Rate of Consolidation

Prepared by

Dr. Md. Rokonuzzaman

Professor
Department of Civil Engineering, KUET
 Rate of Consolidation

Reference: Geotechnical Engineering-principles and practice (Chapter 12)-Donald P. Coduto

Why it is important to know how fast a structure will settle under the applied load: For example, if the design
life of a structure is 50 years, and it is estimated that it will take 500 years for all the settlement to occur, then
the foundation engineer would expect only minor settlement problems during the life of the structure. On the
other hand, if the settlement is expected to take about the time required to build the structure, then most, if not
all, of it will have occurred by the time the structure is completed. If the structure is sensitive to rapid
settlements (for example, RC frames or concrete pavement), then structural damage could result. Most
structures on clay foundations experience gradual settlements during their lifetimes, which may or may not
impair their performance. In addition, we sometimes intentionally cause a clay layer to settle prior to
construction, typically by building a temporary embankment (a process known as “preloading”). In this case, it
is important to know how long this settlement process will occur for purpose of construction schedule.

Derivation and Solution of Terzaghi’s 1D Consolidation Theory

(a) Assumptions
• Terzaghi’s theory of 1-D consolidation makes the following simplifying assumptions:
1. The soil is homogeneous.
2. The soil is fully saturated.
3. The solid particles and the pore water are incompressible.
4. The flow of water and compression of soil are one dimensional (vertical).
5. Strains are small.
6. Darcy’s law is valid at all hydraulic gradients.
7. The coefficient of permeability and coefficient of volume compressibility remain constant throughout the
consolidation process.
8. There is a unique relationship, independent of time, between void ratio and effective stress.
• Assumptions 1 to 5 are reasonable and therefore, pose no difficulties in applying Terzaghi’s theory to practical
problems.
• At very low hydraulic gradients, there is evidence that pore water flow doesn’t take place according to Darcy’s
law as stated in Assumption No. 6. However, for most fine-grained soils, the hydraulic gradient is sufficiently
high and therefore, this assumption is OK.
• We have seen that the coefficient of permeability (k) and the coefficient volume compressibility (m v)
decreases with increasing effective stress. However, for small stress increments, Assumption No. 7 is
reasonable.
• The main limitation of Terzaghi’s theory originates from
Assumption No. 8. Experimental results have shown that the
relationship between the void ratio and effective stress is not
independent of time.Most fine-grained soils undergo a decrease in
void ratio with time (called secondary consolidation or creep) at
constant effective stress as shown in the figure above. Therefore,
Terzaghi’s theory is good only for the estimation of the rate of
primary consolidation.

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 2

 Rate of Consolidation

(b) Derivation of the PDE

∆𝜎𝑣

ℎ = 𝑢𝑒 /𝛾𝑤

Datumn

H
H-z

Element at A

For the soil element shown, Rate of outflow of water-Rate of inflow of water = Rate of volume change, Thus
𝜕𝑣𝑧 𝜕𝑉
(𝑣𝑧 + 𝑑𝑧) 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 − 𝑣𝑧 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 =
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
Where V= volume of the soil element
𝑣𝑧 = velocity of flow in z direction
or
𝜕𝑣𝑧 𝜕𝑉
𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 = 𝜕𝑡 (1)
𝜕𝑧
Using Darcy’s law, we have
𝜕ℎ 𝑘 𝜕𝑢
𝑣𝑧 = 𝑘𝑖 = −𝑘 𝜕𝑧 = − 𝛾 𝜕𝑧𝑒 [ℎ = 𝑢𝑒 /𝛾𝑤 ] (2)
𝑤
where 𝑢𝑒 =excess pore water pressure casued by the increase of stress.
From Eqn (1) and (2)
𝑘 𝜕 2 𝑢𝑒 1 𝜕𝑉
−𝛾 = 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 𝜕𝑡 (3)
𝑤 𝜕𝑧 2
During consolidation, the rate of change in the volume of the soil element is equalto the rate of change in the
volume of voids. So
𝜕𝑉 𝜕(𝑉𝑠 +𝑒𝑉𝑠 ) 𝜕𝑉𝑠 𝜕𝑒 𝜕𝑉𝑠
= = + 𝑉𝑠 + 𝑒 (4)
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡
where 𝑉𝑠 =volume of soil solids
𝜕𝑉 𝑉 +𝑒 𝑉 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧
But (assuming the soil solids are incompressible) 𝑠 = 0 and 𝑉𝑠 = 𝑠 0 𝑠 = . Thus Eqn (4) yields
𝜕𝑡 1+𝑒0 1+𝑒0
𝜕𝑉 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 𝜕𝑒
= (5)
𝜕𝑡 1+𝑒0 𝜕𝑡
where 𝑒0 =initial void ratio.
Combining Eqn. (3) an (5) gives
𝑘 𝜕 2 𝑢𝑒 1 𝜕𝑒
−𝛾 = 1+𝑒 (6)
𝑤 𝜕𝑧 2 0 𝜕𝑡
We know that
𝜕𝜎′ 𝜕𝑢
𝜕𝑒 = −𝑐𝑐 𝜕𝑙𝑜𝑔𝜎𝑧′ = −𝑐𝑐 2.3𝜎𝑧′ = 𝑐𝑐 2.3𝜎𝑒′ [𝜕𝜎𝑧′ = −𝜕𝑢𝑒 ] (7)
𝑧 𝑧
Substitution of Eqn (7) in Eqn (6) gives
𝝏𝒖𝒆 𝝏𝟐 𝒖𝒆
= 𝒄𝒗 (8)
𝝏𝒕 𝝏𝒛𝟐

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 3

 Rate of Consolidation
𝒌 𝑘 𝑘
where 𝑐𝑣 =coefficient of consolidation (constant)=− 𝑐𝑐
= −𝛾 = 𝑎 𝑣
; 𝑚𝑣 =coefficient of
𝛾𝑤 { } 𝑤 𝑚𝑣 𝛾𝑤 {(1+𝑒 )
}
2.3𝜎′𝑧 (1+𝑒0 ) 0
𝜕𝜀𝑧 −𝜕𝑒 𝑐𝑐 𝜕𝑙𝑜𝑔𝜎𝑧′ 𝑐𝑐 𝜕𝑒 𝑐 𝑐
volume compressibility=𝜕𝜎′ = (1+𝑒0 )𝜕𝜎𝑧′
= (1+𝑒0 )𝜕𝜎𝑧′
= (1+𝑒0 )2.3𝜎𝑧′
; 𝑎𝑣 =coeff. of compressibility= 𝜕𝜎′ = − 2.3𝜎 ′.
𝑧 𝑧 𝑧

(c) General solution of the PDE

The partial differential equation of consolidation canbe solved by first rewriting it in a variableseparable form.
To solve the equation, assume ue to be the product of two functions, i.e., the product of a function of z and a
function of t, or
𝑢𝑒 = 𝐹(𝑧)𝐺(𝑡) (9)
𝜕𝑢𝑒 𝜕
So, = 𝐹(𝑧) 𝐺(𝑡) = 𝐹(𝑧)𝐺 ′ (𝑡) (10)
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡
𝜕 2 𝑢𝑒 𝜕2
and 𝜕𝑧 2 = 𝜕𝑧 2 𝐹(𝑧)𝐺(𝑡) = 𝐹 ′′ (𝑧)𝐺(𝑡) (11)
From equations (8), (10) and (11),
𝐹(𝑧)𝐺 ′ (𝑡) = 𝑐𝑣 𝐹 ′′ (𝑧)𝐺(𝑡)
𝐹′′ (𝑧) 𝐺 ′ (𝑡)
or =𝑐 (12)
𝐹(𝑧) 𝑣 𝐺(𝑡)
The right-hand side of equation (12) is a function of z only and is independent of t; the left-hand side of the
equation is a function of t only and is independent of z. therefore, they must be equal to a constant. So,
𝐹 ′′ (𝑧) = −𝜆2 𝐹(𝑧) (13)
A solution to the equation (13) can be given by
𝐹(𝑧) = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜆𝑧 + 𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜆𝑧 (14)
where A and B are constants.
Again, the right hand side of equation (12) may be written as
𝐺 ′ (𝑡) = −𝜆2 𝑐𝑣 𝐺(𝑡) (15)
The solution to equation (15) is given by
𝐺(𝑡) = 𝑒𝑥𝑝(−𝜆2 𝑐𝑣 𝑡) (16)
Combining equations (9), (14) and (16) we have general solution
𝑢𝑒 = (𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜆𝑧 + 𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜆𝑧)𝑒𝑥𝑝(−𝜆2 𝑐𝑣 𝑡) (17)

(c) Solutions for particular boundary conditions

Case I: consolidation during an increment in induced stress that is uniform with depth and of magnitude Δσv,
with one-way or two-way drainage (cf. Oedometer test, large area filling, consolidation due to an increase in
effective stress following groundwater lowering).

𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 = ∆𝜎𝑣

Figure:Isochrones of excess pore water pressure in an Figure: (a) Initial and final pore water pressure distributions and (b)
oedometer test specimen at various times during consolidation. isochrones of excess pore water pressure due to GWT lowering.

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 4

 Rate of Consolidation

Considering the top half of a soil layer of thickness 2d with two-way drainage from the top and the bottom, or a
soil layer of thickness d with one-way drainage through the upper surface only, the succession of isochrones is
as indicated in Figure above. Theboundary conditions that apply to the isochrones at all times are
𝑢𝑒 =0 at z=0and 𝜕𝑢𝑒 /𝜕𝑧=0 at z=d.
If the first of these conditions is to apply for all values of t, then B=0 in Eq 17. Differentiating Eq 17 and
setting B =0 we have
𝜕𝑢𝑒
= 𝐴𝜆cos(𝜆𝑧). 𝑒𝑥𝑝(−𝜆2 𝑐𝑣 𝑡). (18)
𝜕𝑧
If the second boundary condition is to apply for all values of t, (assuming A is non-zero) cos λd=0. This implies
that λd= π/2, 3π/2, 5π/2 etc., or in general λ = nπ/2d where n is odd. Thus, taking into account all possible
solutions:
𝑛𝜋𝑧 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣
𝑢𝑒 = ∑∞
𝑛=1(𝑜𝑑𝑑) 𝐴𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑝 (− ); (19)
2𝑑 4
where 𝑇𝑣 is the nondimensional time factor =𝑐𝑣 𝑡/𝑑2 .
The values of the constants An can be found by considering the distribution of excess PWP at t = 0,
𝑛𝜋𝑧
𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 = ∆𝜎𝑣 = ∑∞ 𝑛=1(𝑜𝑑𝑑) 𝐴𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑑 (20)
Any function f(z) may be presented over its range 0≤z≤l by a summation of sine waves known as a
Fourierseries,
𝑛𝜋𝑧
𝑓(𝑧) = ∑∞ 𝑛=1 {𝐴𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( 𝑙 )} (21)
where
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑧
𝐴𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑧)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑧
𝑙 0 𝑙
Equation 21 is the same as Equation 20 with f(z)=Δσv and l=2d, so that
2 2𝑑 𝑛𝜋𝑧 ∆𝜎𝑣 2𝑑 𝑛𝜋𝑧 2𝑑 2∆𝜎𝑣
𝐴𝑛 = 2𝑑 ∫0 ∆𝜎𝑣 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑧= . 𝑛𝜋 [−𝑐𝑜𝑠 ] = (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋) (22)
2𝑑 𝑑 2𝑑 0 𝑛𝜋
Substituting this into Equation 19,
2∆𝜎 𝑛𝜋𝑧 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑇
𝑢𝑒 = ∑∞ 𝑣
𝑛=1 𝑛𝜋 (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋)𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝 (−
𝑣
) (23)
4
Noting that because (1 − cos nπ) = 2 when n is odd and zero when n is even, there is now no need to specify that
the summation is carried out for odd values of n only. For only the nonzero terms, it is convenient to substitute
n=2m+1 where m is an integer. So equation (23) will now take the alternative form
∞
2∆𝜎𝑣 (2𝑚 + 1)𝜋𝑧 (2𝑚 + 1)2 𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣
𝑢𝑒 = ∑ [1 − cos(2𝑚 + 1)𝜋]𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑝 [− ]
(2𝑚 + 1)𝜋 2𝑑 4
𝑚=0
2∆𝜎𝑣 𝑀𝑧
𝑢𝑒 = ∑∞ 2
𝑚=0 𝑀 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝[−𝑀 𝑇𝑣 ]; 𝑀 = (2𝑚 + 1)/2 (24)
Isochrones showing the variation of excess pore water pressure
with depth can be produced. The summation must be carried out to
calculate each individual value of pore water pressure; fortunately,
the terms in the summation decay quite rapidly with n because of
the term in exp (−n2).

Degree of consolidation at any point at any time,

′
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑝𝑤𝑝 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 − 𝑢𝑒,𝑡 ∆𝜎𝑣 − 𝑢𝑒,𝑡 ∆𝜎𝑣,𝑡
𝑈𝑧 = = = = ′
𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑝𝑤𝑝 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 ∆𝜎𝑣 ∆𝜎𝑣,𝑢𝑙𝑡

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 5

 Rate of Consolidation

In engineering practice, however, we need to obtain the average degree of consolidation for the entire layer:
2𝑑 2𝑑 2𝑑
(𝜌/𝐻)/𝑚𝑣 𝜌 (1/2𝑑) ∫0 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 𝑑𝑧−(1/2𝑑) ∫0 𝑢𝑒 𝑑𝑧 (1/2𝑑) ∫0 𝑢𝑒 𝑑𝑧
𝑈𝑎𝑣 = (𝜌 =𝜌 . Alternatively, 𝑈𝑎𝑣 = 2𝑑 = 1− .
𝑢𝑙𝑡 /𝐻)/𝑚𝑣 𝑢𝑙𝑡 (1/2𝑑) ∫0 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 𝑑𝑧 ∆𝜎𝑣

The surface settlement ρ at any time can be calculated as follows (for the top half of a specimen of thickness 2d
with two-way drainage, or for the whole of aspecimen of thickness d with one-way drainage)
𝑑
𝜌 = 𝑚𝑣 ∫0 (∆𝜎𝑣 − 𝑢𝑒 )𝑑𝑧 (25)
Substituting Eq 23 into Eq 25 and carrying out appropriate integration
4 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣
𝜌 = 𝑚𝑣 𝑑∆𝜎𝑣 [1 − ∑∞ 𝑛=1 𝑛2 𝜋 2 (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋) (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ) 𝑒𝑥𝑝 (− )] (26)
2 4
Recalling that the ultimate settlement
𝜌𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 𝑚𝑣 𝑑∆𝜎𝑣 (27)
Substituting
𝜌 4 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣
𝑈𝑎𝑣 = 𝜌 = 1 − ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑛2 𝜋 2 (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋) (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ) 𝑒𝑥𝑝 (− ) (28)
𝑢𝑙𝑡 2 4
which is independent of drainage path. Alternative form
2
𝑈𝑎𝑣 = 1 − ∑∞ 2
𝑚=0 𝑀2 𝑒𝑥𝑝(−𝑀 𝑇𝑣 ) (29)
Evaluating the significant terms in the summation
𝑈𝑎𝑣 = 1 − (8/𝜋 2 )[𝑒𝑥𝑝(−𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣 /4) + (1/9)𝑒𝑥𝑝(−9𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣 /4) + (1/25)𝑒𝑥𝑝(−25𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣 /4)] (30)
Terzaghi suggested the following useful equations for 𝑈𝑎𝑣 to approximate the values obtained from equation (29)
𝜋 𝑈 2 4𝑇𝑣
𝑎𝑣
For 𝑈𝑎𝑣 ≤ 60%: 𝑇𝑣 = 4 (100 ) inversely for 𝑇𝑣 ≤ 0.217: 𝑈𝑎𝑣 = √ × 100 (31)
𝜋
0.085+𝑇𝑣
For 𝑈𝑎𝑣 > 60%: 𝑇𝑣 = 1.78 − 0.933𝑙𝑜𝑔(100 − 𝑈𝑎𝑣 ) or for 𝑇𝑣 > 0.217: 𝑈𝑎𝑣 = [1 − 10−( )
0.933 ] × 100 (32)

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 6

 Rate of Consolidation

Case II: Consolidation during an increment in effective stress that increases linearly withdepth (triangular
distribution, with one-way drainage towards the thin end of thetriangle: e.g. Self-weight
consolidation/hydraulic fill).

Figure: Fuel ash storage lagoon with impermeable base:(a) Initial and final distributions of pore water pressure and (b) isochrones of
excess pore waterpressure: self-weight consolidation with drainage through the upper surface only.

In some situations, a soil or a soil-like material may be deposited as a slurry, in which the soil particles are not
initially in contact and the effective stress is zero. The total weight of the slurry must therefore be carried by the
pore water pressure, which as a result will begreater than hydrostatic. Initially, the particles will settle through
the water at constantvelocity, until they begin to come into contact with each other.After this time, the excess
pore water pressures will dissipate as the soil consolidates to carrypart of its own weight via interparticle
contact forces as effective stress. Soil placed in thisway is sometimes known as hydraulic fill.

The boundary conditions in this case are exactly the same as in Case 1 above, so that thesolution presented
above applies as far as Eq 19.The difference between the two situations is that the initial excess pore water
pressuredistribution used to evaluate the constants An is now triangular. This means thatthe isochrones during
the first part of the consolidation process will be different inshape (Figure above). Also, when it comes to
evaluating the coefficients An, it is necessaryto define the initial pore water pressure distribution-f(z) in Eq 21-
overa depth 2d, even though the depth of the clay layer in this case is only d. As the slope of any isochrones
∂ue/∂z is zero at z = d, f(z) must be symmetrical about z = d. In thecase of self-weight consolidation, the initial
excess pore water pressure distribution is,for 0 ≤ z ≤ d
𝑓(𝑧) = 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 = (𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )𝑧 (33)
so that to meet the requirement of symmetry,
𝑓(𝑧) = 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 = (𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )𝑧 for 0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 𝑑 (34a)
𝑓(𝑧) = 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 = (𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )(2𝑑 − 𝑧) for 𝑑 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 2𝑑 (34b) 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 = (𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )𝑧
𝑙 2𝑑
2 𝑛𝜋𝑧 1 𝑛𝜋𝑧
𝐴𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑧)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑧 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑧)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑧
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑑 0 2𝑑
1 2𝑑 𝑛𝜋𝑧 1 𝑑 𝑛𝜋𝑧
= 𝑑 ∫𝑑 (𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )(2𝑑 − 𝑧)𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑑 𝑑𝑧 + 𝑑 ∫0 (𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )𝑧. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑑 𝑑𝑧 =
𝑛𝜋
[8(𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )𝑑/(𝑛2 𝜋 2 ]sin( ) (35)
2
so that
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑧 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑇
𝑢𝑒 = ∑∞ 2 2
𝑛=1[8(𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )𝑑/(𝑛 𝜋 ]sin( 2 )𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝 (−
𝑣
) (36)
4
The surface settlement ρ can be calculated as follows for thetop half of a specimen

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 7

 Rate of Consolidation
𝑑
𝜌 = 𝑚𝑣 ∫0 ((𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )𝑧 − 𝑢𝑒 )𝑑𝑧 (37)
and ultimate settlement is
𝑑
𝜌𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 𝑚𝑣 ∫0 ((𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )𝑧)𝑑𝑧 = 𝑚𝑣 (𝛾 − 𝛾𝑤 )𝑑2 /2 (38)
Substituting
32 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑇
𝑈𝑎𝑣 = 1 − ∑∞ 𝑛=1 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑒𝑥𝑝 (−
𝑣
) (39)
4
Evaluating significant term
𝑈𝑎𝑣 = 1 − (32/𝜋 3 )[𝑒𝑥𝑝(−𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣 /4) − (1/27)𝑒𝑥𝑝(−9𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣 /4) + (1/125)𝑒𝑥𝑝(−25𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣 /4)] (40)

Case III: Consolidation of a specimen with one-way

upward drainage during an increment ineffective
stress that decreases with depth (triangular
distribution, with upward drainage towards the thick
end of the triangle).
A load applied near the surface of a layer of clay soil,
for example by an earth embankment or the foundation
of a building, would therefore be expected to give rise
to an initial distribution of excess pore water pressure
that decreases with depth.

Figure: Isochrones of excess pore water pressure: initially

triangular excess pore pressure distribution that decreases linearly
with depth, with drainage towards the upper surface only.
Similar boundary conditions like case I that apply to the isochrones at all times are𝑢𝑒 =0 at z=0 and 𝜕𝑢𝑒 /𝜕𝑧=0
at z=d.It may be seen from Figure above that, during the initial stages of consolidation, there issome downward
flow, which results in a transient increase in excess pore water near theimpermeable base of the stratum. The
initial pore water pressure distribution must again bedefined symmetrically over the range 0 ≤ z ≤ 2d:
𝑓(𝑧) = 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 = (∆𝜎𝑣 /𝑑)(𝑑 − 𝑧) for 0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 𝑑 (41a)
𝑓(𝑧) = 𝑢𝑒,𝑡=0 = (∆𝜎𝑣 /𝑑)(𝑧 − 𝑑) for 𝑑 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 2𝑑 (41b)
𝑙 2𝑑
2 𝑛𝜋𝑧 2 𝑛𝜋𝑧
𝐴𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑧)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑧 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑧)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑧
𝑙 0 𝑙 2𝑑 0 2𝑑
1 2𝑑 𝑛𝜋𝑧 1 𝑑 ∆𝜎 𝑛𝜋𝑧
= ∫𝑑 (∆𝜎𝑣 /𝑑)(𝑧 − 𝑑)𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑑 2𝑑
𝑑𝑧 + ∫0 ( 𝑣) (𝑑 − 𝑧)𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑑 𝑑
𝑑𝑧 =?
2𝑑
(42)
so that
𝑢𝑒 =? (43)
The surface settlement ρmay be calculated as follows for thetop half of a specimen
𝑑
𝜌 = 𝑚𝑣 ∫0 ((∆𝜎𝑣 /𝑑)(𝑑 − 𝑧) − 𝑢𝑒 )𝑑𝑧 (44)
and ultimate settlement is
𝑑
𝜌𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 𝑚𝑣 ∫0 (∆𝜎𝑣 /𝑑)(𝑑 − 𝑧)𝑑𝑧 = 𝑚𝑣 ∆𝜎𝑣 𝑑/2 (45)
Substituting
8 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣
𝑈𝑎𝑣 = 1 − ∑∞ 𝑛=1 𝑛3 𝜋 3 [𝑛𝜋(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋) − 4𝑠𝑖𝑛 ] 𝑒𝑥𝑝 (− ) (46)
2 4
Evaluating significant term
𝜋2 𝑇𝑣 1 9𝜋2 𝑇𝑣
𝑈𝑎𝑣 = 1 − (16/𝜋 3 ) [(𝜋 − 2)𝑒𝑥𝑝 (− 4
) + (27) (3𝜋 − 2)𝑒𝑥𝑝 (− 4
) + (1/125)(5𝜋 − 2)𝑒𝑥𝑝(−25𝜋 2 𝑇𝑣 /4)]
(47)
If the consolidating layer were underlain by permeable stratum, Eq 30 is applicable with the maximum drainage
path equal to half of the thickness of the layer.

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 8

 Rate of Consolidation

Tv

Uav
Figure: Non-dimensional average consolidation of a layer as a function of time factorfor consolidation in responseto different patterns
of effective stress increment and different boundary conditions (exactsolutions).

Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation

•There are two popular methods that can be used to determine the coefficient of consolidation (cv) of a clay
layer:
– Root Time Method (D.W. Taylor in 1942)
– Log Time Method (Casagrande and Fadum in 1940)
– Emperical Method (NAVAC)
The Root Time Method utilizes the early settlement response
which theoretically should appear as a straight line in a plot of dial
gauge reading (settlement) vs. square root of time.
•Referring to the approximate relationship between Uav and Tv
given by Terzaghi, the theoretical distribution of Uav with Tv
should be linear up to Uav=60%.
•Let us arbitrarily choose a point C on this theoretical curve, as
shown in the figure on the right and assume that this point
corresponds to Uav= 90%.
• At Uav= 90%, the theoretical value of Tv =0.848 (using the
Terzaghi’s eq. 32 or using the charts).
𝑇𝑣 = 1.78 − 0.933𝑙𝑜𝑔(100 − 90) = 0.848
• If point C were to lie on a straight line (OC), the theoretical
relationship between Uav and Tv would be:
𝑈𝑎𝑣 0.9
= = 0.98 𝑜𝑟 𝑈𝑎𝑣 = 0.98√𝑇𝑣 (48)
√𝑇𝑣 √0.848
• From the Terzaghi’s eq. 31 , the relationship between Uav and Tv
(line OA) is given by:
4
𝑈𝑎𝑣 = √𝜋 × √𝑇𝑣 = 1.13√𝑇𝑣 (49)

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 9

 Rate of Consolidation

• Therefore, the ratio of the abscissa of a point on line OB to that a

point on line OA is:
1.13√𝑇𝑣
= 1.15 (50)
0.98√𝑇𝑣
Therefore, line OB can be obtained from line OA by multiplying
the abscissa of a point on line OA by 1.15.
• The experimental curve of dial gauge reading vs. √t usually
consists of a short curve representing initial compression, a linear
part and a second nonlinear curve as shown in the figure on the
right.
Step1: Extend the linear part of the curve backwards and find the
point (O) representing Uav= 0.
Step 2: Draw a straight line OB that has abscissae 1.15 times the
corresponding abscissaeon on the line OA. This line intersects the
curve at point C that denotes Uav = 90%.
Step 3: Find the value of time at this point C is t90.
Step 4: Calculate the coefficient of consolidation from
(𝑇 ) 0.848
𝑐𝑣 = 𝑡𝑣 90 𝑑 2 = 𝑡 𝑑2 (51)
90 90

Log Time Method: For a given incremental loading of the

laboratory test, the specimen deformation against log-of-time plot
is shown in Figure right.
Step 1: Extend the straight-line portions of primary and secondary
consolidations to intersect at A. The ordinate of A is represented by
d100—that is, the deformation at the end of 100% primary
consolidation.
Step 2: The initial curved portion of the plot of deformation versus
log t is approximated to be a parabola on the natural scale. Select
times t1 and t2 on the curved portion such that t2 = 4t1. Let the
difference of specimen deformation during time (t2 - t1) be equal to
x.
Step 3: Draw a horizontal line DE such that the vertical distance
BD is equal to x. The deformation corresponding to the line DE is
d0 (that is, deformation at 0% consolidation).
Step 4: The ordinate of point F on the consolidation curve
represents the deformation at 50% primary consolidation, and its
abscissa represents the corresponding time (t50).
Step 5: For 50% average degree of consolidation, T50= 0.197 (Eq
31), so
(𝑇 ) 0.197
𝑐𝑣 = 𝑡𝑣 50 𝑑 2 = 𝑡 𝑑 2 (52)
50 50

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 10

 Rate of Consolidation

Empirical Method (NAVAC 1982)

Example: will be solved in the class

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 11

 Rate of Consolidation

Correction for Construction Period

In reality, most loads applied to soils
do not occur instantaneously. They
usually are applied during some
construction process that may last for
weeks or months. A simple method of
computing settlements during and
after construction period is to assume
the load is applied at a uniform rate,
and then adjust the time in the
settlement computation as follows:
𝑡
For 𝑡 ≤ 𝑡𝑐 : 𝑡𝑎𝑑𝑗 = 2
𝑡
For 𝑡 > 𝑡𝑐 : 𝑡𝑎𝑑𝑗 = 𝑡 − 2𝑐
However, since the load then acting is
not the total, settlement so obtained
must be reduced in the proportion of
that load.

Example 12.5/Coduto

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 12

 Rate of Consolidation

Assignment Problem (Hint: Examples 12.2, 12.3 and 12.5/Coduto)

A 3.2 m deep compacted fill is to be placed over the soil
profile as shown in the right. A consolidation test on a 3m Proposed fill, γ=18kN/m3
sample from point A produced the following results: cc=0.4, 3
2 3). 1m γ=17 kN/m
cr=0.13, e0=1.10 and cv=0.0021m /day. (Use γw=10 kN/m 3 Sand
(a) Develop a plot of uh, ue and u at 10 years after the 3m γ=18 kN/m
placement of the fill.
(b) Develop a plot of the time-settlement curve for the
normally consolidated clay layer. 10m Clay, γ=16 kN/m 3
(c) If the fill will be placed at a uniform rate over a period A
of 300 days. Correct the time-settlement curve of (b)
considering this construction period. Dense Sand and Gravel
Note: It will be solved in the class
=1*17+3*18+3*18 =3*10+3*18 =3*10
Solution:
2 -8 2
Part a: cv=0.0021m /day=2.43*10 m /s; d=10/2=5m; Time, t=10 years=315,360,000 s, Tv=cvt/d2=0.3066.
PWP Effective stress Current State
Total
Depth Excess PWP; Eq.24
z/Hdr stress 0% 100% 0% 100% Effective Consolid
(m) m=0 m=1 m= Σ PWP
(kPa) con. con. con. con. stress .
2
10.00 2.00 125.00 84.00 30.00 41.00 95.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 30.00 95.00 100.0%
9.00 1.80 141.00 94.00 40.00 47.00 101.00 9.97 0.02 0.00 9.99 49.99 91.01 81.5%
8.00 1.60 157.00 104.00 50.00 53.00 107.00 18.97 0.02 0.00 18.99 68.99 88.01 64.8%
7.00 1.40 173.00 114.00 60.00 59.00 113.00 26.10 0.01 0.00 26.11 86.11 86.89 51.6%
6.00 1.20 189.00 124.00 70.00 65.00 119.00 30.69 -0.01 0.00 30.67 100.67 88.33 43.2%
5.00 1.00 205.00 134.00 80.00 71.00 125.00 32.27 -0.03 0.00 32.24 112.24 92.76 40.3%
4.00 0.80 221.00 144.00 90.00 77.00 131.00 30.69 -0.01 0.00 30.67 120.67 100.33 43.2%
3.00 0.60 237.00 154.00 100.00 83.00 137.00 26.10 0.01 0.00 26.11 126.11 110.89 51.6%
2.00 0.40 253.00 164.00 110.00 89.00 143.00 18.97 0.02 0.00 18.99 128.99 124.01 64.8%
1.00 0.20 269.00 174.00 120.00 95.00 149.00 9.97 0.02 0.00 9.99 129.99 139.01 81.5%
0.00 0.00 285.00 184.00 130.00 101.00 155.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 130.00 155.00 100.0%

10.00
Initial (0% Consolidation)
9.00 Final (100% Consolidation)
Current State
8.00
7.00
6.00
Height (m)

5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 200.00
PWP (kPa)

Part b and c: cv=0.0021m2/day; d=10/2=5m; Tv=cvt/d2; Construction Period, tc=6 months=180 days. Initial
′
effective stress at center, 𝜎𝑧0 =17*1+18*3+16*5-10*8=71 kPa.

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 13

 Rate of Consolidation

Ultimate settlement if the fill is considered at a time,

′
𝐶 𝜎𝑧𝑓 0.4 71.0+3∗18
𝑆𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 1+𝑒𝑐 𝐻𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝜎′ ) = 1+1.1 ∗ 10 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( ) ∗ 1000 = 468𝑚𝑚
0 𝑧0 71.0

Without Correction With Correction

Days, t Year
Tv= U% S(t)= Hfill(t) tadj Tv= S(t)=
=t/365 U% Sult*
cvt/d2 Eq 31/32 Sult*U/100 (m) (days) cvtadj/d2 Sult*U/100
0 0 0.0000 0.0 0.0 0.00 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0 0.0
2 0.005 0.0002 1.5 6.8 0.02 1.0 0.0001 1.0 4.2 0.0
5 0.014 0.0004 2.3 10.8 0.05 2.5 0.0002 1.6 10.4 0.2
10 0.027 0.0008 3.3 15.3 0.10 5.0 0.0004 2.3 20.7 0.5
20 0.055 0.0017 4.6 21.6 0.20 10.0 0.0008 3.3 40.9 1.3
50 0.137 0.0042 7.3 34.2 0.50 25.0 0.0021 5.2 98.7 5.1
100 0.274 0.0084 10.3 48.4 1.00 50.0 0.0042 7.3 186.9 13.7
300 0.822 0.0252 17.9 83.8 3.00 150.0 0.0126 12.7 467.9 59.3
500 1.370 0.0420 23.1 108.2 3.00 350.0 0.0294 19.3 467.9 90.5
1000 2.740 0.0840 32.7 153.0 3.00 850.0 0.0714 30.2 467.9 141.1
1400 3.836 0.1176 38.7 181.1 3.00 1250.0 0.1050 36.6 467.9 171.1
2000 5.479 0.1680 46.2 216.4 3.00 1850.0 0.1554 44.5 467.9 208.1
3200 8.767 0.2688 58.2 272.5 3.00 3050.0 0.2562 56.9 467.9 266.3
5000 13.699 0.4200 71.2 333.4 3.00 4850.0 0.4074 70.3 467.9 329.1
7100 19.452 0.5964 81.4 380.8 3.00 6950.0 0.5838 80.8 467.9 378.1
10000 27.397 0.8400 89.8 420.2 3.00 9850.0 0.8274 89.5 467.9 418.7
14000 38.356 1.1760 95.5 447.1 3.00 13850.0 1.1634 95.4 467.9 446.4
20000 54.795 1.6800 98.7 461.9 3.00 19850.0 1.6674 98.7 467.9 461.7
32000 87.671 2.6880 99.9 467.4 3.00 31850.0 2.6754 99.9 467.9 467.4
𝐶𝑐 𝜎′ 0.4 71.0+𝐻𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙 (𝑡)∗18
* Ultimate settlement if fill is considered incremental, 𝑆𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 𝐻𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( 𝑧𝑓
′ ) = ∗ 10 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( ) ∗ 1000
1+𝑒0 𝜎𝑧0 1+1.1 71.0

Time (years)
0 1 1 2 2
0

Without correction for construction period

Time (years)
0 1 1 2 With correction
2
Consolidation settlement (mm)

0 50

Without correction for construction period

With correction
Consolidation settlement (mm)

50
100

100
150

150

200

200
Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Department of Civil Engineering, KUET 14