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 = 25 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.4e0​ = 0.65σ′0​ = 130 kPa2 mwater table

A 2 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.4, e₀ = 0.65) has an effective vertical stress of 130 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 25 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 2 mCc = 0.4e0 = 0.65σ′0 = 130 kPaΔσ = 25 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 95 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2e0​ = 1.1σ′0​ = 125 kPa10 mwater table

A 10 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.2, 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 95 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 = 1.1σ′0 = 125 kPaΔσ = 95 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 200 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.3, Cr​ = 0.02e0​ = 1.05σ′0​ = 100 kPaσ′p​ = 180 kPa8 mwater table

An 8 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.3, Cr = 0.02 and e₀ = 1.05. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 100 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 180 kPa. A new building adds 200 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 8 mCc = 0.3Cr = 0.02e0 = 1.05σ′0 = 100 kPaσ′p = 180 kPaΔσ = 200 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 90 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2, Cr​ = 0.06e0​ = 0.6σ′0​ = 70 kPaσ′p​ = 120 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 70 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 120 kPa. A new building adds 90 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 = 70 kPaσ′p = 120 kPaΔσ = 90 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 4.5 mcv​ = 5 m²/year4.5 msandwater table

A clay layer 4.5 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 90% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.848. How many years t does the layer take to reach 90% consolidation?

H = 4.5 mcv = 5 m²/yearU = 90%Tv = 0.848double drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 9 mcv​ = 1 m²/year9 msandwater table

A clay layer 9 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 1 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 = 9 mcv = 1 m²/yearU = 90%Tv = 0.848double drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 37.04 mm
  2. 2. S = 233.8 mm
  3. 3. S = 279.6 mm
  4. 4. S = 48.79 mm
  5. 5. t = 0.8586 years
  6. 6. t = 17.17 years

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