FACULTY OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF GEOTECHNICAL AND
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

LAB GEOTECHNIC

FULL REPORT
Subject Code BFC 31901
Code & Experiment Title U4 DIRECT SHEAR AND UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST
Course Code 3 BFF
Date 19thNovember 2012
Section / Group SECTION 10 / GROUP 3
Name Yong Hui Yen AF100227
Members of Group Yeo Shi Wei AF100234
Cheong Chin Lin AF100233
Nur Hanisa bt Hussin AF100093
Nurul Afizah bt Mahmud AF100084
Nur khairunnisa Mohd Nazrudin AF100067

Lecturer/Instructor/Tutor EN MOHD FIRDAUS B. MD DAN@ AZLAN

Received Date 10ndDecember 2012

Comment by examiner Received

 Title: Consolidation Test

1.0 OBJECTIVE
 To determine the consolidation characteristics of the peat soils and clay of
low permeability.

2.0 LEARNING OUTCOME

At the end of this experiment, students are able to:
 Conducted one dimensional consolidation test
 Identified the factors causes soil consolidation
 Determined the consolidation parameters ( cv, mv, Cc and Pc )

3.0 THEORY
When a fully saturated soil is exerted to the compressive stress, its volume
tends to decrease. The volume of the soil in the ring decrease is due to the
compression of the solid grains and escape of water from the voids. In a free
drainage soil such as saturated sand the escape of water can take place rapidly.
But in clay, due to low permeability, the movement of water occurs very much
slowly and therefore, considerable time may be required for excess water to be
squeezed out to permeable boundaries.

Settlement is the direct result of the decrease in soil volume and

consolidation is the rate of volume decrease with time. The consolidation test is
use to estimate the amount of settlement and time of consolidation. From this
test some consolidation parameters such as coefficient of consolidation( cv ),
coefficient of volume compressibility( mv ), compression index( Cc ), pre-
consolidation pressure ( Pc ), can be determined.
The methods which can be used for determining the coefficient of consolidation:
(i) Casagrande or log (time) or 50% consolidation
(ii) Taylor or √time or 90% consolidation

The coefficient of consolidation can be determined by the equation:

T v H2
C v=
t

Where :
C v = coefficient of consolidation (m2/year)
T v = Time factor

H = Maximum length of drainage path (m)

t = Time to achieve 50% or 90% consolidation ( year or minute )

The test was performed to determine the magnitude and rate of volume decrease
that a laterally confined soil specimen undergoes when subjected to different vertical
pressures. From the data, the consolidation curve (pressure-void ratio relationship)
can be plotted. The data obtained was useful in determined the compression index,
the recompression index and the pre-consolidation pressure (or maximum past
pressure) of the soil. In addition, the data obtained can also be used to determine
the coefficient of consolidation and the coefficient of secondary compression of the
soil.

The main purpose of consolidation tests was to obtain soil data which could be used
in predicting the rate and amount of settlement of structures founded on clay.
Although some of the settlement of a structure on clay may be caused by shear
strain, most of it was normally due to volumetric changes. It was particularly true if
the clay stratum was thin compared to the width of the loaded area or the stratum
which located at a significant depth below the structure.
The four most important soil properties furnished by a consolidation test are:
(i) The pre-consolidation stress, Sp,, which is the maximum stress that the soil
has “felt” in the past.
(ii) The compression index, Cc , which indicates the compressibility of a
normally-consolidated soil.
(iii) The recompression index, Cr , which indicates the compressibility of an over-
consolidated soil.
(iv) The coefficient of consolidation, Cv, which indicates the rate of compression
under a load increment.
4.0 EQUIPMENTS & MATERIALS
1) Consolidation apparatus

 Consolidation ring
 Corrosion – resistant porous plate
 Consolidation cell
 Dial Gauge
 Loading device

2) Balance readable to 0.1g

3) Vernier calliper

4) Stop-clock readable to 1s

5) Soil Type (Clay & Peat soil)

5.0PROCEDURES
1. The internal diameter (D) and the height of the ring (H)were measured
by the internal vernier calipers.

2. The ring weighed to the neartest 0.01g (mR).

3. The specimenswere cutted and trimmed into ring had been measured
dimensions.
4. The initial moisture content was determined from trimming soil.
5. The weight of ring and specimen (m1) were determined.
6. The mass of bulk specimen (m) to the nearest 0.01g was determined by
using the equation
m = m 1 – mR

7. The consolidation ring and specimen (cutting edge uppermost) were

placed centrally on the porous disc.
8. The ring retainer and cell body were fitted and the upper porous disc
was placed centrally on top of the specimen.
9. The consolidation cell was placed centrally in position on the platform of
the machine base.
10. The end of the beam was lifted to allow the loading yoke to be raised to
the vertical position and the loading stem was adjusted by screwing it
downwards until the end engages closely in the recess on the top of the
loading cap.
11. The compression dial gauge was attached to the arm on the support
post.

12. Weight (2.5 kg) was carefully added to the load hanger.
13. Water was added at room temperature to the cell and the specimen and
upper porous disc had to submerged completely.
14. The beam support was wind down and at the same time the clock was
started.

15. The compression gauge readings and the clock were observed, and the
readings on a consolidation test form was recorded at the selected time
intervals.

16. The readings of the compression against time was plotted to a

logarithmic scale and against square-root-of-time
6.0 RESULTS
5.1 Data for Consolidation Test – Specimen 1( Peat Soil )

Date started: 5/11/2012 Sample No.: 1

Soil Type : Peat Soil Cell No: 2.5 kg

BEFORE TEST

Moisture content from trimming: - ( % ) S.G. (Assumed) : 2.7

Weight of ring : 106.40( g )
Weight of sample + ring : 182.35 ( g )
Weight of sample :75.95( g )
Weight of dry sample : 53.40( g )
Weight of initial moisture : 22.55( g )
Initial moisture content: 42.23( % )
Diameter of ring : 74.70( mm )
Area of ring :4382.59( mm2 )
Thickness of ring:19.15( mm )
Volume of ring : 83926.60 ( mm3 )
Density,  :0.91( Mg/m3)
Dry density, d : 0.64 ( Mg/m3 )

Gs
1
d
Initial void ratio, = 3.22
Table 6.1.1

Elapse time Time Clock Gauge Cumulative

√ time
(min) time reading compression, H (mm)
hr min sec - - -
0 0 0 1205 0 0
10 0.167 0.409 441.0 0.882
20 0.333 0.577 569.0 1.138
30 0.500 0.707 620.0 1.240
40 0.667 0.817 664.0 1.328
50 0.833 0.913 746.0 1.492
1 1 1 1206 756.0 1.512
2 2 1.414 1207 827.0 1.654
4 4 2 1209 883.0 1.766
8 8 2.828 1213 931.0 1.862
15 15 3.873 1220 964.0 1.928
30 30 5.477 1235 989.0 1.978
1 60 7.746 1305 1013.5 2.027
2 120 10.954 1405 1031.0 2.062
24 1440 37.947 1205 1117.0 2.234
Table 6.1.2
 6.2 Data for Consolidation Test – Specimen 2 ( Clay )

Date started : 5/11/2012 Sample No. : 1

Soil Type : Clay Cell No : 2.5 kg

BEFORE TEST

Moisture content from trimming : - ( % ) S.G. (Assumed) : 2.7

Weight of ring : 108.35( g )
Weight of sample + ring :248.55 ( g )
Weight of sample : 140.20 ( g )
Weight of dry sample : 113.40( g )
Weight of initial moisture : 26.80( g )
Initial moisture content : 23.63( % )
Diameter of ring : 74.92( mm )
Area of ring : 4408.45( mm2 )
Thickness of ring :19.30( mm )
Volume of ring :85083.09( mm3 )
Density,  : 1.65 ( Mg/m3 )
Dry density, d :1.33 ( Mg/m3)

Gs
1
d
Initial void ratio, = 1.03
Table 6.2.1

Elapse time Time √ Clock Gauge Cumulative

(min) time time reading compression, H (mm)
hr min sec - - -
0 0 0 1215 0 0
10 0.167 0.409 167.5 0.335
20 0.333 0.577 235.0 0.470
30 0.500 0.707 250.0 0.500
40 0.667 0.817 320.0 0.640
50 0.833 0.913 336.0 0.672
1 1 1 1216 375.0 0.750
2 2 1.414 1217 422.5 0.845
4 4 2 1219 455.0 0.910
8 8 2.828 1223 575.0 1.150
15 15 3.873 1230 725.0 1.450
30 30 5.477 1245 950.0 1.900
1 60 7.746 1315 1199.0 2.398
2 120 10.954 1415 1363.0 2.726
24 1440 37.947 1215 1540.0 3.080
Table 6.2.2
7.0 CALCULATION
7.1 Calculation for Specimen 1 ( Peat soil) :

7.1.1 Weight of sample

= (weight of sample + ring) – (weight of ring)
= 182.35-106.40
= 75.95 g

7.1.2 Weight of initial moisture

= (weight of sample) – (weight of dry sample)
= 75.95 – 53.40
= 22.55 g

weight of initial moisture

×100 %
7.1.3 Initial moisture content = weight of dry sample

22.55 g
×100%
= 53. 40g

= 42.23 %

πD2
7.1.4 Area of ring= 4

π (74 . 70 )2
= 4

= 4382.59 mm2
 πD2 t
7.1.5 Volume of ring = 4

π (74 . 70 )2 19 . 15
= 4

= 83926.60 mm3

weight of sample
.1.6 Density, ρ= volume of ring
7

−6
75 .95 × 10 Mg
-9 3
= 83926 . 60 ×10 m

= 0.91Mg/m3

weight of dry sample

7.1.7 Density, ρd= volume of ring

−6
53 . 40 × 10 Mg
-9 3
= 83926 . 60 ×10 m

= 0.64 Mg/m3

Gs
−1
7.1.8 Initial void ratio, ρd

2.7
−1
= 0.64
 = 3.22

7.2 Calculation for Specimen 2( Clay) :

7.2.1 Weight of sample

= (weight of sample + ring) – (weight of ring)
= 248.55-108.35
= 140.20 g

7.2.2 Weight of initial moisture

= (weight of sample) – (weight of dry sample)
= 140.20-113.40
= 26.80 g

weight of initial moisture

×100 %
7.2.3 Initial moisture content = weight of dry sample

26.80g
×100 %
= 113.40 g

= 23.63 %

πD2
7.2.4 Area of ring = 4

π (74 . 92 )2
= 4
 = 4408.45 mm2

πD2 t
7.2.5 Volume of ring = 4

π (74 . 92 )2 19 . 30
= 4

= 85083.09 mm3

weight of sample
.2.6 Density, ρ = volume of ring
7

−6
140 .2 × 10 Mg
-9 3
= 85083 .09 ×10 m

= 1.65 Mg/m3

weight of dry sample

7.2.7 Density, ρd = volume of ring

−6
113. 40 × 10 Mg
-9 3
= 85083 .09×10 m

= 1.33 Mg/m3
 Gs
−1
7.2.8 Initial void ratio, ρd

2.7
−1
= 1.33

= 1.03

SETTLEMENT READINGS

The gauge readings are multiplied with 0.002 mm to obtain cumulative compression,
ΔH (mm). For example:

For, t = 10 sec, ΔH = 441 × 0.002 mm = 0.882 mm

t = 20 sec, ΔH = 569× 0.002 mm = 1.138 mm
t = 30 sec, ΔH = 620 × 0.002 mm = 1.240 mm

(Refer to table 6.1.2)

The cumulative compression, ΔH(mm) is divided with 0.002 mm to obtain gauge

readings. For example:

For, t = 10 sec, gauge reading = 0.335 ÷0.002 mm = 167.5

t = 20 sec, gauge reading = 0.470 ÷0.002 mm = 235.0
t = 30 sec, gauge reading = 0.500 ÷0.002 mm = 250.0

(Refer to table 6.2.2)

8.0DATA ANALYSIS
 Two graphs of consolidation curve are plotted from the results obtained.
 Using Taylor’s method, graph of settlement, H against square root of time,
√t for peat soil and clay is plotted. Meanwhile, using Casagrande’s method,
graph of settlement, H against time, t is plotted on semi-log graph paper.
The graphs can be viewed in the following page
9.0DISCUSSIONS

The aim of this experiment is to study the characteristic of the soil when
consolidation process takes place and obtain the sedimentation from this
experiment. Other than that, from this experiment we are able to determine the
magnitude and rate volume decrease that a laterally confined soil specimen
undergoes.

When the saturated soil has been exposed to the same pressure, the volume will
be decrease and because the soil particle and water cannot compress the value of
compression unless if water exit from the spaces between the particle. This situation
will decrease the size of the spaces between the particle and soil particle become
more compact.

In this experiment show that consolidation process happened. It is because of

the movement horizontally as a volume rotation that call sediment. Two graphs had
been plotted for specimen 1 (peat soil) and specimen 2 (clay), which is graph of
settlement against log time with logarithmic scale and graph of settlement against
square root time.

As know, the values of the sediment increase as the time increase. This shows
that sediment is linearly proportional to the time. Consolidation takes most of the
sediment as a loading. After time t90 the process continues slowly. This phenomenon
happens because of transformation moisture membrane that covers the solid
particle.
 There are some errors maybe occur during the experiment and affect the
accuracy and precision of the recorded data, which are:

a) Disturbed soil specimen or excessive disturbance during trimming

b) Specimen not fitting into and filling the ring

c) Permeability of the porous stones too low

d) Excessive friction between the specimen and ring

e) Inappropriate load during inundation

f) Improper specimen height

g) Parallax error

To reduce the value of the error, we must have methods for the step, it is:-

a. the sample of the soil must be compacted

b. choose the best point of sampling on site
c. the value of water is not too much
d. using a larger diameter and thinner specimen
10.0 CONCLUSION

As a conclusion, there are 2 graphs which are graph of settlement against log
time with logarithmic scale and graph of settlement against square root time had
been plotted for each specimen of peat soil and clay.

For the specimen of peat soil, the t50 = 1.5 minutes has determine from
settlement against log time and thet 90 = 6.83 minutes has determine from graph of
settlement against square root time. By using taylor method, the calculated value of

2
coefficient of consolidation is Cv = 46 .98 m / year while by using casagrande

2
method, the calculated value of coefficient of consolidation is C v = 6.328 m / year .

For the specimen of clay, the t 50 = 2.2 minutes has determine from settlement
against log timeand the t90 = 12.78 minutes has determine from graph of settlement
against square root time. By using taylor method, the calculated value of coefficient

2
of consolidation is Cv = 46 .98 m / year while by using casagrande method, the

2
calculated value of coefficient of consolidation is Cv = 4.383m / year .

Overall, the characteristic of soil of low permeability has been determined.

This experiment has been done successfully.
11.0 QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
1. From your experimental data, determine the coefficient of consolidation, cv (m2/year)
using Casagrande method. Please comment your answer.

For Specimen 1 – Peat Soil:

t50 = 1.5, D = 19.15 mm, H = D/2

0 . 197( H )2
C v=
t 50
0 .197 (19. 15/2)2
=
(1 .5 )
=12 . 041mm 2 /min

mm2 m m 60 min 24 hour 365 day

Cv= 12.041 × × × × ×
min 1000mm 1000mm 1 hour 1 day 1 year
= 6.328 m2/year

For Specimen 2 – Clay:

t50 = 2.2 min, D = 19.30 mm, H = D/2

2
0 . 197( H )
C v=
t 50
2
0 .197 (19. 30/2)
=
(2 .2 )
2
=8 . 339 mm /min

mm 2 m m 60 min 24 hour 365 day

Cv= 8.339 × × × × ×
min 1000mm 1000mm 1 hour 1 day 1 year
= 4.383 m2/year

From the calculation above, it shows that the coefficient of consolidation, c vfor peat soil is
bigger than clay per year.
 2. A Clay sample collected from 5 metres deep in BatuPahat has a unit weight (γ) of
18kN/m3. The following data were recorded during an oedometer test.

Effective Stress (kN/m2) 25 50 100 200 400 800 200 50

Void ratio (e) 0.85 0.82 0.71 0.57 0.43 0.3 0.4 0.5

i. Plot
the graph of void ratio against effective stress on semi-log graph and determine the
compression index (Cc), pre-consolidation pressure (Pc) and coefficient of volume

The compression index (Cc) is the slope of the graph

Cc = gradient of the graph

e 1−e2
P2
log
= P1

0.57−0 .43
400
log
= 200

= 0.465

From graph, we obtained: Pre-consolidation pressure, Pc= 68kN/m2

Δe 1
' 1+e
Coefficient of volume compressibility, mv = Δσ avg

Δe
=
Δσ ' slope of the graph
e1 + e s
e avg =
2
0 . 85+0 . 5
=
2
=0 . 675
 Δe 1
mv = Δσ ' 1+e avg

=(0. 465) ( 1+01.675 )

=0. 278

ii. Define whether the soil is normally consolidated or over consolidated.

D=5m

P0 = γ×d
D=5m
= 18 ¿ 5

= 90 kN/m2

Pc
Over consolidation, OCR = P 0

68
= 90

= 0.76< 1

Since, OCR<1, the soil is under consolidated. It means that the stress had been applied to
the sample of soil previously is less than the stress applied during that test.
QUESTION 2
1. From the experimental data, determine the coefficient of consolidation, cv
(m2/year) using Taylor’s method. Please comment on your answer.

For Specimen 1 – peat soil:

t90 = 6.83, D = 19.15 mm, H = D/2

0 . 848( H )2
C v=
t 90

0 . 848(19. 15/2)2
=
(6 . 83)

=11. 383 mm2 /min

mm2 m m 60 min 24 hour 365 day

Cv= 11.383 × × × × ×
min 1000mm 1000mm 1 hour 1 day 1 year
= 5.983 m2/year

For Specimen 2 – clay:

t90 = 12.78 D = 19.30 mm, H = D/2
2
0 . 848( H )
C v=
t 90

0 . 848(19. 30/2)2
=
(12 .78 )

=6 . 179 mm2 /min

mm 2 m m 60 min 24 hour 365 day

Cv= 6.179 × × × × ×
min 1000mm 1000mm 1 hour 1 day 1 year
= 3.247 m2/year
From the calculation above, it shows that the coefficient of consolidation, c vfor peat
soil is bigger than clay per year.
 Effective Stress(kN/m2) 50 100 200 400 800 1600 400 100
Void ratio (e) 0.95 0.92 0.81 0.67 0.53 0.4 0.5 0.6
2. Clay samples collected form 10 metres deep in Parit Raja has a unit weight (γ) of
20 kN/m3. The following data were recorded during an oedometer test.

i. Plot the graph of void ration against effective stress on semi-log graph and

determine the compression index (Cc), preconsolidation (Pc) and coefficient of

volume compressibility (mv).

The compression index (Cc) is the slope of the graph

Cc = gradient of the graph

e 1−e2
P2
log
P1
=

0.57−0.3
800
log
200
=

= 0.448

From graph, we obtained: Pre-consolidation pressure, Pc= 106.5kN/m2

Δe 1
Δσ ' 1+e avg
Coefficient of volume compressibility, mv =

Δe
=
Δσ '
slope of the graph

e1 + e s
e avg =
2

0. 95+0 .6
=
2
=0. 775
 Δe 1
Δσ ' 1+e avg
mv =

=(0. 448) ( 1+01.775 )

=0 . 252

ii. Define whether the soil is normally consolidated or over consolidated.

D=5m

γ×d
P0 = D=5m

= 20x10

= 200 kN/m2

Pc
P0
Over consolidation, OCR =

106 .5
200
=

= 0.53< 1

Since, OCR<1, the soil is under consolidated. It means that the stress had been
applied to the sample of soil previously is less than the stress applied during that
test.