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 = 125 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.35e0​ = 1.35σ′0​ = 70 kPa8 mwater table

An 8 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.35, e₀ = 1.35) has an effective vertical stress of 70 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 125 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 8 mCc = 0.35e0 = 1.35σ′0 = 70 kPaΔσ = 125 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 120 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2e0​ = 0.7σ′0​ = 140 kPa3 mwater table

A 3 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.2, e₀ = 0.7) has an effective vertical stress of 140 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 120 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 3 mCc = 0.2e0 = 0.7σ′0 = 140 kPaΔσ = 120 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 160 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2, Cr​ = 0.06e0​ = 0.6σ′0​ = 105 kPaσ′p​ = 185 kPa2 mwater table

A 2 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.2, Cr = 0.06 and e₀ = 0.6. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 105 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 185 kPa. A new building adds 160 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 2 mCc = 0.2Cr = 0.06e0 = 0.6σ′0 = 105 kPaσ′p = 185 kPaΔσ = 160 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 40 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.4, Cr​ = 0.05e0​ = 1.05σ′0​ = 100 kPaσ′p​ = 160 kPa5.5 mwater table

A 5.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.4, Cr = 0.05 and e₀ = 1.05. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 100 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 160 kPa. A new building adds 40 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 5.5 mCc = 0.4Cr = 0.05e0 = 1.05σ′0 = 100 kPaσ′p = 160 kPaΔσ = 40 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 6 mcv​ = 4 m²/year6 msandwater table

A clay layer 6 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 4 m²/year. It lies between two sand layers, so water drains out at the top and the bottom. For 80% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.567. How many years t does the layer take to reach 80% consolidation?

H = 6 mcv = 4 m²/yearU = 80%Tv = 0.567double drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 5 mcv​ = 5 m²/year5 msandwater table

A clay layer 5 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 5 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 = 5 mcv = 5 m²/yearU = 60%Tv = 0.287double drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 530.1 mm
  2. 2. S = 94.89 mm
  3. 3. S = 57.47 mm
  4. 4. S = 19.6 mm
  5. 5. t = 1.276 years
  6. 6. t = 0.3587 years

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