Consolidation (By DR Manal) PDF

Soil Consolidation
Theoretical Soil Mechanics
Fall 2010
1
Introduction
Settlement components:
δT = δ i + δc + δs
where:
δT = total settlement
δi = immediate settlement
δc = consolidation settlement
δs = secondary consolidation settlement (creep)
Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation
2
Introduction
P
Loading Diagram
Construction period Time

Time
Cohesionless soil
δi
δT ~ δi
S
Time
Cohesive soil δi
δT = δi + δc + δs δc
S
?
δs
3
Fundamentals of Consolidation
Spring-cylinder analogy
Stress = p
Stress = p
Stress = p
Δu = 0 Δu = p Δu < p Δu =0
Added stress (p) = Total stress (σ)

Spring load = Effective stress (σ’)
Water pressure = excess pore-water pressure (Δu)
Valve opening = hydraulic conductivity (k)
4
Application on Soil
Stress distribution before application of load
GWT GS
Sand
Clay
Gravel
σt u σ'
5
Application on Soil
Immediately after application of q (t = 0)
q
GWT GS
Sand
q
Clay q
Gravel q
q
σt u σ'
6
Application on Soil
Long time after application of q (t = h)
q
GWT GS
Sand
q
Clay
Gravel q
q
σt u σ'
7
Application on Soil
Total stress: σ t = Σγh + q
Pore water pressure:
t=0 Î u = γ wh w + q (clay)
Î u = γ wh w (sand)
t=h Î u = γ wh w (clay)
Î u = γ wh w (sand)
At time t ???
Effective stress:
t=0 Î σ'= Σγ'h (clay)
Î σ' = Σγ'h + q (sand)
t=h Î σ' = Σγ'h + q (clay)

Î σ' = Σγ'h + q (sand)
8
Rate of Consolidation
q
GWT GS
Sand
q
Clay q
Gravel q
q
σt u σ'
9
Rate of Consolidation
u σ'
t=0 t=0
t = t1 t = t1
Clay t = t2 t = t2
t = t3 t = t3
t=∞ t=∞
q q
Degree of Consolidation (U):

Δσ '
U=
q
10
Compressibility Parameters
Coefficient of compressibility (av):
is the rate of change of void ratio (Δe) with respect to the applied
effective pressure (Δσ’) during compression.
From consolidation test,

get e-σ’ curve e e-σ’ curve
Δe eo
av = e1 Δe
Δσ ' Δσ '
σ’o σ’1
σ’
11
Coefficient of volume compressibility (mv):
is the volume decrease of a unit volume of soil per unit increase
of effective pressure during compression.
ΔV ΔeVs
V (1 + e o )Vs 1 Δe av
mv = o = = =
Δσ ' Δσ ' (1 + e o ) Δσ ' (1 + e o )
eoVs
Initial Condition Final Condition
12
Preconsolidation Pressure
Preconsolidation pressure (pc):
is the largest effective pressure that has been applied on the soil
in its geological history.
From consolidation test, get e-log(σ’) curve
13
Determination of Preconsolidation Pressure
e-log(σ’) curve
5
a b
3
1
4
2
pc
σ’ (kg/cm2)
14
Determination of Preconsolidation Pressure
1. Determine point of maximum curvature (a).
2. At (a), draw tangent to e-log(σ’) curve.
3. At (a), draw horizontal line.
4. Draw a bisector to the angle enclosed between the

tangent and horizontal lines.
5. Extend the linear portion of the curve until it intersects

the bisector at point (b).
6. The preconsolidation pressure (pc) is the x-coordinate

of the point (b).
15
Types of clays w.r.t. preconsolidation
1. Normally consolidated clay:
Clay that has never been loaded in the past by more than the
existing effective overburden pressure (σo’) pc ~ σo’
2. Overconsolidated (preconsolidated) clay:
Clay that has been loaded in the past by more than the existing
effective overburden pressure (σo’) pc > σo’
Causes: pre-existing structures, erosion of overburden
3. Underconsolidated clay:
Clay that has been loaded partially by the existing effective
overburden pressure (σo’) pc < σo’
Define: Overconsolidation Ratio (OCR):

pc
OCR =
σo'
16
e-log(σ’) curve
Recompression curve
Cr
Virgin compression
curve
Cc
Swelling curve
Preconsolidation pressure
pc
σ’ (kg/cm2)
17
Compression Index: Cc
Δe
Cc = Slope of virgin compression curve
Δ log(σ ' )
Cc
Ccε =
(1 + eo )
Recompression Index: Cr
Δe
Cr = Slope of recompression curve
Δ log(σ ' )
Cr
Crε =
(1 + eo )
18
Coefficient of consolidation: cv
Tv H d2
cv =
t
where:
Tv = time factor = f(U)
t = time at degree of consolidation U
Hd = drainage path
Coefficient of permeability: k
k = cv mvγ w
19
Consolidation Settlement (δc)
Calculate settlement (δc) of clay layer of thickness (H) due to
added stress (Δσ’):
Δe
δc = H
1 + eo
For normally consolidated clay:
Δσ’
Cc
'
σ eo
δc = f
H log( )
1 + eo oσ
'
e Cc
e1
p c ~ σo ’ σ f’
σ’ (kg/cm2)
20
For overconsolidated clay, (σo’ and σf’) < pc:
eo Cr
e1
e
Δσ’
C σ '
δ c = r H log( f' )
1 + eo σo
σo ’ σ f’ pc
σ’ (kg/cm2)
21
For overconsolidated clay, σo’ < pc and and σf’ > pc
eo Cr
Cc
e
e1
Δσ’
σo ’ pc σ f’
σ’(kg/cm2)
Cr p C σ 'f
δc = H log( c' ) + c H log( )
1 + eo σ o 1 + eo pc
22
In settlement calculations, we calculate Δσ’ at
centerline of clay layer of thickness (H), and assume
they represent the average stress within the layer. This
is OK for thin layers.
q
∆σ’
H Clay
For thick layers, divide the clay layer into sub-layers,

each of thickness (Hi). Then: δc = Σ δci
23
Secondary Consolidation Settlement (δs)
t100
U = 100%
Δh
Δlog(t)
24
Secondary Consolidation Settlement (δs)
Secondary compression index (Cα):
Δe
Cα =
Δ log(t )
where:
Δh
Δe = (1 + eo )
H
Secondary consolidation settlement (δs):
Cα t
δs = H100 log( )
1 + e100 t100
where:
e100 = void ratio at U = 100%
H100 = thickness of clay layer at U = 100%
t100 = time to U=100%
t > t100
25
Secondary Consolidation
Lumps all compression that follows completion of primary
consolidation
Decrease in void ratio with time at constant effective stress

(creep)
Slow drainage of water
Typical Cα/Cc ratios:

Granular soil 0.02 + 0.01
Inorganic clays and silts 0.04 + 0.01
Organic clays and silts 0.05 + 0.01
Since primary consolidation is completed first in parts of soil

near drainage boundaries, therefore, secondary consolidation
will start before primary consolidation is completed everywhere
in soil layer/sample
26
Secondary consolidation results from different mechanisms
among which:
1. Soils may have voids of widely different sizes. In some soils,

water/excess pore-water pressure drain from larger voids during
primary consolidation, and slowly squeezes out of smaller voids with
time secondary consolidation
2. In organic soils, water may drain out of voids in accordance with

primary consolidation, then water drains slowly out of organic
matter secondary consolidation
27
Secondary consolidation results from different mechanisms
among which:
3. Clays of high plasticity are surrounded with more adsorbed water on

clay particles’ surfaces by local electrical effects (electric double
layer). As particles are pressed more closely during primary
consolidation, viscous resistance to volume change increases, which
slows down the drainage of pore-water secondary consolidation
28
Terzaghi’s 1-D theory of consolidation
Assumptions:
1. Soil is saturated
2. Solids and water are incompressible
3. Soil compression and water flow are 1-D
4. e-σ’ relationship is linear (av = Δe/Δσ’ = constant)
5. Darcy’s law is valid (v=ki=kΔh/l)
6. Soil is homogeneous and isotropic
7. Soil properties are constant with time
8. Soil is loaded instantaneously (at t = 0), and load
doesn’t vary with time
29
Differential equation of consolidation
Equation governing rate of consolidation
Consider a differential element of soil
Qin Area = dA
Volume = dV Surcharge load
dy
x ground surface
y dx
z dz
Qout
30
− ∂ (dV ) ∂Q
= Qout − Qin = ( )dz assumption 3, compression and flow 1-D
∂t ∂z
Q = −kidA assumption 5, Darcy’s law is valid
∂h
= −k dA
∂z
∂ u u = excess p.w.p Qin Area = dA
= −k ( )dA
∂z γ w Volume = dV
dy
k ∂u
=− dA dx x
γ w ∂z dz y
− ∂ (dV ) ∂ k ∂u z
= (− dA)dz
∂t ∂z γ w ∂z Qout
∂ (dV ) k ∂ 2u
= dV Equation (1) assumption 6, soil is homogeneous
∂t γ w ∂z 2
31
dVv e e
= dVv = dV
dV 1 + e 1+ e dVv e
dV ∂ (dV ) ∂ (dVv )
=
dVs 1 1 ∂t ∂t
= dVs = dV
dV 1 + e 1+ e dVs 1
e
∂( dV )
∂ (dV ) ∂ (dVv ) 1+ e ∂ (edVs ) ∂e ∂e dV
= = = = dVs =
∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t 1 + e
∂ (dV ) ∂e dV Equation (2)
=
∂t ∂t 1 + e
From equations (1) and (2),
k ∂ 2u ∂e dV
dV =
γ w ∂z 2 ∂t 1 + e
32
k (1 + e) ∂ 2u ∂e
=
γ w ∂z 2 ∂t
∂e ∂e ∂σ '
= (chain rule)
∂t ∂σ ' ∂t
∂e ∂σ ' ∂e
= − av : av =
∂t ∂t ∂σ '
∂e ∂σ ∂u ∂u ∂σ
= − av ( − ) = av : = 0 (assumption 8, load doesn’t vary
∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t with time)
k (1 + e) ∂ 2u ∂u
= av
γ w ∂z 2
∂t
∂u k (1 + e) ∂ 2u
=
∂t avγ w ∂z 2
∂u ∂ 2u k (1 + e) k
= cv 2 : cv = =
∂t ∂z av γ w mvγ w
33
For constant z: (1 2)
∂u t = t0
u2 = u1 + dt
∂t as time increases, u decreases
t = t100
For constant t: (1 3) z
∂u
u3 = u1 + dz u
∂z
At any t and z: (1 4) t = t2 t = t1
1 2 z = z2
u
∂u
∂ (u1 + dt )
∂u ∂t z = z1
u4 = u1 + dt + dz 3 4
∂t ∂z
or ∂u
∂ (u1 + dz )
∂u ∂z
u4 = u1 + dz + dt
∂z ∂t
This is the differential equation governing time rate of consolidation. Solve for
any boundary conditions (get isochrones: curves relating u to z at any time t).
34
Solution of differential equation of consolidation
Boundary conditions:
Example: a clay layer, of thickness 2H, with top and bottom
boundaries freely draining Sand
t = t1
u(z=0,t) = 0 as time increases, u decreases
u(z=2H,t) = 0 2H
t = t2 Clay
z
u Sand
Initial condition:
For wide fill, applied instantly to saturated soil, the initial excess
pore-water pressure u(z,t=0) is independent of depth and equals
the applied stress
u(z,t=0) = ui
35
Solve the differential equation with the above boundary and
initial conditions and get u=f(z,t)
∞
2ui nπz − n 2π 2 cvt
u ( z, t ) = ∑ (1 − cos nπ )(sin ) exp( )
n =0 nπ 2 H 4 H 2
(1-cosnπ) = 2 if n odd,
= 0 if n even
Therefore, let n = 2m+1, therefore, n always odd
nπ π
If M= = (2m + 1) : n=2m+1
2 2
cv t
Tv = , where H corresponds to the longest drainage path within the clay layer
H2
z
Z=
H
36
∞
2ui
u ( z, t ) = ∑ (sin MZ ) exp(− M 2Tv )
m =0 M
Solution in terms of degree of consolidation (U):
u −u u ui
U ( z, t ) = i = 1− u
ui ui z u ui-u
∞
2
U ( z, t ) = 1 − ∑ (sin MZ ) exp(− M 2Tv ) 2H
m =0 M
t=t
Average degree of consolidation for entire layer:
U = area / area
z
By integration:
2H
∫ udz
Ut = 1− 0
ui
37
∞
2
Ut = 1− ∑ 2
exp(− M 2Tv ) ……… Equation (3)
m =0 M
Equation (3) was solved Table and chart:

U (%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95 99 100
Tv 0.0 0.008 0.031 0.071 0.126 0.197 0.287 0.403 0.567 0.848 1.129 1.781 ∞
38
Fox (1948):
Tv = π/4 Ut2 for Ut<60%
error less than 1% compared to Equation 3
39
The differential equation was solved for double-drained layer
isochrones are symmetrical around mid depth hydraulic
gradient is zero at mid depth no water flows across this
plane an impervious membrane could be inserted at this
depth without influencing progress of consolidation.
Therefore, solution of differential equation for double-drained

layer of thickness 2H can be extended to single-drained layer of
thickness H.
Remember:
Ut = St/Sultimate
40
Practical Applications
Soil Improvement using:
1. Preloading
2. Vertical drains
41
Preloading
Δps = γshs Δps = γshs
Sand
or Soft Clay
Soft Clay
Soil deposit with compressible layers of soft clay, loose silts,

organic soils, …… , mostly underconsolidated or normally
consolidated.
Place designed fill on area to be treated, leave it for certain

period of time to reach target reduction in its compressibility.
Need to know: pc, Cc, Cr for natural deposit.
42
Preloading
Case 1: e
Preload (1 to 2), remove
surcharge (2 to 3), build.
Reduce ultimate settlements 1
caused due to construction. 3
2
Case 2:
Preload (1 to 2), leave surcharge,
build on top.
pc Log p’
More for embankments and
highway construction.
Most of ultimate settlements
occurred before paving
43
Preloading
If Δpb’ < Δps’ e
eo=e1 1
e3
3
2
Δp’b 4
Δp’s
pc=po’ Log p’
Add surcharge: (1 to 2) [Cc]
Remove surcharge: (2 to 3) [Cs~Cr]
Reload with building: (3 to 4) [Cr]
Settlement due to building: (3 to 4)
Cr po' + Δpb'
S= H log( )
1 + e3 po'
44
Preloading
If Δpb’ > Δps’ e
eo=e1 1
e3
3
2
Δp’s
Δp’b 4
pc=po’ Log p’
Add surcharge: (1 to 2) [Cc]
Remove surcharge: (2 to 3) [Cs~Cr]
Reload with building: (3 to 4) [Cr]
Settlement due to building: (3 to 4)
Cr po' + Δps' Cc po' + Δpb'
S= H log( )+ H log( ' )
1 + e3 po' 1 + e3 po + Δps'
45
Preloading
Notes:
H in settlement calculations corresponds to void ratio e3

less than original Ho (corresponding to eo). Ho – H could
be significant.
po’ + Δps’ new preconsolidation pressure.
Calculated settlements are ultimate settlements.
When shall we remove the surcharge to reach target

reduction in compressibility???
46
Preloading
Determine tsr (time for
surcharge removal) such p’
that Stsr,s = Su,b
Δp’s
Stsr,s = Su,s x Utsr Δp’b

tsr Time
Therefore:
Su,s x Utsr = Su,b tsr Time
Utsr = Su,b/Su,s
Su,b
where: Building
Su,s
U = average degree of
consolidation Surcharge
Su,b = ultimate settlement
due to construction of
building
S
Su,s = ultimate settlement
due to surcharge load
47
Preloading
e
Cc po' + Δpb'
S u ,b = H o log( ) (1 to 2)
1 + eo po' eo 1
2
Cc p + Δp
' '
(1 to 3) Δp’b
3
Su ,s = H o log( o
) s
1 + eo po'
Δp’s
For design Δps’:

po’ Log p’
•get Utsr
•get Ttsr
•calculate:
Ttsr H d2
t sr =
cv
48
Preloading
Notes:
Preloading should compress (consolidate) soft soils without
causing shear strength/bearing capacity failure. The magnitude
and rate of preloading are designed to provide an adequate
factor of safety against undrained failure during operation.
If estimated rate of primary consolidation is too slow,

supplement natural drainage layers with vertical drains
Radial Flow (not 1-D).
49
Vertical drains
Purpose:
Reduce drainage path, thus, accelerate rate of consolidation.
Define:
Vertical highly permeable elements inserted in soil. Water drain
laterally to one of the vertical drains, and then vertically to escape
from the soil through the drain.
50
Vertical drains
Construction:
Years ago: form holes in soil filled with permeable material (sand
or gravel). Holes are formed either by:
Driving pipes 12 to 24” in diameter displacement drains
(smeared/remolded/disturbed zone)
Drilling holes non-displacement drains (no smear zone)
Currently: Wick Drains

Preformed plastic drainage elements: 4” wide, 0.5” thick
Rectangular in shape, but assumed circular in analysis with same
surface area.
rw b
t
rw = (b+t)/π
Equal Perimeter
2πrw = 2(b+t)
51
Wick drains
Artificial drainage paths
Central plastic core: free-draining water channel,
surrounded by thin geotextile filter jacket
52
Driving wick drains
53
Driving wick drains
Ground plate
•Wick drain is bent at its end and stapled around a ground plate or ground rebar.
•The driving machine drive the ground plate (hooked to wick drain) into the ground
until reach target depth.
•The wick drain is cut at the ground surface.
54
Analysis of Vertical drains
Negligible lateral deformation (assumed 1-D deformation)
Radial flow dominates
Terzaghi’s 1-D theory of consolidation assumptions are

valid except Assumption # 3 (1-D water flow radial)
Differential equation for 1-D deformation with radial flow:

same concepts applied in derivation of 1-D theory of
consolidation
55
Differential equation for 1-D deformation with
radial drainage
− ∂ (dV ) ∂Q
= Qout − Qin = ( )dr Radial flow
∂t ∂r
Q = − k r idA assumption 5, Darcy’s law is valid
k r ∂u u = excess p.w.p
=− rdθdz
γ w ∂r Qin
dθ
− ∂ (dV ) ∂ k ∂u
= (− r rdθdz )dr
∂t ∂r γ w ∂r Qout dz
− ∂ (dV ) k r 1 ∂u ∂ 2u dr
=− [ + ]rdθdrdz r
∂t γ w r ∂r ∂r 2
dV
∂ (dV ) ∂e dV
= 1-D consolidation derivation
∂t ∂t 1 + e
∂e dV k r 1 ∂u ∂ 2u
− =− [ + ]dV
∂t 1 + e γ w r ∂r ∂r 2
56
Differential equation for 1-D deformation with
radial drainage
∂e ∂u 1-D consolidation derivation
= av
∂t ∂t
av ∂u k r 1 ∂u ∂ 2u Qin
= [ + ] dθ
1 + e ∂t γ w r ∂r ∂r 2
∂u k r (1 + e) 1 ∂u ∂ 2u Qout dz
= [ + ]
∂t avγ w r ∂r ∂r 2
dr
r
Define:
k (1 + e)
cv = Coefficient of consolidation
av γ w
k r (1 + e)
cv ,r = Radial coefficient of consolidation
av γ w
∂u 1 ∂u ∂ 2u Differential equation for 1-D deformation with radial flow

= cv ,r [ + ]
∂t r ∂r ∂r 2
57
Solution of differential equation for 1-D
deformation with radial drainage
Model:
Cylindrical freely draining well, rw
Surrounded by cylindrical shell of undisturbed homogeneous
soil, Re Re
rw
Boundary Conditions: rw
u(rw,t)=0
Re
∂Lu (0, t )
=0
∂r
Initial Condition:
u(r,0)=ui=Δp
58
Apply boundary and initial conditions and solve the differential
equation to get average degree of consolidation:
2T
U r = 1 − exp(− r )
m
where: rw
c t Tr = Radial Time Factor
Tr = v ,r2
Re
n2 n 3 s2 kr n 2 − s 2
m = 2 2 ln( ) − + 2 + ( ) ln(s )
n −s s 4 4n kr ,s n2
Re n = drain spacing factor Rs
n=
rw As n increases, # drains decreases Re
Rs Rs = radius of cylindrical shell of incompressible disturbed

s= soil (smear zone)
rw
Kr = radial/horizontal soil hydraulic conductivity
Kr,s = radial/horizontal soil hydraulic conductivity of smear zone
59
The solution for the average degree of consolidation is presented
in the following chart (no smear zone):
Numbers on curves are

for drain spacing factor
(n)
get get
Calculate Ur Tr t
60
Combined vertical and radial flow
∂u ∂ 2u 1 ∂u ∂ 2u
= cv 2 + cv ,r [ + 2] u = excess p.w.p
∂t ∂z r ∂r ∂r
(1-U) = (1-Uv)(1-Ur) U = average degree of consolidation
U = 1- (1-Uv)(1-Ur)
61
Vertical Drains
Filter: surrounds vertical drain
kfilter: high enough to allow flow of water
kfilter: low enough to prevent washout of soil
Re depends on spacing between vertical drains
Square Pattern: s
πRe2 = s2 Re
Re = s/(π0.5) = 0.564 s
Triangular Pattern: Re
Re ~ 0.5 s
62
Smear Zone
For non-displacement drains, no smear zone:
Rs = rw, s=1
kr = kr,s
For sand drains: 1 < s < 4 (typically)
For wick drains: s can be larger than 4
For example:
rm = 80 mm (mandrel radius to insert wick)
rw = 32 mm
If Rs/rm = 2 (smear zone ~ 2 mandrel radius)
Therefore, Rs = 2 x 80 = 160 mm
s = Rs/rw = 160/32 = 5
63
Example
Vertical Drains
q
Re
Clay Triangular
20’ pattern
s
Impervious rock
rw = 0.5’
Thickness of clay layer = 20’
s = 20’
cv = cv,r = 10 ft2/year
Find U at t = 1 year
Note: combined vertical and radial flow
64
Example
Vertical flow:
cv t 10 × 1
Tv = = = 0.025
H2 20 2
∞
2 π
Ut = 1− ∑ 2
exp(− M 2Tv ) where M= (2m + 1)
m =0 M 2
m M 2/M2 exp(-M2Tv) 2/M2 exp(-M2Tv) Uv
0 1.57 0.81057 0.9401789707 0.7620803692 0.23792
1 4.71 0.09006 0.5739774050 0.0516942845 0.186225
2 7.85 0.03242 0.2139258782 0.0069360714 0.179289
3 11.00 0.01654 0.0486761380 0.0008052121 0.178484
4 14.14 0.01001 0.0067616575 0.0000676641 0.178416
5 17.28 0.00670 0.0005734222 0.0000038413 0.178413
6 20.42 0.00480 0.0000296879 0.0000001424 0.178412
7 23.56 0.00360 0.0000009384 0.0000000034 0.178412
8 26.70 0.00280 0.0000000181 0.0000000001 0.178412
9 29.85 0.00225 0.0000000002 0.0000000000 0.178412
Therefore, Uv = 17.8%
If use chart, Uv = 17.4%
65
Example
Radial flow:
cv ,r t 10 ×1
Tr = 2
= = 0.1 where Re ~ 0.5 s = 10’
R e 10 2
2Tr
U r = 1 − exp(− )
m
n2 n 3 s2 kr n 2 − s 2
m = 2 2 ln( ) − + 2 + ( ) ln(s )
n −s s 4 4n kr ,s n2
R e 10
n= = = 20
rw 0.5
Rs
s=
rw
66
Example
If no smear zone:
Rs = rw, s = 1
kr = kr,s
n2 n 3 s2 kr n 2 − s 2
m=2.25, where m= ln( ) − + + ( ) ln( s )
n2 − s2 s 4 4n 2 k r , s n2
2T
Ur = 8.5%, where U r = 1 − exp(− r )
m
If use chart, Ur = 8.5%
U = 1- (1-Uv)(1-Ur)
= 1-(1-0.174)(1-0.085) = 0.248 = 24.8%
If smear zone with s = 2 and kr,s = 0.1 kr:

m=8.44
Ur = 2.3%
U = 1- (1-Uv)(1-Ur)
= 1-(1-0.174)(1-0.023) = 0.198 = 19.8%
Note: smear zone reduced rate of consolidation
67

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Soil Consolidation

Theoretical Soil Mechanics

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Construction period Time

 Added stress (p) = Total stress (σ)

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

t=h Î σ' = Σγ'h + q (clay)

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Degree of Consolidation (U):

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

From consolidation test,

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Initial Condition Final Condition

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

From consolidation test, get e-log(σ’) curve

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

2. At (a), draw tangent to e-log(σ’) curve.

3. At (a), draw horizontal line.

4. Draw a bisector to the angle enclosed between the

5. Extend the linear portion of the curve until it intersects

6. The preconsolidation pressure (pc) is the x-coordinate

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Define: Overconsolidation Ratio (OCR):

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Tv = time factor = f(U)

t = time at degree of consolidation U

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

 For thick layers, divide the clay layer into sub-layers,

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

 Decrease in void ratio with time at constant effective stress

 Slow drainage of water

 Typical Cα/Cc ratios:

 Since primary consolidation is completed first in parts of soil

1. Soils may have voids of widely different sizes. In some soils,

2. In organic soils, water may drain out of voids in accordance with

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

3. Clays of high plasticity are surrounded with more adsorbed water on

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

 Consider a differential element of soil

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

From equations (1) and (2),

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Dr. Manal A. Salem – Theoretical Soil Mechanics - Consolidation

Added stress (p) = Total stress (σ)

t=h Î σ' = Σγ'h + q (clay)

For thick layers, divide the clay layer into sub-layers,

Decrease in void ratio with time at constant effective stress

Slow drainage of water

Typical Cα/Cc ratios:

Since primary consolidation is completed first in parts of soil

Consider a differential element of soil

Solution in terms of degree of consolidation (U):

Therefore, solution of differential equation for double-drained

Soil deposit with compressible layers of soft clay, loose silts,

Place designed fill on area to be treated, leave it for certain

Need to know: pc, Cc, Cr for natural deposit.

H in settlement calculations corresponds to void ratio e3

po’ + Δps’ new preconsolidation pressure.

Calculated settlements are ultimate settlements.

When shall we remove the surcharge to reach target

Stsr,s = Su,s x Utsr Δp’b

If estimated rate of primary consolidation is too slow,

Radial flow dominates

Terzaghi’s 1-D theory of consolidation assumptions are

Differential equation for 1-D deformation with radial flow:

(1-U) = (1-Uv)(1-Ur) U = average degree of consolidation

Re depends on spacing between vertical drains

For sand drains: 1 < s < 4 (typically)

For wick drains: s can be larger than 4

Note: combined vertical and radial flow

If smear zone with s = 2 and kr,s = 0.1 kr: