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 = 70 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2e0​ = 0.7σ′0​ = 105 kPa7 mwater table

A 7 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.2, e₀ = 0.7) has an effective vertical stress of 105 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 70 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 7 mCc = 0.2e0 = 0.7σ′0 = 105 kPaΔσ = 70 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 55 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.45e0​ = 0.6σ′0​ = 125 kPa7 mwater table

A 7 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.45, e₀ = 0.6) has an effective vertical stress of 125 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 55 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 7 mCc = 0.45e0 = 0.6σ′0 = 125 kPaΔσ = 55 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 95 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.25, Cr​ = 0.04e0​ = 0.6σ′0​ = 70 kPaσ′p​ = 170 kPa3.5 mwater table

A 3.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.25, Cr = 0.04 and e₀ = 0.6. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 70 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 170 kPa. A new building adds 95 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 3.5 mCc = 0.25Cr = 0.04e0 = 0.6σ′0 = 70 kPaσ′p = 170 kPaΔσ = 95 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 130 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.45, Cr​ = 0.02e0​ = 0.65σ′0​ = 75 kPaσ′p​ = 195 kPa3.5 mwater table

A 3.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.45, Cr = 0.02 and e₀ = 0.65. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 75 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 195 kPa. A new building adds 130 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 3.5 mCc = 0.45Cr = 0.02e0 = 0.65σ′0 = 75 kPaσ′p = 195 kPaΔσ = 130 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 2.5 mcv​ = 2.5 m²/year2.5 msandwater table

A clay layer 2.5 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 2.5 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 = 2.5 mcv = 2.5 m²/yearU = 90%Tv = 0.848double drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 6 mcv​ = 1.2 m²/year6 msandwater table

A clay layer 6 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 1.2 m²/year. It lies between two sand layers, so water drains out at the top and the bottom. For 60% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.287. How many years t does the layer take to reach 60% consolidation?

H = 6 mcv = 1.2 m²/yearU = 60%Tv = 0.287double drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 182.7 mm
  2. 2. S = 311.8 mm
  3. 3. S = 32.58 mm
  4. 4. S = 38.34 mm
  5. 5. t = 0.53 years
  6. 6. t = 2.153 years

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