• The instant the surcharge is q kPa

applied, the increase in total GL

stress causes an increase in 

pore water pressure (Excess u

A
pore water pressure Δ𝑢 = ’
Saturated Clay
𝑢𝑒 = 𝑞).

1

u q kPa
’ GL
 

 ’ u
A
q ’
u Saturated Clay
Time

Shortly after Loading Long after Loading

No settlement Settlement Complete
0 +  0 + 

u0
u0+u



2
 time

➢
➢
➢ Settlement

3
4
 z0′ z′
c
z0′ } zf
′

z0′ z0′
}
 ′
z′ z f
e
Vv = eVs Voids
Vv = (e -  e)Vs Voids

Before Vs Solids Vs Solids After

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6
7
 Consolidation Plot-Actual

ea − eb
Cc =
(log  z )b − (log  z ) a

ec − ed
Cr =
(log  z ) d − (log  z ) c

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 zo =  c … Normally consolidated

 zo   c … Over-consolidated

 zo   c … Under-consolidated

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𝝈′ (𝒌𝑵/𝒎𝟐 ) 𝑯 (𝒎𝒎)
0 20.00
400 16.69
800 14.8
1 16.02

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