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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy
Δσ = 95 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.5e0​ = 1.1σ′0​ = 80 kPa6.5 mwater table

A 6.5 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.5, e₀ = 1.1) has an effective vertical stress of 80 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 95 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 = 0.5e0 = 1.1σ′0 = 80 kPaΔσ = 95 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 20 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.3e0​ = 0.8σ′0​ = 45 kPa9.5 mwater table

A 9.5 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.3, e₀ = 0.8) has an effective vertical stress of 45 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 20 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 9.5 mCc = 0.3e0 = 0.8σ′0 = 45 kPaΔσ = 20 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 40 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.5, Cr​ = 0.05e0​ = 1.05σ′0​ = 80 kPaOCR = 28 mwater table

An 8 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.5, Cr = 0.05 and e₀ = 1.05. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 80 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 2. A new building adds 40 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 8 mCc = 0.5Cr = 0.05e0 = 1.05σ′0 = 80 kPaOCR = 2Δσ = 40 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 20 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.45, Cr​ = 0.05e0​ = 0.95σ′0​ = 105 kPaOCR = 2.52 mwater table

A 2 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.45, Cr = 0.05 and e₀ = 0.95. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 105 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 2.5. A new building adds 20 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 2 mCc = 0.45Cr = 0.05e0 = 0.95σ′0 = 105 kPaOCR = 2.5Δσ = 20 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 3.5 mcv​ = 2.5 m²/year3.5 mimpervious rockwater table

A clay layer 3.5 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 2.5 m²/year. It lies on impervious rock, with sand above it, so water drains out only at the top. For 50% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.197. How many years t does the layer take to reach 50% consolidation?

H = 3.5 mcv = 2.5 m²/yearU = 50%Tv = 0.197single drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 2.5 m2.5 msandwater table

In a laboratory oedometer test, a clay specimen 25 mm thick, drained at the top and bottom, reaches 50% consolidation in 10 min. In the field the same clay forms a layer 2.5 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 = 25 mmtlab = 10 minH = 2.5 mfield: double drainage
t = days

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 526.1 mm
  2. 2. S = 252.9 mm
  3. 3. S = 34.36 mm
  4. 4. S = 3.883 mm
  5. 5. t = 0.9653 years
  6. 6. t = 69.44 days

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.