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​ = 0.9σ′0​ = 75 kPa4 mwater table

A 4 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.35, e₀ = 0.9) has an effective vertical stress of 75 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 = 4 mCc = 0.35e0 = 0.9σ′0 = 75 kPaΔσ = 105 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 75 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.45e0​ = 1.1σ′0​ = 125 kPa6.5 mwater table

A 6.5 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.45, e₀ = 1.1) has an effective vertical stress of 125 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 75 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 = 0.45e0 = 1.1σ′0 = 125 kPaΔσ = 75 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 55 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.45, Cr​ = 0.03e0​ = 0.9σ′0​ = 55 kPaσ′p​ = 165 kPa4 mwater table

A 4 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.45, Cr = 0.03 and e₀ = 0.9. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 55 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 165 kPa. A new building adds 55 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 4 mCc = 0.45Cr = 0.03e0 = 0.9σ′0 = 55 kPaσ′p = 165 kPaΔσ = 55 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 120 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.3, Cr​ = 0.04e0​ = 1.15σ′0​ = 75 kPaOCR = 36.5 mwater table

A 6.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.3, Cr = 0.04 and e₀ = 1.15. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 75 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 3. A new building adds 120 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 6.5 mCc = 0.3Cr = 0.04e0 = 1.15σ′0 = 75 kPaOCR = 3Δσ = 120 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 4.5 m4.5 mimpervious rockwater table

In a laboratory oedometer test, a clay specimen 19 mm thick, drained at the top and bottom, reaches 50% consolidation in 8 min. In the field the same clay forms a layer 4.5 m thick. It lies on impervious rock, with sand above it, so water drains out only at the top. How many days t does the field layer take to reach 50% consolidation?

hlab = 19 mmtlab = 8 minH = 4.5 mfield: single drainage
t = days
6.Hard
sandclayH = 7 mcv​ = 2 m²/year7 msandwater table

A clay layer 7 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 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 = 7 mcv = 2 m²/yearU = 60%Tv = 0.287double drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 280.2 mm
  2. 2. S = 284.3 mm
  3. 3. S = 19.01 mm
  4. 4. S = 50.18 mm
  5. 5. t = 1247 days
  6. 6. t = 1.758 years

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