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 = 105 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.35e0​ = 0.6σ′0​ = 145 kPa10 mwater table

A 10 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.35, e₀ = 0.6) has an effective vertical stress of 145 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 105 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 10 mCc = 0.35e0 = 0.6σ′0 = 145 kPaΔσ = 105 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 50 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2e0​ = 0.75σ′0​ = 110 kPa10 mwater table

A 10 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.2, e₀ = 0.75) has an effective vertical stress of 110 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 50 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 10 mCc = 0.2e0 = 0.75σ′0 = 110 kPaΔσ = 50 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 50 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.3, Cr​ = 0.02e0​ = 0.8σ′0​ = 90 kPaOCR = 22 mwater table

A 2 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.3, Cr = 0.02 and e₀ = 0.8. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 90 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 2. A new building adds 50 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 2 mCc = 0.3Cr = 0.02e0 = 0.8σ′0 = 90 kPaOCR = 2Δσ = 50 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 15 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.4, Cr​ = 0.04e0​ = 1.1σ′0​ = 65 kPaσ′p​ = 105 kPa4.5 mwater table

A 4.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.4, Cr = 0.04 and e₀ = 1.1. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 65 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 105 kPa. A new building adds 15 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 4.5 mCc = 0.4Cr = 0.04e0 = 1.1σ′0 = 65 kPaσ′p = 105 kPaΔσ = 15 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 8.5 mcv​ = 1 m²/year8.5 mimpervious rockwater table

A clay layer 8.5 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 1 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 = 8.5 mcv = 1 m²/yearU = 80%Tv = 0.567single drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 9 mcv​ = 1.5 m²/year9 mimpervious rockwater table

A clay layer 9 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 1.5 m²/year. It lies on impervious rock, with sand above it, so water drains out only at the top. For 70% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.403. How many years t does the layer take to reach 70% consolidation?

H = 9 mcv = 1.5 m²/yearU = 70%Tv = 0.403single drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 517.5 mm
  2. 2. S = 186 mm
  3. 3. S = 4.264 mm
  4. 4. S = 7.729 mm
  5. 5. t = 40.97 years
  6. 6. t = 21.76 years

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