H
e
2
1
A
= A
2 2
o o o
'
= =
'
Figure 7.6. Das FGE (2005)
Figure 7.5. Das FGE (2005)
Change in Void
Ratio due to 2
nd
Loading (Ae
2
):
New Void Ratio
after 2
nd
Loading:
s
H
H
e e
2
1 2
A
=
@ End of Load 2
VOID RATIO-PRESSURE PLOTS
Slide 12 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 7.7. Das FGE (2005).
Final e log o plots consist of
results of numerous load & unload
increments
Two Definitions of Clays
based on Stress History:
Normally Consolidated (NC):
The present overburden pressure (a.k.a.
effective in-situ stress) is the most the soil
has ever seen.
Overconsolidated Clay (OC):
The present overburden pressure is less
than the soil has experienced in the past.
The maximum effective past pressure is
called the preconsolidation pressure (o
c
)
or Maximum Past Pressure (o
vm
)
VOID RATIO-PRESSURE PLOTS
Slide 13 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
DETERMINATION OF MAXIMUM PAST PRESSURE
(o
c
or o
vm
)
Figure 7.8. Das FGE (2005).
Graphical Method
(Casagrande, 1936)
1. Visually identify point of minimum
radius of curvature on e-log o
curve (i.e. Point a).
2. Draw horizontal line from Point a
(i.e. Line ab).
3. Draw Line ac tangent to Point a.
4. Draw Line ad bisecting Angle bac.
5. Project the straight line portion of
gh on e-log o curve to intersect
Line ad. This intersection (Point f)
is the maximum past pressure
(a.k.a. preconsolidation pressure).
Slide 14 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
OVERCONSOLIDAITON RATIO (OCR)
Figure 7.8. Das FGE (2005).
(o
c
or o
vm
)
o
o
'
'
=
c
OCR
Where:
o
c
(a.k.a. o
vm
) = Preconsolidation
Pressure (a.k.a
Maximum Past
Pressure).
o = Present Effective Vertical Stress
General Guidelines:
NC Soils: 1 OCR 2
OC Soils : OCR > 2
Possible Causes of OC Soils:
Preloading (thick sediments, glacial ice);
fluctuations of GWT, underdraining, light
ice/snow loads, desiccation above GWT,
secondary compression.
Slide 15 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
EFFECTS OF SAMPLE DISTURBANCE
OC Clays - Figure 7.10. Das FGE (2005)
NC and OC soils of low to medium sensitivity will experience disturbance due to
remolding. This changes the consolidation characteristics of the 1D consolidation tests.
) (
) (
remolded u
d undisturbe u
t
q
q
S =
Sensitivity (S
t
)
Where q
u
= Unconfined Compressive Strength
NC Clays - Figure 7.9. Das FGE (2005)
Virgin Compression Curve Consolidation Curve Insitu (i.e. w/o disturbance)
Slide 16 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Reconstruction of Virgin Consolidation Curves (EM 1110-1-1904)
Figure 3-12. EM 1110-1-1904 Settlement Analysis.
EFFECTS OF SAMPLE DISTURBANCE
Slide 17 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Reconstruction of Virgin Consolidation Curves (EM 1110-1-1904)
Table 3-6. EM 1110-1-1904 Settlement Analysis.
EFFECTS OF SAMPLE DISTURBANCE
Slide 18 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Reconstruction of Virgin Consolidation Curves (EM 1110-1-1904)
Table 3-6. EM 1110-1-1904 Settlement Analysis.
EFFECTS OF SAMPLE DISTURBANCE
Slide 19 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
Figure 7.11. Das FGE (2005)
A S A S H HA V V V
p p o
= = = A ) (
1
Where:
V = Volume, V
o
= Initial Volume, V
1
= Final Volume, S
p
= Primary Settlement
At End of Primary Consolidation Ao = Ao
Slide 20 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
v v vo p
V V V A S V A = = = A
1
o o
o
s
e
AH
e
V
V
+
=
+
=
1 1 Figure 7.11. Das FGE (2005).
Where:
V
vo
= Initial Void Volume, V
v1
= Final Void Volume
At End of Primary Consolidation Ao = Ao
Where:
Ae = Change in Void Ratio
s v
eV V A = A
Where:
e
0
= Initial Void Ratio
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
Slide 21 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
e
e
AH
eV A S V
o
s p
A
+
= A = = A
1
Figure 7.11. Das FGE (2005).
At End of Primary Consolidation Ao = Ao
or
v
o
p
o
p
e
e
H
S
e
e
H S
c =
+
A
=
+
A
=
1
1
Therefore:
Where:
c
v
= Vertical Strain
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDAITON
Slide 22 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Where:
C
c
= Slope of Field Virgin
Consolidation Curve
= Compression Index
C
s
(or C
r
) = Slope of Rebound
Curve
= Swell Index
o
vm
= Maximum Past Pressure
o
o
= Initial Vertical Effective
Stress
V
O
I
D

R
A
T
I
O
Ao
v
(Log Scale)
C
c
C
s
or
C
r
e
o
~0.4e
o
Virgin Consolidation
Line
o
vm
= o
o
NC Clay
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
Slide 23 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
V
O
I
D

R
A
T
I
O
Ao
v
(Log Scale)
C
c
C
s
or
C
r
e
o
~0.4e
o
o
vm
= o
o
NC Clay
|
|
.
|

\
|
'
'
A +
'
+
=
o
o c
p
e
H C
S
o
o o
log
1
0
Settlement (S
p
) using Void Ratio
Ao
Virgin Consolidation
Line
e
f
Where:
S
p
= Settlement
H = Height of Soil Layer
o
vm
= Final Vertical Effective
Stress
= o
o
- Current Vertical
Effective Stress
Ao = Change in Vertical
Effective Stress
o
f
= Final Vertical Effective
Stress
e
f
= Final Void Ratio
o
f
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
Slide 24 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Where:
C
c
= Slope of Field Virgin
Consolidation Curve
= Compression Index
C
s
(or C
r
) = Slope of
Rebound Curve
= Swell Index
o
vm
= Maximum Past
Pressure
o
o
= Initial Vertical Effective
Stress
V
O
I
D

R
A
T
I
O
Ao
v
(Log Scale)
C
c
C
s
or
C
r
e
o
o
o
~0.4e
o
Same Slope
as C
r
o
vm
or
o
c
OC Clay
Virgin
Consolidation
Lines
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
Slide 25 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
V
O
I
D

R
A
T
I
O
Ao
v
(Log Scale)
C
c
C
s
or
C
r
e
o
o
vm
or
o
c
o
o
~0.4e
o
Same Slope
as C
r
|
|
.
|

\
|
'
' A + '
+
+
|
|
.
|

\
|
'
'
+
=
o
o c
o
vm r
p
e
H C
e
H C
S
o
o o
o
o
log
1
log
1
0 0
Settlement (S
p
) using Void Ratio
Where:
S
p
= Settlement
H = Height of Soil Layer
Ao = Change in Vertical
Effective Stress
o
o
= Initial Vertical Effective
Stress
o
f
= Final Vertical Effective
Stress
e
f
= Final Void Ratio
Ao
e
f
o
f
OC Clay
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
Slide 26 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
n c
W C 0115 . 0 =
Compression Index (C
c
) Estimates from Other Laboratory Tests
| | ) 25 ( 006 . 0 1 . 0 ) 1 ( + + =
n o c
W e C
) 10 ( 007 . 0 = LL C
c
) 10 ( 009 . 0 = LL C
c
Soil C
c
Equation Reference
Undisturbed Clays
Terzaghi & Peck (1967)
Disturbed Clays
Organic Soils, Peat
EM 1110-1-1904
Clays
Varved Clays
Uniform Silts
20 . 0 =
c
C
) 13 ( 01 . 0 = LL C
c
n c
W C 012 . 0 =
) 35 . 0 ( 15 . 1 =
o c
e C
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
Slide 27 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Compression Index (C
c
) Estimates from Other Laboratory Tests
s c
G
LL
C
(

=
100
2343 . 0
Soil C
c
Equation Reference
Clays Rendon-Herrero (1983)
Clays Nagaraj & Murty (1985)
38 . 2
2 . 1
1
141 . 0
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
=
s
o
s c
G
e
G C
Where:
G
s
= Specific Gravity of Solids
LL = Liquid Limit (in %)
W
n
= Natural Water Content
e
o
= Initial Void Ratio
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
Slide 28 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Compression Index (C
c
) Estimates from Other Laboratory Tests
s c
G
LL
C
(

=
100
2343 . 0
Soil C
c
Equation Reference
Clays Rendon-Herrero (1983)
Clays Nagaraj & Murty (1985)
38 . 2
2 . 1
1
141 . 0
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
=
s
o
s c
G
e
G C
SETTLEMENT FROM 1D PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
Slide 29 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
1000
2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 900 800 700 600 500
Vertical Effective Stress o'
v
(psf)
0.96
0.98
1
1.02
1.04
1.06
1.08
1.1
1.12
V
O
I
D

R
A
T
I
O

(
e
)
EXAMPLE: SETTLEMENT FROM VIRGIN
CONSOLIDATION CURVES
GIVEN:
OC CH layer
o
o
= 855 psf
o
vm
= 1460 psf
Ao = 1005 psf
e
o
= 1.1
Height of CH
Layer = 10 ft
Figure 1. Example of Virgin Consolidation Curves.
Slide 30 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 1. Example of Virgin Consolidation Curves.
S
p
= H
Ae
1+e
o
Ae =1.11.045= 0.055
e
o
=1.1
S
p
= (10ft)
0.055
1+1.1
|
\

|
.
|
S
p
= 0.262ft
S
p
= 3.14in = 3
1
4
in
1000
2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 900 800 700 600 500
Vertical Effective Stress o'
v
(psf)
0.96
0.98
1
1.02
1.04
1.06
1.08
1.1
1.12
V
O
I
D

R
A
T
I
O

(
e
)
1.1
1.076 1.076
1.045
C
c
C
s
e
o
e
f
o'
o
o'
vm
o'
f
Ao'
EXAMPLE: SETTLEMENT FROM VIRGIN
CONSOLIDATION CURVES
Slide 31 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
25
20
15
10
5
0
D
e
p
t
h

f
r
o
m

E
x
i
s
t
i
n
g

G
r
o
u
n
d

S
u
r
f
a
c
e

(
f
t
)
0 2000
TOTAL STRESS
(o)
25
20
15
10
5
0
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 2000
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 2000
PORE PRESSURE
(u)
0 2000
0 2000
EFFECTIVE STRESS
(o')
0 2000
25
20
15
10
5
0
25
20
15
10
5
0
25
20
15
10
5
0
25
20
15
10
5
0
D
e
p
t
h
f
r
o
m
E
x
i
s
t
i
n
g
G
r
o
u
n
d
S
u
r
f
a
c
e

(
f
t
)
CL

sat
= 105 pcf
SM

sat
= 115 pcf
MH

sat
= 115 pcf
SC
= 105 pcf

sat
= 110 pcf
B = 6 ft SQ
Q = P = 144 kips
EXAMPLE: SETTLEMENT FROM 1D TEST STRAIN RESULTS
Slide 32 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
100 1000
200 400 600 800 2000 4000 6000
Vertical Effective Stress o'
v
(psf)
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
V
E
R
T
I
C
A
L

S
T
R
A
I
N

(
%
)
CL Layer
Sample from 12 ft
EXAMPLE: SETTLEMENT FROM 1D TEST STRAIN RESULTS
Slide 33 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
25
20
15
10
5
0
D
e
p
t
h

f
r
o
m

E
x
i
s
t
i
n
g

G
r
o
u
n
d

S
u
r
f
a
c
e

(
f
t
)
0 2000
TOTAL STRESS
(o)
25
20
15
10
5
0
25
20
15
10
5
0
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
0
315
525
635
980
1325
1670
2015
2360
2820
0 2000
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 2000
PORE PRESSURE
(u)
0 2000
0 2000
EFFECTIVE STRESS
(o')
0 2000
25
20
15
10
5
0
25
20
15
10
5
0
25
20
15
10
5
0
25
20
15
10
5
0
D
e
p
t
h
f
r
o
m
E
x
i
s
t
i
n
g
G
r
o
u
n
d
S
u
r
f
a
c
e

(
f
t
)
0
0
60
250
435
625
810
1000
1250
0
315
525
575
730
890
1045
1205
1360
1570
2525
1455
1250
1185
1240
1345
CL

sat
= 105 pcf
SM

sat
= 115 pcf
MH

sat
= 115 pcf
SC
= 105 pcf

sat
= 110 pcf
B = 6 ft SQ
Q = P = 144 kips
CL Layer 1
CL Layer 2
o'
o
o'
f
EXAMPLE: SETTLEMENT FROM 1D TEST STRAIN RESULTS
Slide 34 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
100 1000
200 400 600 800 2000
Vertical Effective Stress o'
v
(psf)
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
V
E
R
T
I
C
A
L

S
T
R
A
I
N

(
%
)
CL Layer
Sample from 12 ft
o'
o1
o'
f1
c
v1
= 6.5% = 0.065
CL Layer 1
in S
ft S
ft S
H S
p
p
p
v p
7 . 4
39 . 0
) 065 . 0 )( 6 (
1
1
1
1
1
1
=
=
=
= c
EXAMPLE: SETTLEMENT FROM 1D TEST STRAIN RESULTS
Slide 35 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
CL Layer 2
S
p2
= H
2
c
v2
S
p2
= (6ft)(0.024)
S
p2
= 0.14ft
S
p2
=1.7in
S
Ptotal
= S
p1
+S
p2
S
Ptotal
= 6.4in
S
Ptotal
= 6
1
2
in
100 1000
200 400 600 800 2000
Vertical Effective Stress o'
v
(psf)
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
V
E
R
T
I
C
A
L

S
T
R
A
I
N

(
%
)
CL Layer
Sample from 12 ft
o'
o2
o'
f2
c
v2
= 2.4% = 0.024
Total Settlement
EXAMPLE: SETTLEMENT FROM 1D TEST STRAIN RESULTS
Slide 36 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
1 2
log log t t
e
C

A
=
o
SETTLEMENT FROM SECONDARY CONSOLIDATION
Where:
C
o
= Secondary Compression
Index
Ae = Change in Void Ratio
t = Time
Results of 1D Consolidation Test @
One Load Increment
Figure 7.15. Das FGE (2005).
Slide 37 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Where:
H = Height of Soil Layer
e
p
= Void Ratio @ End
of Primary Consolidation
t = Time
p
s
e
C
C
t
t
H C S
+
=
'
|
|
.
|

\
|
'
=
1
log
1
2
o
o
o
SETTLEMENT FROM SECONDARY CONSOLIDATION
Results of 1D Consolidation Test @
One Load Increment
Figure 7.15. Das FGE (2005).
Slide 38 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Clay Layer Undergoing
Consolidation
Figure 7.17a. Das FGE (2005).
Theory of 1D Consolidation
(Terzaghi, 1925)
Assumptions:
1. The clay-water system is homogenous.
2. Saturation is complete (S = 100%).
3. Compressibility of water is negligible.
4. Compressibility of soil grains is
negligible (but soil particles rearrange).
5. Flow of water is in one direction only.
6. Darcys Law is Valid.
Slide 39 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Flow of Water @ Point A
Figure 7.17b. Das FGE (2005).
Clay Layer Undergoing
Consolidation
Figure 7.17a. Das FGE (2005).
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 40 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Flow of Water @ Point A
Figure 7.17b. Das FGE (2005).
dt
V
dxdydz
z
v
or
dt
V
dxdy v dxdy dz
z
v
v
z
z
z
z
c
=
c
c
c
=
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
+
(Rate of Water Outflow)
(Rate of Water Inflow) =
(Rate of Volume Changes)
Mathematical Equation:
Where:
V = Volume of Soil Element
v
z
= Velocity of flow in z direction
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 41 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Flow of Water @ Point A
Figure 7.17b. Das FGE (2005).
Where:
V
s
= Volume of Solids
v
v
= Volume of Voids
( )
t
V
e
t
e
V
t
V
t
eV V
t
V
t
V
t
V
dxdydz
1
z
u k
z
u k
z
h
k ki v
t
V
dxdydz
z
v
s
s
s s s v
2
2
w
w
z
z
c
c
+
c
c
+
c
c
=
c
+ c
=
c
c
=
c
c
c
c
=
c
c

c
c
=
c
c
= =
c
c
=
c
c

Using Darcys Law (v = ki)

Where u = excess pore pressure. From algebra:
Rate of change in V = Rate of Change in V
v
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 42 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Flow of Water @ Point A
Figure 7.17b. Das FGE (2005).
( )
t
e
e 1
1
z
u k
t
e
e 1
dxdydz
t
V
e 1
dxdydz
e 1
V
V
0
t
V
t
V
e
t
e
V
t
V
t
eV V
t
V
t
V
o
2
2
w
o
o o
s
s
s
s
s s s v
c
c
+
=
c
c

c
c
+
=
c
c
+
=
+
=
=
c
c
c
c
+
c
c
+
c
c
=
c
+ c
=
c
c
=
c
c

From Previous Slide

Assuming soil solids are incompressible
and
e
o
= Initial Void Ratio. Substituting:
Combining equations:
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 43 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
( )
o
v
v
v
o
v
w
v v
o w
e
a
m
t
u
m
t
u
e
a
z
u k
u a a e
t
e
e
z
u k
+
=
c
c
=
c
c
+
=
c
c

c = ' A c = c
c
c
+
=
c
c

1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2

From Previous Slide

The change in void ratio is caused by
the increase in effective stress.
Assuming linear relationship between
the two:
a
v
= Coefficient of Compressibility.
Can be considered constant over
narrow pressure increases.
Combining equations:
m
v
= Coefficient of Volume
Compressibility.
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Flow of Water @ Point A
Figure 7.17b. Das FGE (2005).
Slide 44 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
( )
v w
v
v
o
v
v
v
o
v
w
m
k
c
z
u
c
t
u
e
a
m
t
u
m
t
u
e
a
z
u k

=
c
c
=
c
c
+
=
c
c
=
c
c
+
=
c
c

2
2
2
2
1
1
From Previous Slide
Rearranging Equations:
a
v
= Coefficient of Compressibility.
m
v
= Coefficient of Volume Compressibility.
Where c
v
= Coefficient of Consolidation.
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Flow of Water @ Point A
Figure 7.17b. Das FGE (2005).
Slide 45 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
0
, 0
0 , 2
0 , 0
u u t
u H z
u z
dr
= =
= =
= =
2
2
z
u
c
t
u
v
c
c
=
c
c
Can be solved with the following
boundary conditions:
Basic Differential Equation of 1D
Consolidation Theory
The solution yields
v
T M
m
m
dr
o
e
H
Mz
M
u
u
2
0
sin
2

=
=

(
(

|
|
.
|

\
|
=
Clay Layer Undergoing
Consolidation
Figure 7.17a. Das FGE (2005).
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 46 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
From Previous Slide
= =
dr
v
v
H
t c
T
2
( )
pressure water pore excess Initial =
+ =
(
(

|
|
.
|

\
|
=

=
=

o
T M
m
m
dr
o
u
m M
e
H
Mz
M
u
u
v
1 2
2
sin
2
2
0
t
Clay Layer Undergoing
Consolidation
Figure 7.17a. Das FGE (2005).
Where:
TIME FACTOR
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 47 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
o
z
o
z o
z
u
u
u
u u
U =

= 1
Because consolidation progress by dissipation of
excess pore pressure, the degree of consolidation
(U
z
) at a distance z at any time t is:
Figure 7.18. Das FGE (2006).
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Clay Layer Undergoing
Consolidation
Figure 7.17a. Das FGE (2005).
Slide 48 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 7.18. Das FGE (2006).
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 49 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
v
T M
m
m
e
M
U
2
0
2
2
1

=
=

=
ion Consolidat Primary from Layer of Settlement
time at layer of Settlement
ion Consolidat of degree Average
=
=
=
p
t
S
t S
U
o
H
z
dr
p
t
u
dz u
H
S
S
U
dr
}
|
|
.
|

\
|
= =
2
0 2
1
1
Average degree of consolidation (U) for the entire
depth of the clay layer at any time t is:
Where:
Substituting U for u
%) 100 log( 933 . 0 781 . 1
100
%
4
2
U T U
U
T U
v
v
= >
|
.
|

\
|
= =
60%, For
60%, to 0% For
t
U can be approximated by the
following relationships:
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Clay Layer Undergoing
Consolidation
Figure 7.17a. Das FGE (2005).
Slide 50 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Variation of T
v
with U
Table 7.1 Das PGE (2006).
TIME RATE OF
CONSOLIDATION
Slide 51 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Difference between Average Degree of Consolidation and Midplane
Degree of Consolidation
Figure 7.28. Das FGE (2006).
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 52 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
COEFFICIENT OF CONSOLIDATION (c
v
)
Generally decreases as Liquid Limit (LL) increases.
Determined from 1D Consolidation Test Lab per Load Increment.
Logarithm of Time Method
(Casagrande and Fadum, 1940)
Figure 7.19 Das FGE (2006).
Square Root of Time Method
(Taylor, 1942)
Figure 7.20 Das FGE (2006).
Slide 53 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 7.19. Das FGE (2006).
Logarithm of Time Method
1. Extend the straight line portion of primary
and secondary consolidations to interest at
Point A. Point A represents d
100
(Deformation at 100% primary
consolidation).
2. The initial curved portion of the deformation
plot versus log t is approximated to be a
parabola on a natural scale. Select times t
1
and t
2
on the curved portion such that t
2
=
4t
1
. Let the difference of the specimen
deformation between (t
2
t
1
) be equal to x.
3. Draw a line horizontal to DE such that the
vertical distance BD is equal to x. The
deformation corresponding to the line DE is
d
0
(Deformation at 0% primary
consolidation).
COEFFICIENT OF CONSOLIDATION (c
v
)
Slide 54 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Logarithm of Time Method
50
2
2
50
50
197 . 0
197 . 0
t
H
c
H
t c
T
dr
v
dr
v
=
= =
4. The ordinate of Point F on the consolidation
curve represents the deformation at 50%
primary consolidation (d
50
).
5. For 50% average degree of consolidation
(U = 50%), T
v
= 0.197 (see Table 7.1, Das
FGE 2006).
or
Where:
H
dr
= Average longest drain path
during consolidation.
Figure 7.19. Das FGE (2006).
COEFFICIENT OF CONSOLIDATION (c
v
)
Slide 55 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 7.20. Das FGE (2006).
Square Root of Time Method
1. Draw a line AB trough the early portion
of the curve.
2. Draw a line AC such that OC = 1.15OB.
The time value for Point D (i.e. the
intersection of line AC and the data) is
the square root of time for t
90
(i.e. the
time to 90% primary consolidation).
3. For 90% consolidation, T
v
= 0.848 (see
Table 7.1, Das FGE 2006).
90
2
2
90
90
848 . 0
848 . 0
t
H
c
H
t c
T
dr
v
dr
v
=
= =
or
COEFFICIENT OF CONSOLIDATION (c
v
)
Slide 56 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
SP FILL ( = 115 pcf)
SC ( = 115 pcf)
CL ( = 115 pcf)
SM ( = 115 pcf)
3ft
4ft
6ft
5ft
GIVEN: Soil Profile (NTS).
2 way drainage.
REQUIRED: Determine the following:
a. The change in pore pressure in the CL layer
immediately after the application of the 3 ft
of SP Fill.
b. The degree of consolidation in the middle of
the clay layer when the excess pore
pressure (u
e
) is 170 psf.
c. How high would the water in a piezometer
located in the middle of the layer rise above
the GWT when u
e
= 170 psf?
d. If c
v
= 0.000004 ft/sec, how long would it
take to get to 25% average degree of
consolidation? To U = 50%? To U = 99%?
COEFFICIENT OF CONSOLIDATION (c
v
)
Example
Slide 57 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
PRECOMPRESSION GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
PRECOMPRESSION: Loading an area prior to placement of the planned structural
loading to limit post-construction settlement. Also known as Surcharging.
Settlement caused by structural loading (S
p
):
|
|
.
|

\
|
'
'
A +
'
+
=
o
o c
p
e
H C
S
o
o o
log
1
0
Settlement caused by structural loading and surcharging (S
p
or S
p+f
):
| |
|
|
.
|

\
|
'
A +
'
A +
'
+
= =
'
+
o
f o
c
f p p
e
H C
S S
o
o o o
log
1
0
Where:
Ao
f
= Change in vertical stress due to Fill added.
Slide 58 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 7.26. Das FGE (2006).
Where:
Ao
(p)
= Change in vertical stress due to
structural load.
Ao
(f)
= Change in vertical stress due to
Fill added.
Where:
S
p
= Settlement due to structural load.
S
p+f
= Settlement due to structural load
and Fill.
PRECOMPRESSION GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Slide 59 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on

(
(

'
A
'
A
+
'
'
A
+
(

'
'
A
+
=
(

'
'
A +
'
A +
'
(

'
'
A +
'
=
'
=
) (
) ( ) (
) (
) ( ) (
) (
1 1 log
1 log
log
log
p
f
o
p
o
p
o
f p o
o
p o
p
p
U
U
S
S
U
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o o o
o
o o
Mathematical Equations
Definition of average Degree of Consolidation U
Substitution
Re-arranging (Eqn 7.56 Das FGE 2006)
Place in graphical form
for design use
(Figure 7.27 Das FGE 2006)
PRECOMPRESSION PLANNING
Slide 60 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 7.27. Das FGE (2006).
Where:
Ao
(f)
= Change in vertical stress
due to Fill added.
Ao
(p)
= Change in vertical stress
due to Structural Loading.
o
o
= Initial vertical effective
stress.
PRECOMPRESSION
PLANNING
Slide 61 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 7.27. Das FGE (2006).
STEPS:
1. Calculate primary consolidation
settlement from planned loading (S
p
).
2. Calculate primary consolidation
settlement from planned loading plus
surcharge (S
p+f
).
3. Calculate average degree of
consolidation U. Note U = S
p
/S
p+f
.
Can also use Figure 7.27 or
Eqn 7.56 (Das FGE 2006).
1. Find T
v
from calculated U. To find
time to when surcharge loading
should be removed (i.e. t
2
):
v
dr v
c
H T
t
2
2
=
PRECOMPRESSION
PLANNING
Slide 62 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Difference between Average Degree of Consolidation and Midplane
Degree of Consolidation
Figure 7.28. Das FGE (2006).
Removal of Surcharge
may still cause net
settlement
(swelling near drainage
layers, settlement @
middle)
Conservative Approach:
Assume U is the midplane
degree of consolidation.
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 63 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Midplane Degree
of Consolidation
Figure 7.29. Das FGE (2006).
TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION
Slide 64 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
SURCHARGING EXAMPLE
SP FILL ( = 115 pcf)
SC ( = 115 pcf)
CL ( = 115 pcf)
SM ( = 115 pcf)
3ft
4ft
6ft
5ft
GIVEN: Soil Profile (NTS).
2 way drainage.
REQUIRED: Determine the following:
a. If c
v
= 0.000004 ft/sec, how long would it
take to get to 99% average degree of
consolidation?
b. If a surcharge of 4 ft of fill was placed in
addition to the 3 ft of fill planned, when
would you be able to remove the
surcharge? Use the same value for c
v
given in a.
Slide 65 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
GROUND MODIFICATION FOR CONSOLIDATION
SAND DRAINS
Section View
Figure 10.38. Das PGE (2006).
Plan View Triangular Spacing
Figure 10.38. Das PGE (2006)
Reduction Drainage Path =
Reduction in Drainage Time
r
w
= Sand Drain Radius
d
e
= Effective Diameter
Slide 66 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Figure 10.39. Das PGE (2006).
1
2
3
4
5
STEPS
Sand Drain Installation: Auger Method
(Kirmani, 2004)
1. Place auger at drain location.
2. Screw auger to selected depth.
3. Rotate auger at selected depth to remove soil.
4. Inject sand while auger is extracted.
5. Complete sand drain to working platform level.
GROUND MODIFICATION FOR CONSOLIDATION
SAND DRAINS
Slide 67 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Conceptual Concept
Courtesy of www.americanwick.com
Figure 7.31. Das FGE (2006).
Courtesy of
www.americandrainagesystems.com
GROUND MODIFICATION FOR CONSOLIDATION
PREFABRICATED VERTICAL DRAINS (PVDS) (A.K.A. WICK DRAINS)
Slide 68 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Courtesy of www.nilex.com
Courtesy of www.nilex.com
Courtesy of www.americandrainagesystems.com
GROUND MODIFICATION FOR CONSOLIDATION
PREFABRICATED VERTICAL DRAINS (PVDS) (A.K.A. WICK DRAINS)
Slide 69 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Plan View Sand Drain
Triangular Spacing
Figure 7.30. Das FGE (2006).
w
o
h
vr
e
vr
r
w
e
r
r
e
e
k
c
d
t c
T
r
d
n
n
n
n
n
n
m
m
T
U

o
(

+
'
A
A
=
=
=

|
|
.
|

\
|

=
|
.
|

\
|

=
) 1 (
2
4
1 3
) ln(
1
8
exp 1
2
2
2
2
2
U
r
= Average Degree of Radial Consolidation
Barron (1948)
d
e
= Effective Diameter
r
w
= Sand Drain Radius
c
vr
= Coefficient of Radial Consolidation
T
r
= Time Factor for Radial Consolidation
k
h
= Coefficient of Horizontal Permeability
T
r
= Time Factor for Radial Consolidation
e
o
= Initial Void Ratio
GROUND MODIFICATION FOR CONSOLIDATION
RADIAL CONSOLIDATION
Slide 70 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
TIME RATE OF RADIAL CONSOLIDATION
Variation of T
r
with U - Table 7.3 Das PGE (2006).
Slide 71 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
TIME RATE OF RADIAL CONSOLIDATION
Variation of T
r
with U - Table 7.3 Das PGE (2006).
Slide 72 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Sand
Clay
Sand
D
r
a
i
n
Vertical and Radial Drainage
Courtesy of www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov
Drainage
) 1 )( 1 ( 1
, v r r v
U U U =
Where:
U
v,r
= Average Degree of Consolidation
due to Vertical & Radial Drainage
U
v
= Average Degree of Consolidation
due to Vertical Drainage
U
r
= Average Degree of Consolidation
due to Radial Drainage
GROUND MODIFICATION FOR CONSOLIDATION
AVERAGE DEGREE OF CONSOLIDATION DUE TO VERTICAL & RADIAL DRAINAGE
Slide 73 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
CONSOLIDATION MONITORING
SETTLEMENT PLATES
Insitu Soil Layer
to be Monitored
Fill Layer
Settlement
Plate Base
(Plywood or Steel)
Rod Protection
(Typically PVC Pipe)
Settlement Rod
(Steel)
General Concept Standard Plan Detail
(Courtesy of Iowa DOT)
Slide 74 of 74 Revised 03/2013
14.330 SOI L MECHANI CS
Consol i dat i on
Settlement Platforms
Permanent Fill
Soft Clay
Vertical
Drain
Surcharge
Drainage
Blanket
Piezometers
Firm Soil
Not to Scale
Inclinometers
SURCHARGING INSTRUMENTATION EXAMPLE
Courtesy of www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov