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 = 65 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.6e0​ = 1.15σ′0​ = 125 kPa8 mwater table

An 8 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.6, e₀ = 1.15) has an effective vertical stress of 125 kPa at its mid-depth. A wide fill raises the vertical stress in the clay by 65 kPa. Treat the layer as one sublayer with the stresses at its mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 8 mCc = 0.6e0 = 1.15σ′0 = 125 kPaΔσ = 65 kPa
S = mm
2.Easy
Δσ = 105 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.6e0​ = 0.6σ′0​ = 140 kPa6.5 mwater table

A 6.5 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay (Cc = 0.6, e₀ = 0.6) has an effective vertical stress of 140 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 = 6.5 mCc = 0.6e0 = 0.6σ′0 = 140 kPaΔσ = 105 kPa
S = mm
3.Medium
Δσ = 60 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.35, Cr​ = 0.02e0​ = 0.65σ′0​ = 85 kPaOCR = 34 mwater table

A 4 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.35, Cr = 0.02 and e₀ = 0.65. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 85 kPa and the overconsolidation ratio is OCR = 3. A new building adds 60 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 4 mCc = 0.35Cr = 0.02e0 = 0.65σ′0 = 85 kPaOCR = 3Δσ = 60 kPa
S = mm
4.Medium
Δσ = 70 kPasandclayCc​ = 0.2, Cr​ = 0.04e0​ = 0.9σ′0​ = 60 kPaσ′p​ = 140 kPa5.5 mwater table

A 5.5 m thick overconsolidated clay layer has Cc = 0.2, Cr = 0.04 and e₀ = 0.9. At its mid-depth the effective vertical stress is 60 kPa and the preconsolidation pressure is 140 kPa. A new building adds 70 kPa of vertical stress at mid-depth. Find the primary consolidation settlement S in mm.

H = 5.5 mCc = 0.2Cr = 0.04e0 = 0.9σ′0 = 60 kPaσ′p = 140 kPaΔσ = 70 kPa
S = mm
5.Hard
sandclayH = 3.5 mcv​ = 1 m²/year3.5 msandwater table

A clay layer 3.5 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 = 3.5 mcv = 1 m²/yearU = 90%Tv = 0.848double drainage
t = years
6.Hard
sandclayH = 3.5 mcv​ = 5 m²/year3.5 msandwater table

A clay layer 3.5 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 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 = 5 m²/yearU = 60%Tv = 0.287double drainage
t = years

Answer key

  1. 1. S = 406 mm
  2. 2. S = 592.4 mm
  3. 3. S = 11.25 mm
  4. 4. S = 38.88 mm
  5. 5. t = 2.597 years
  6. 6. t = 0.1758 years

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