CONSOLIDATION TEST

Objective

The objective of the oedometer consolidation test is to determine consolidation

characteristics of soils with low permeability. The test determines an important
consolidation parameter of clays that is the coefficient of consolidation, cv.

Theory

This test is designed to determine the rate and magnitude of volume decrease
that a soil sample undergoes when subjected to different vertical loads. The data
helps to determine the compression and recompression index, coefficient of
consolidation and coefficient of secondary consolidation, as well as the pre-
consolidation pressure. The main purpose of consolidation tests is to obtain soil
data which is used in predicting the rate and amount of settlement of structures
founded on clay.

Cv (the coefficient of consolidation)

The two common (graphical methods) for calculation are as follows:

1) Logarithm -of- time method:

I. For a given incremental loading of the laboratory test , the specimen

deformation (Y-axis)against log-time (x-axis) , the following constructions
are need to determine Cv:
II. Extend the straight-line portions of primary and secondary consolidations
to intersect of A is represented by d100 – that is , the deformation at the of
100% primary consolidation .
III. The initial curved portion of the plot of deformation versus log t is
approximated to be a parabola on the natural scale. Select times t1 and t2
on the curved portion such thst t2 = 4t1.let the difference of specimen
deformation during time (t2 – t1) be equal to x.
IV. Draw a horizontal line DE such that the vertical distance BD is equal to x.
the deformation corresponding to line De is do (that is, deformation at 0%
consolidation).
 V. The ordinate of point F on the consolidation curve represent the
deformation at 50% primary consolidation, and its abscissa represents the
corresponding time (t50) 5) For 50% average degree consolidation.

𝑇𝑉 𝐻2 𝑑𝑟
𝐶𝑣 =
𝑇50

2) Square-Root-of-Time Method:

In this method, a plot of deformation against the square root of time is made for
the incremental loading. Other graphic constructions required are as follows:

I. Draw a line AB through the early of the curve.

II. Draw a line Ac such that OC =1.15 OB The abscissa of point D, which is the
intersection of AC and the consolidation curve. Gives the square root of
time for 90% consolidation (t 0.5 ). 3) For 90% consolidation.

Cv = (Tv90 x Hdr2) / t90