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 = 110 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.6e0​ = 1.2σ′0​ = 110 kPa3.5 mwater table

A 3.5 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.6, e₀ = 1.2) has an effective vertical stress of 110 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 110 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 3.5 mCc = 0.6e0 = 1.2σ′0 = 110 kPaΔσ = 110 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 105 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.45e0​ = 1.05σ′0​ = 145 kPa2 mwater table

A 2 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.45, e₀ = 1.05) has an effective vertical stress of 145 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 = 2 mCc = 0.45e0 = 1.05σ′0 = 145 kPaΔσ = 105 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 40 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.45, Cr​ = 0.04e0​ = 1.15σ′0​ = 85 kPaσ′p​ = 145 kPa3.5 mwater table

A 3.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.45, Cr = 0.04 and e₀ = 1.15. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 85 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 145 kPa. A new building adds 40 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 3.5 mCc = 0.45Cr = 0.04e0 = 1.15σ′0 = 85 kPaσ′p = 145 kPaΔσ = 40 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 150 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.5, Cr​ = 0.02e0​ = 0.6σ′0​ = 115 kPaσ′p​ = 195 kPa4 mwater table

A 4 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.5, Cr = 0.02 and e₀ = 0.6. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 115 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 195 kPa. A new building adds 150 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 4 mCc = 0.5Cr = 0.02e0 = 0.6σ′0 = 115 kPaσ′p = 195 kPaΔσ = 150 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 8.5 mcv​ = 1.2 m²/year8.5 msandwater table

A clay layer 8.5 m thick has a coefficient of consolidation cv = 1.2 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 = 8.5 mcv = 1.2 m²/yearU = 60%Tv = 0.287double drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 10 mcv​ = 1 m²/year10 msandwater table

A clay layer 10 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 60% average consolidation the time factor is Tv = 0.287. How many years t does the layer take to reach 60% consolidation?

H = 10 mcv = 1 m²/yearU = 60%Tv = 0.287double drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 287.3 mm
  2. 2. S = 103.9 mm
  3. 3. S = 10.91 mm
  4. 4. S = 178 mm
  5. 5. t = 4.32 years
  6. 6. t = 7.175 years

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