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 = 40 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.6e0​ = 0.75σ′0​ = 135 kPa6.5 mwater table

A 6.5 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.6, e₀ = 0.75) has an effective vertical stress of 135 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 40 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 6.5 mCc = 0.6e0 = 0.75σ′0 = 135 kPaΔσ = 40 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 25 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.35e0​ = 1.4σ′0​ = 90 kPa6 mwater table

A 6 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.35, e₀ = 1.4) has an effective vertical stress of 90 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 25 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 6 mCc = 0.35e0 = 1.4σ′0 = 90 kPaΔσ = 25 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 90 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2, Cr​ = 0.03e0​ = 0.8σ′0​ = 60 kPaσ′p​ = 140 kPa8 mwater table

An 8 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.2, Cr = 0.03 and e₀ = 0.8. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 60 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 140 kPa. A new building adds 90 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 8 mCc = 0.2Cr = 0.03e0 = 0.8σ′0 = 60 kPaσ′p = 140 kPaΔσ = 90 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 160 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.4, Cr​ = 0.05e0​ = 1.1σ′0​ = 40 kPaOCR = 1.57.5 mwater table

A 7.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.4, Cr = 0.05 and e₀ = 1.1. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 40 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 1.5. A new building adds 160 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 7.5 mCc = 0.4Cr = 0.05e0 = 1.1σ′0 = 40 kPaOCR = 1.5Δσ = 160 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 2 mcv​ = 2 m²/year2 mimpervious rockwater table

A clay layer 2 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 2 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 = 2 mcv = 2 m²/yearU = 80%Tv = 0.567single drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 9.5 m9.5 msandwater table

In a laboratory oedometer test, a clay specimen 19 mm thick, drained at the top and bottom, reaches 50% consolidation in 4 min. In the field the same clay forms a layer 9.5 m thick. It lies between two sand layers, so water drains out at the top and the bottom. How many days t does the field layer take to reach 50% consolidation?

hlab = 19 mmtlab = 4 minH = 9.5 mfield: double drainage
t = days

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 251.2 mm
  2. 2. S = 93.15 mm
  3. 3. S = 75.7 mm
  4. 4. S = 778.4 mm
  5. 5. t = 1.134 years
  6. 6. t = 694.4 days

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