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The Process of Consolidation Is Often Explained With An Idealized System Composed of A

The document discusses the process of consolidation in soils. It begins by describing an idealized system using a spring, container of water, and applied load to represent the compressibility of soil and pore water pressure. It then explains the stages of consolidation: initial saturation, development of excess pore pressure under load, drainage of pressure through opening, and full dissipation when loading is supported by soil structure. A key difference between compaction and consolidation is outlined. Compaction is dynamic and instantaneous while consolidation is a static process over time involving expulsion of pore water. Factors affecting the rate and degree of consolidation are also summarized, including soil layer thickness, drainage paths, permeability, consolidation coefficient, load magnitude and distribution, and

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93 views

The Process of Consolidation Is Often Explained With An Idealized System Composed of A

The document discusses the process of consolidation in soils. It begins by describing an idealized system using a spring, container of water, and applied load to represent the compressibility of soil and pore water pressure. It then explains the stages of consolidation: initial saturation, development of excess pore pressure under load, drainage of pressure through opening, and full dissipation when loading is supported by soil structure. A key difference between compaction and consolidation is outlined. Compaction is dynamic and instantaneous while consolidation is a static process over time involving expulsion of pore water. Factors affecting the rate and degree of consolidation are also summarized, including soil layer thickness, drainage paths, permeability, consolidation coefficient, load magnitude and distribution, and

Uploaded by

Jinky Bulahan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2.

The process of consolidation is often explained with an idealized system composed of a spring, a
container with a hole in its cover, and water. In this system, the spring represents the compressibility
or the structure of the soil itself, and the water which fills the container represents the pore water in
the soil.

1. The container is completely filled with water, and the hole is closed. (Fully saturated soil)

2. A load is applied onto the cover, while the hole is still unopened. At this stage, only the water
resists the applied load. (Development of excess pore water pressure)

3. As soon as the hole is opened, water starts to drain out through the hole and the spring
shortens. (Drainage of excess pore water pressure)

4. After some time, the drainage of water no longer occurs. Now, the spring alone resists the
applied load. (Full dissipation of excess pore water pressure. End of consolidation)

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPACTION AND


CONSOLIDATION
SOIL COMPACTION
It is a dynamic process

Compaction is almost instantaneous

Densification is due to reduction of air voids


2.

Soil is always unsaturated

For a specific compactive effort densification takes place only up to certain limiting water
content called optimum moisture content

Compaction is done before the construction of structure

SOIL CONSOLIDATION
It is a static process

Consolidation is a static process

Consolidation is due to expulsion of pore water from voids

Soil is considered to be completely saturated

The process of consolidation starts as soon as the construction work begins

3. .A simple one-dimensional consolidation model consists of rectilinear element of


soil subject to vertical changes in loading and through which vertical (only) seepage
flow is taking place.

There are three variables:

1. the excess pore pressure ( )

2. the depth of the element in the layer (z)

3. the time elapsed since application of the loading (t)

The total stress on the element is assumed to remain constant.

The coefficient of volume compressibility (mv) is assumed to be constant.

The coefficient of permeability (k) for vertical flow is assumed to be constant.

Mathematical model and equation


2.

Consider the element of consolidating soil. In time :


the seepage flow is
(q = A k i = A k /)
the change in excess pressure is

the thickness changes by


= -mv
It can be shown that the basic equation for one-dimensional consolidation is:

By defining the coefficient of consolidation as

this can be written:

4.

5Factors Affecting Consolidation:

The factors which affect the consolidation are:


2.

(a) Thickness of clay layer

(b) Number of drainage path

(c) Coefficient of permeability

(d) Coefficient of consolidation

(e) Magnitude of the consolidating pressure and the manner of its distribution
across the thickness of the layer.

(f) Time factor

(a) Thickness of clay layer:

If the thickness is more the consolidation of the layer will be more due to self
overburden pressure.

(b) Number of drainage path:

The drainage path represents the maximum distance which the water particles
have to travel for reaching the free drainage layer. If the drainage path is more
than the distance of travel of water particles are reduced proportionality and in
turn water will come out of the soil layer causing consolidation. Hence more
the drainage path, the more will be the consolidation.

(c) Coefficient of permeability:

If the coefficient of permeability of the soil is more, water will come out of the
soil pores more easily and hence the consolidation will be more.
2.

(d) Coefficient of consolidation:

The coefficient of consolidation is directly proportional to the degree of


consolidation and hence if the coefficient of consolidation is more the
consolidation of soil will be more.

(e) Magnitude of the consolidating pressure and its distribution:

Consolidation of the soil is greatly affected by the consolidating pressure and


Its distribution. If the consolidating pressure is more and It Is uniformly
distributed over the area, the consolidation will be more.

(f) Time factor:

From the equation of consolidation i.e., Tv = Cvt/d2 clear that the coefficient of
consolidation (Cv) is directly proportional to the time factor (TV). If time factor
is more consolidation will be more.

5.

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