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 = 70 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2e0​ = 0.8σ′0​ = 65 kPa7 mwater table

A 7 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.2, e₀ = 0.8) has an effective vertical stress of 65 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 70 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 7 mCc = 0.2e0 = 0.8σ′0 = 65 kPaΔσ = 70 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 40 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.45e0​ = 1.05σ′0​ = 115 kPa4 mwater table

A 4 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.45, e₀ = 1.05) has an effective vertical stress of 115 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 40 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 = 0.45e0 = 1.05σ′0 = 115 kPaΔσ = 40 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 75 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.35, Cr​ = 0.06e0​ = 0.85σ′0​ = 70 kPaσ′p​ = 190 kPa6.5 mwater table

A 6.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.35, Cr = 0.06 and e₀ = 0.85. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 70 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 190 kPa. A new building adds 75 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 6.5 mCc = 0.35Cr = 0.06e0 = 0.85σ′0 = 70 kPaσ′p = 190 kPaΔσ = 75 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 200 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.35, Cr​ = 0.05e0​ = 0.95σ′0​ = 75 kPaOCR = 26.5 mwater table

A 6.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.35, Cr = 0.05 and e₀ = 0.95. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 75 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 2. A new building adds 200 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 6.5 mCc = 0.35Cr = 0.05e0 = 0.95σ′0 = 75 kPaOCR = 2Δσ = 200 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 3.5 mcv​ = 1 m²/year3.5 mimpervious rockwater table

A clay layer 3.5 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 60% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.287. How many years t does the layer take to reach 60% consolidation?

H = 3.5 mcv = 1 m²/yearU = 60%Tv = 0.287single drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 7.5 mcv​ = 5 m²/year7.5 mimpervious rockwater table

A clay layer 7.5 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 5 m²/year. It lies on impervious rock, with sand above it, so water drains out only at the top. For 60% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.287. How many years t does the layer take to reach 60% consolidation?

H = 7.5 mcv = 5 m²/yearU = 60%Tv = 0.287single drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 246.9 mm
  2. 2. S = 113.8 mm
  3. 3. S = 66.67 mm
  4. 4. S = 357.3 mm
  5. 5. t = 3.516 years
  6. 6. t = 3.229 years

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