FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

MODULE NAME: GEOTECHNICS II
MODULE CODE: CIVE 325
LABORATORY REPORT ON

CONSOLIDATION TEST
DATE OF EXPERIMENT: July 06, 2018

NAME: INNOCENT JOHN SOUL

STUDENT ID NO: 15000588
Contents
Abstract .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Theory And Background .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Apparatus And Materials Used ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Procedure ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Results And Analysis ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Sample Calculations .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Settlement .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Coefficeint Of Consolidation ................................................................................................................................ 9
Coefficient Of Volume Compressibility ............................................................................................................. 10
Discussion .................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Recommendations ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
References .................................................................................................................................................................... 11

1
Abstract
The experiment carried out was based on consolidation of soil. The soil sample was subjected to a certain amount
of force; the force is applied through mechanical force transmitted to the soil sample is to find the rate at which it
will settle. The coefficient of consolidation is 315.74 𝑚𝑚2 /𝑚𝑖𝑛 according to Taylor’s method and 3.043 ×
10−3 𝑚𝑚2 /𝑁 is coefficient of volume compressibility.

2
Introduction
The consolidation test is the basic experiment to measure the settlement characteristics of a clay layer. The rate
of consolidation is governed by a coupling between the hydraulic conductivity and the compressibility of the soil.
For this laboratory there will be the measure the effect of the drainage height and the interaction between pore
pressure and surface deformation. During this laboratory, there will be conducting an incremental consolidation
test on a specimen trimmed from an undisturbed sample of soft clay. The oedometer has been modified to control
drainage from the base of the specimen. The standard test configuration is to have both top and bottom (double)
drainage. The modified test configuration has only top (single) drainage. This is achieved by closing the value
at the base of the specimen. A pressure transducer measures the water pressure in a sealed chamber at the bottom
of the specimen. This location is equivalent to the center plane of the specimen with double drainage. It takes
from several days to a few weeks to perform a complete consolidation test. The test duration depends on the
number of consolidation increments and the soil type (actually the coefficient of consolidation). A typical
commercial laboratory will invest as much as 20 hours of manpower to perform the test. This being the case, it
was not possible for us to perform the complete experiment for class.

Each group performed one increments on the same specimen but at different stress levels. The setup of the
specimen, was performed the rest of the increments, and give you the entire data set for analysis

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Theory and Background
When a saturated clay sample is applied with additional load, this load will be retained by pore water. The pore
water will receive an additional pressure known as pore water pressure. After some times, the pore water will
gradually flow from pore to the solid soil particles, where the rate of flowing is depending on the compressibility
of the clay sample. This process will cause the reduction of clay volume simultaneously with the reduction of
volume of the flowed pore water which subsequently cause the settlement of the clay sample. This whole process
is known as consolidation.

Figure 1.1: Experimental Set Up

Rate of consolidation depends on soil’s permeability. It can be very slow in fine-grained soils thus it takes many
years to achieve final settlement. Rate of consolidation is determined via odometer test which estimates the
amount and time of consolidation as well as the resulting settlements.

This can be achieved by increasing the static loads on a cylindrical sample of soil in a consolidation metal ring
where the changes in thickness against time will be recorded. From the changes in thickness at the end of each
load stage, the compressibility of the soil can be observed and the parameters i.e. compression index (Cc) and
coefficient of volume compressibility (Mv) can be measured.

Figure 1.2: Basic Concept of Consolidation

4
Consolidation of a saturated soil occurs due to expulsion of water under static, sustained load. The consolidation
characteristics of soils are required to predict the magnitude and the rate of settlement. The following
characteristics are obtained from the consolidation test. Fine-grained soil is tested in compression using constant
rate of strain (CRS) testing to determine volume change behavior under load. When a saturated soil mass is
subjected to an increase in load, it is carried initially by increased pore water pressure. The resulting "excess
hydrostatic pressure” causes water to drain from the soil pores, shifting the load to the soil structure.

Three important soil properties found using a consolidation test are:

The coefficient of consolidation, Cv: obtained from deformation-time curve data and an equation. It indicates
the rate of compression under a load increment.

The pre-consolidation stress, Ϭp: obtained graphically from a log stress-void ratio curve. It indicates the
maximum past effective stress the soil has been subjected to.

The compression index, Cc: also obtained graphically from the log stress-void ratio curve. It indicates the
compressibility of the specimen. When a saturated soil mass is subjected to a load increment, the load is usually
carried initially by water in the pores because the water is incompressible in comparison

COEFFICIENT OF CONSOLIDATION

𝒅𝟐
𝑪𝒗 = 𝑻𝒗 [1]
𝒕

COEFFICIENT OF VOLUME COMPRESSIBILITY

∆𝒉
𝒎𝒗 = [2]
∆𝝈 − 𝑯

COMPRESSION INDEX

−∆𝒆
𝑪𝒄 = (𝝈𝟎 + 𝝈) [3]
𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝝈𝟎

5
Objectives
 To determine coefficients used in calculations of the magnitudes and rate of settlement of soils used as
foundations of structures.
 To determine the characteristics of the soil sample.

Apparatus and Materials Used

1. Consolidometer with a loading device
2. Consolidation cell
3. 2 Porous Stones
4. Timer
5. Specimen metal consolidation ring
6. Water reservoir to saturate the sample
7. Porous stones
8. Soil trimming tools like fine wire saw, knife, spatula,
9. Micrometer Dial gauge, accuracy 0.001mm

Procedure
PREPARING THE SOIL SAMPLE
The metal ring was cleaned and dried and also Measured its diameter and height. The mass of the empty ring was
recorded. The ring was pressed into the soil sample contained in a large container at the desired density and water
content. The ring was pressed with hands and the soil around the ring was removed. The soil specimen projected
about 10mm on the top side of the ring. All voids in the specimen due to the removal of large size particles were
filled back by pressing the soil lightly. The specimen flush was trimmed at the top and bottom of the ring, and any
soil particles sticking to the outside of the ring were removed. The ring with the specimen were weighed. A small
quantity of the soil removed during trimming was taken for the water content determination. The porous stones
were saturated by boiling them in distilled water for about 15min.
DURING THE EXPERIMENT
The Consolidometer was assembled and the bottom porous stone, bottom filter paper, specimen, top filter paper
and the top porous stone, were placed one by one. The loading block centrally positioned on the top porous stone.
Mount the assembly on the loading frame. It was centered such that the load applied is axial. In the case of the lever
loading system, counterbalance the system. The dial gauge was set in position and allowed sufficient margin for the
swelling of the soil. The mould assembly was then connected to the water reservoir having the water level at about
the same as the soil specimen and allowed the water to flow into the specimen till it is fully saturated. The initial
reading of the dial gauge was taken and an initial setting load was applied to give a pressure 5 N to the assembly so
that there is no swelling. The setting load was allowed to stand till there is no change in the dial gauge reading or for
24 hours. The final gauge reading under the initial setting load was taken. The first load was applied increment to
apply a pressure of 10 N, and start the stop watch. The dial gauge readings at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0,
12.0, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0, 20.0, 22.0, 24.0, 26.0, 28.0, 30.0 minutes were all recorded. The load was increased by 5 N
to apply a pressure of 15 N and start the stop watch. The dial gauge readings at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0,
12.0, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0, 20.0, 22.0, 24.0, 26.0, 28.0, 30.0 minutes

6
Results and analysis
Table 1.0 Showing the Rate of Consolidation for Load 15 N
Loads 15 N Settlement
(mm)
Time Root Time Dial Gauge
(min) Readings (mm)

In Out Reading
0.0 0.0000 44.00 15.90 8.8159 0.0000
0.5 0.7071 43.20 11.80 8.6518 0.1641
1.0 1.0000 42.90 9.60 8.5896 0.2263
2.0 1.4142 42.50 7.40 8.5074 0.3085
4.0 2.0000 42.20 6.10 8.4461 0.3698
6.0 2.4495 42.10 2.90 8.4229 0.3930
8.0 2.8284 42.10 0.80 8.4208 0.3951
10.0 3.1623 42.00 19.50 8.4195 0.3964
12.0 3.4641 42.00 18.70 8.4187 0.3972
14.0 3.7417 42.00 17.90 8.4179 0.3980
16.0 4.0000 42.00 17.20 8.4172 0.3987
18.0 4.2426 42.00 16.70 8.4167 0.3992
20.0 4.4721 42.00 16.10 8.4161 0.3998
22.0 4.6904 42.00 15.60 8.4156 0.4003
24.0 4.8990 42.00 15.20 8.4152 0.4007
26.0 5.0990 42.00 14.80 8.4148 0.4011
28.0 5.2915 42.00 14.40 8.4144 0.4015
30.0 5.4772 42.00 13.40 8.4134 0.4025

Sample thickness is 9.62 mm at the start when the load is 5 N and 9.22mm when load is 10 N at the beginning of
load increment is 15 N/mm2 sample has already settled about 0.7991 mm. and the sample thickness is 8.8159 mm.

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 ROOT TIME PLOT (Taylor's Method)
ROOT TIME (min)
0.0000 1.0000 2.0000 3.0000 4.0000 5.0000 6.0000
0.0000

0.0500

0.1000

0.1500
SETTLEMENT (mm)

0.2000

0.2500

0.3000

0.3500

0.4000
y = 0.1049ln(x) + 0.2517
R² = 0.8392
0.4500

Figure 2.0

Log (Time) Plot- Casegrande's Method

Log Time (mim)
0.1 1.0 10.0 100.0
0.0000

0.0500

0.1000
SETTLEMENT (mm)
0.1500

0.2000

0.2500

0.3000

0.3500

0.4000

0.4500

Figure 2.1
8
SAMPLE CALCULATIONS
Each numbered interval is of 5 divisions and therefore represents multiples of 0.001 mm, therefore,
1 represents 0.01 mm
2 represent 0.02 mm
5 represent 0.05 mm
10 represent 0.1 mm
20 represent 0.2 mm (1 revolution)
One revolution is indicated by 1 division of the revolution counter.
Main pointer (outer dial gauge):
15.90 divisions * 0.001 mm = 0.0159 mm
Revolution counter (inner dial gauge):
44.0 divisions * 0.2 mm = 8.8 mm
Reading 8.8159 mm
SETTLEMENT
8.8159 – 8.6518 = 0.1641mm
8.8159 – 8.4134 = 0.4025mm
COEFFICEINT OF CONSOLIDATION
By the Square Root (Taylor) Method

By log Time – Casegandre’s Method

δ100 = 0.39 𝑚𝑚

𝛿0 =0.01 𝑚𝑚
𝛿100 + 𝛿0
𝛿50 =
2
0.39 + 0.01
𝛿50 = = 0.20 𝑚𝑚
2

𝒅𝟐
𝑪𝒗 = 𝑻𝒗
𝒕

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 (𝟖. 𝟖𝟏𝟓𝟗/𝟐) 𝟐
𝑪𝒗 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓 × ( ) = 𝟑𝟏𝟓. 𝟕𝟒 𝒎𝒎𝟐 /𝒎𝒊𝒏
𝟎. 𝟐

COEFFICIENT OF VOLUME COMPRESSIBILITY

∆𝒉
𝒎𝒗 =
∆𝝈 × 𝑯
𝟎. 𝟒𝟎𝟐𝟓
=
𝟏𝟓 × 𝟖. 𝟖𝟏𝟓𝟗
= 𝟑. 𝟎𝟒𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝒎𝒎𝟐 /𝑵

Discussion
In this experiment the curves of dial reading VS. Time curve was obtained and it was obvious that with time the
dial reading decreases which means that the deformation was increasing and that is due to expelling the water
continuously with time. At curve, the first point was in a position that made the slope of the initial part of the curve
very large, and that indicates that it these two increments caused raped expelling of water at the as soon as they are
applied to the sample. Some of the graphs repeated because of not choosing the correct scale that clearly defines
the primary consolidation from the secondary compression. The coefficient of consolidation was determined
using Taylor’s method and Casegrandes method.

Conclusion
The coefficient of consolidation is 315.74 𝑚𝑚2 /𝑚𝑖𝑛 according to Taylor’s method and 3.043 × 10−3 𝑚𝑚2 /𝑁
is coefficient of volume compressibility. And the consolidation index is 0.1049.

Recommendations
While preparing the specimen, attempts has to be made to have the soil strata orientated in the same direction in
the consolidation apparatus and during trimming care should be taken in handling the soil specimen with least
pressure. Smaller increments of sequential loading have to be adopted for soft soils.

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References
 RETRIEVED FROM THE CONSTRUCTOR
https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/consolidation-test-of-soil/3054/

 RETRIEVED FROM THE SCRIBD.COM

https://www.scribd.com/doc/315992439/Consolidation-Test-Of-Soil-Complete-Report

 RETRIEVED FROM MIT EDUCATION

 https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/civil-and-environmental-engineering/1-103-civil-engineering-materials-
laboratory-spring-2004/labs/lab_9.pdf

 RETRIEVED FROM VALIDYNE ENGINEERING

http://www.validyne.com/blog/soil-consolidation-testing/

 RETRIEVED FROM WILEY ONLINE LIBRARY

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/0471238961.1909260516180915.a01/abstract

 RETRIEVED FROM VJ TECH

http://www.vjtech.co.uk/blog/consolidation-testing-an-introduction

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