USP

UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

DISPLINE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
COURSE NAME: FOUNDATION AND PAVEMENT DESIGN
COURSE CODE: CV321
LAB 3: CONSOLIDATION TEST

NAME: ‘INOKE LIUTOLO

ID: S11176700

LECTURE: MR. THOMAS KISHORE

LAB SESSION: MONDAY [5-8PM]

AIM

 To assess the consolidation characteristics of a specific soil sample to quantify the amount of
settlement that has taken place
INTRODUCTION

 Consolidation tests play a critical role in civil engineering by providing essential data for
designing safe, stable, and cost-effective structures and infrastructure while considering
environmental and regulatory factors.
 Consolidation, in the context of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, refers to the
process by which a saturated soil gradually undergoes compression and settlement due to the
application of external loads or stresses. This process is known as soil consolidation. Initially,
the water present in the porous, saturated soil bears the load applied to the low-permeability
soil, causing a rapid rise in pore water pressure. As water drains from the voids in the soil, it
migrates into the solid material, leading to gradual compression and subsequent settlement. This
process gradually reduces the elevated pore water pressure, and consolidation continues until
the pore water pressure is sufficiently reduced.
 ” The original theory focused on pore water flow in a single Cartesian dimension, albeit with
some consideration of significant strains. Its primary objective was to offer a method for
forecasting settlement progression in consistently loaded clay layers. However, since then, the
theory of one-dimensional consolidation has undergone substantial expansion. This expansion
encompasses the incorporation of non-linear behaviors, such as changes in the coefficients of
permeability and compressibility throughout the E' consolidation process, as well as addressing
various effects linked to substantial strain and deformation.” [1] [1]

 In this laboratory experiment, a soil sample has been provided with the objective of evaluating
the consolidation properties of a particular soil specimen in order to measure the extent of
settlement that has occurred.
APPARARUS

 Filter paper
 Moisture can
 Stop watch
 Metal Straight edge
 Glass Plate
 Sample Trimming device
 Dial gauge [0.0001 inch = 1.0 on dial]
 Consolidation device [including ring, porous stones, water reservoir and load plate]
PROCEDURE

 In this laboratory procedure, a series of steps are outlined to assess the consolidation
characteristics of a soil sample and quantify the settlement it undergoes.
 First, the initial preparations involve weighing the empty consolidation ring with the glass plate,
measuring the internal diameter and height of the ring, and determining the specific gravity and
initial moisture content of the soil.
 Second, the soil sample is trimmed to approximately three inches in length, and its sides are
carefully matched to the ring's outside diameter using a cutting tool while ensuring a horizontal
position.
 In the third step, the trimmed sample is placed into the ring, and continuous trimming is
performed until the sample barely penetrates the bottom of the ring, with extra care to eliminate
any vacuum space.
 Finally, a pressure gauge is set to deliver 0.5 tsf of pressure (adjusting as per calibration) as
consolidation dial readings are recorded at specified time intervals, as indicated on the data
sheet.

 DIAGRAM

Figure 1
RESULTS

Table 1: Height of solid method to find [e]

Credentials Measure Values
Diameter of sample 74.84 mm
Initial dial reading 0.155
Sample thickness 19.80 mm
Area of Sample 4399.04 mm ^2
Volume of specimen 87100.90 mm^3
Specific Gravity 2.67
Water content 15.00%
Mass of solid 124.00 g
Density of water 1.00 g/cm^3
Height of solid (Hs) 10.56 mm

Table 2: Dial Gauge Reading of Time and Applied Stress

Time (min) 0.1kgf/cm^2 0.2kgf/cm^2 0.4kgf/cm^2
0 0.155 0.165 0.192
0.25 0.155 0.178 0.242
1 0.156 0.18 0.244
2 0.156 0.18 0.246
4 0.156 0.181 0.205
8 0.158 0.182 0.205
15 0.16 0.184 0.206
30 0.161 0.186 0.207
60 0.17 0.19 0.215

Table 3: Overall summary calculation of (av&mv)

Applied Pressure [kgf/cm^2] Final Dial Reading [mm] Change Thickness [mm] Sample Heigth [mm] Heigth of void Void Ratio [e] Coeffecient of Compressibility [av] Coeffecient of volume change[mv] Average [av] Average [mv]
0 0.155 0 19.8 9.243 0.875 -0.014 -0.008 0.54 0.288
0.1 0.17 0.015 19.785 9.228 0.874 -0.005 -0.003 0.54 0.288
0.2 0.19 0.02 19.78 9.223 0.874 -0.002 -0.001 0.54 0.288
0.4 0.215 0.025 19.775 9.218 0.873 2.183 1.165 0.54 0.288
GRAPH
SAMPLE CALCULATION

Applied pressure of 0.1 kg f /cm2 is consider ∧hereis

 The height of sample is

Heigth [ sample ] =sample thickness−∆ thickness

¿ 19.80−0.015
¿ 19.785 mm
 The height of the solids [Hs] is calculated to be
mass of solid 1
Heigth [ Hs ] =( )×( )(1000)
Gs Area
124 1
¿( )×( )(1000)
2.67 4399.04
¿ 10.557 mm
 The void Ratio is Given by

Void Ratio= ( HeigthHsof Voids )

 9.228
¿( )=0.874
10.557
 The coefficient of compressibility [av]
e 0−e 1
Coefficient of compressibility [ av ] =( ' '
)
σ 1−σ 2
¿¿
¿−0.01
 The coefficient of Volume Change [mv]
1
Coefficient of Volume Change [ mv ] =( )(av )
1+e 0
1
¿( )(−0.005)
1+0.875
¿−0.0027
 The compression Index is given by [cc]
e 1−e 2
Compression index [ cc ] =( ' '
)
log ❑ σ 2−log ❑ σ 1
¿( 87.4−87.3
log 9.22−log 19.613
=0.33 )
 The coefficient of consolidation is given by [cv]
2
0.197 × Hd r
Coefficient of Consolidation [ cv ] =( 50
)
t

( ( ) )
2
1.98
0.197 ×
2
¿ =0.032
6

DISCUSSION

 Consolidation tests hold a pivotal role within geotechnical engineering, offering essential data
that aids in the creation of secure and resilient foundations, evaluating potential risks, and
guaranteeing the enduring triumph of civil engineering endeavors. These tests are instrumental
in addressing safety concerns and optimizing the economic aspects of construction and
infrastructure advancement.

 In this laboratory experiment, we have been given a soil sample with the aim of assessing the
consolidation characteristics of a specific soil specimen, with the goal of quantifying the amount
of settlement that has taken place. In my discussion of this experiment, the primary objective is to
determine the extent of settlement that has occurred. Following the analysis of the results, we will
need to ascertain various unknown variables, including sample height, height of solid
components, height of void spaces, and the void ratio. These factors are interconnected and hold
significant importance in the context of calculating the consolidation coefficient.
  The graph depicting the relationship between the logarithm of stress (logP) and void ratio is
commonly referred to as the "e-log P" curve. This graph serves to establish a connection between
stress and volume changes in soil. When soil has previously experienced consolidation, it has the
capacity to recover and regain the volume that was lost during the consolidation process as the
applied strain is gradually reduced. Consequently, a consolidation curve is formed, showcasing
the relationship between the previously strained soil and its void ratio as it experiences stress
once again. This curve is often termed the "recompression curve" because it illustrates the soil's
ability to recompress and recover its volume under changing stress conditions.

 The deformation-log time" curve. This type of curve is often used in various fields of science and
engineering, including materials testing, geology, and geotechnical engineering, to analyze how
a material or substance responds to changes over time, such as deformation or creep behavior.
In this graph of deformation-log time graphs are a valuable tool for studying the time-dependent
behavior of materials, making informed engineering decisions, ensuring safety and performance,
and advancing research and development efforts in various fields of science and engineering.

 To conclude, after conducting a sample calculation, it has been determined that the coefficient of
compressibility is approximately 0.540, which falls within the average range, and the coefficient
of volume change is approximately 0.288.

CONCLUSION

 Consolidation tests are fundamental in engineering as they provide critical information for
designing safe and stable foundations, assessing risk, optimizing construction processes, and
minimizing environmental impact. They contribute to both the safety and economic aspects of
construction and infrastructure development, making them an indispensable tool for engineers.

 In conclusion, this experiment underscores the significance of understanding consolidation

properties for civil engineers. The primary objective of this laboratory exercise has been
successfully addressed. It is worth noting that some errors occurred during the lab, primarily due
to a lack of certain knowledge and skills, which presented challenges when interpreting results
and plotting graphs. Nevertheless, the essential accomplishment is that I was able to complete
this lab within the stipulated timeframe, meeting the deadline effectively. This experience serves
as a valuable learning opportunity, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement in
both knowledge and practical skills for successful engineering endeavors.
REFERENCES
[1] P. E. R. E. Gibson, "A THEORY OF CONSOLIDATION OF SOFT SEDIMENTS," DTIC, 23 December 1985.
[Online]. Available: https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA163120.pdf. [Accessed 2 September 2023].