Consolidation settlement worksheet with answers

Free printable Consolidation settlement worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy
Δσ = 140 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2e0​ = 0.85σ′0​ = 100 kPa8.5 mwater table

An 8.5 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.2, e₀ = 0.85) has an effective vertical stress of 100 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 140 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 8.5 mCc = 0.2e0 = 0.85σ′0 = 100 kPaΔσ = 140 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 80 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.3e0​ = 0.75σ′0​ = 65 kPa4 mwater table

A 4 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.3, e₀ = 0.75) has an effective vertical stress of 65 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 80 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 4 mCc = 0.3e0 = 0.75σ′0 = 65 kPaΔσ = 80 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 90 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.25, Cr​ = 0.06e0​ = 0.8σ′0​ = 50 kPaOCR = 2.58 mwater table

An 8 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.25, Cr = 0.06 and e₀ = 0.8. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 50 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 2.5. A new building adds 90 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 8 mCc = 0.25Cr = 0.06e0 = 0.8σ′0 = 50 kPaOCR = 2.5Δσ = 90 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 230 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.3, Cr​ = 0.05e0​ = 0.7σ′0​ = 50 kPaσ′p​ = 140 kPa4.5 mwater table

A 4.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.3, Cr = 0.05 and e₀ = 0.7. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 50 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 140 kPa. A new building adds 230 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 4.5 mCc = 0.3Cr = 0.05e0 = 0.7σ′0 = 50 kPaσ′p = 140 kPaΔσ = 230 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 3 mcv​ = 3 m²/year3 msandwater table

A clay layer 3 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 3 m²/year. It lies between two sand layers, so water drains out at the top and the bottom. For 90% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.848. How many years t does the layer take to reach 90% consolidation?

H = 3 mcv = 3 m²/yearU = 90%Tv = 0.848double drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 10 mcv​ = 5 m²/year10 mimpervious rockwater table

A clay layer 10 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 5 m²/year. It lies on impervious rock, with sand above it, so water drains out only at the top. For 80% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.567. How many years t does the layer take to reach 80% consolidation?

H = 10 mcv = 5 m²/yearU = 80%Tv = 0.567single drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 349.4 mm
  2. 2. S = 238.9 mm
  3. 3. S = 160.8 mm
  4. 4. S = 298.2 mm
  5. 5. t = 0.636 years
  6. 6. t = 11.34 years

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