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 = 135 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.3e0​ = 1.25σ′0​ = 135 kPa4.5 mwater table

A 4.5 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.3, e₀ = 1.25) has an effective vertical stress of 135 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 135 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 4.5 mCc = 0.3e0 = 1.25σ′0 = 135 kPaΔσ = 135 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 45 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.6e0​ = 1σ′0​ = 90 kPa5.5 mwater table

A 5.5 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.6, e₀ = 1) has an effective vertical stress of 90 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 45 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 5.5 mCc = 0.6e0 = 1σ′0 = 90 kPaΔσ = 45 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 120 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.45, Cr​ = 0.06e0​ = 0.7σ′0​ = 115 kPaOCR = 1.57 mwater table

A 7 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.45, Cr = 0.06 and e₀ = 0.7. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 115 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 1.5. A new building adds 120 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 7 mCc = 0.45Cr = 0.06e0 = 0.7σ′0 = 115 kPaOCR = 1.5Δσ = 120 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 40 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.5, Cr​ = 0.06e0​ = 1.15σ′0​ = 85 kPaOCR = 1.54 mwater table

A 4 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.5, Cr = 0.06 and e₀ = 1.15. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 85 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 1.5. A new building adds 40 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 4 mCc = 0.5Cr = 0.06e0 = 1.15σ′0 = 85 kPaOCR = 1.5Δσ = 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 90% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.848. How many years t does the layer take to reach 90% consolidation?

H = 6 mcv = 4 m²/yearU = 90%Tv = 0.848double drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 6.5 mcv​ = 1 m²/year6.5 mimpervious rockwater table

A clay layer 6.5 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 = 6.5 mcv = 1 m²/yearU = 60%Tv = 0.287single drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 180.6 mm
  2. 2. S = 290.6 mm
  3. 3. S = 292.3 mm
  4. 4. S = 18.7 mm
  5. 5. t = 1.908 years
  6. 6. t = 12.13 years

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