UNIVERSITY PUTRA MALAYSIA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
SOIL MECHANICS 2
(ECV3303)
LABORATORY WORK 5:
ONE DIMENSIONAL CONSOLIDATION TEST OEDOMETER TEST

GROUP 8
NAME
NOR SUHAIZA BINTI ABDUL RAHMAN
YUSOF AMANAH BIN MARINSAH
WAN MOHD HELMIE BIN WAN MEZAH
SITI AISYAH BINTI IBRAHIM
ROSMALIANA BINTI ZUBER
NURHAFIZA BINTI KAMARUDDIN
COURSE
LECTURER
LAB DEMO
DUE DATE

MATRIC NUMBER
152191
152864
153712
154612
154796
154936

: BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (CIVIL)

: PROF. DR. BUJANG B.K HUAT
: MR. HOSSEIN MOAYEDI
: 22nd NOVEMBER 2011
1

5.1 INTRODUCTION
In soil mechanics, the settlement of cohesive soil comprise of three components:
1. Immediate settlement
2. Consolidation settlement
3. Secondary compression (creep)
a) Immediate settlement
It occurs when saturated clay is loaded instantaneously and it is resulted in vertical
deformation. The clay will deform and its pore water pressure will increase. Deformation
will occur without any change in soil volume due to low permeability of the soil.
b) Consolidation settlement
When the saturated soil is loaded, its volume will be reduced due to:
Compression of solid particles
Compression of water in the soil void
Drainage of water from soil voids
c) Secondary compression (creep)
It occurs due to the reorientation of soil particles, creep or decay of organic matters.
This settlement is not dependent on dissipation of pore water pressure.

Consolidation is the process of gradual transfer of an applied load from the pore water
to the soil structure as pore water is squeezed out of the voids. The amount of water that
escapes depends on the size of the load and compressibility of the soil, the rate at which it
escapes depends on the coefficient of permeability, thickness, and compressibility of the
soil. The rate and amount of consolidation with load are usually determined in the
laboratory by the one-dimensional consolidation test. In this test, a laterally confined soil is
subjected to successively increase vertical pressure, allowing free drainage from the top and
bottom surfaces.
A laboratory consolidation test is performed on an undisturbed sample of a cohesive soil
to determine its compressibility characteristics. The soil sample is assumed to be
representing a soil layer in the ground.
Terzaghis theory of 1-D consolidation makes the following simplifying assumptions:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

The soil is homogeneous.

The soil is fully saturated.
The solid particles and the pore water are incompressible.
The flow of water and compression of soil are one-dimensional (vertical).
Strains are small.
Darcys law is valid at all hydraulic gradients.
The coefficient of permeability and the coefficient of volume compressibility remain
constant throughout the consolidation process.
There is a unique relationship, independent of time, between void ratio and
effective stress.

5.2 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Consolidation is a process by which soils decrease in volume. According to Karl
Terzaghi, "consolidation is any process which involves decrease in water content of a
saturated soil without replacement of water by air." In general it is the process in which
reduction in volume takes place by expulsion of water under long term static loads. It occurs
when stress is applied to a soil that causes the soil particles to pack together more tightly,
therefore reducing its bulk volume. When this occurs in a soil that is saturated with water,
water will be squeezed out of the soil. The magnitude of consolidation can be predicted by
many different methods. In the Classical Method, developed by Terzaghi, soils are tested
with an oedometer test to determine their compression index. This can be used to predict
the amount of consolidation.
When stress is removed from a consolidated soil, the soil will rebound, regaining some
of the volume it had lost in the consolidation process. If the stress is reapplied, the soil will
consolidate again along a recompression curve, defined by the recompression index. The soil
which had its load removed is considered to be over-consolidated. This is the case for soils
which have previously had glaciers on them. The highest stress that it has been subjected to
is termed the pre-consolidation stress. The over consolidation ratio or OCR is defined as the
highest stress experienced divided by the current stress. A soil which is currently
experiencing its highest stress is said to be normally consolidated and to have an OCR of one.
A soil could be considered under-consolidated immediately after a new load is applied but
before the excess pore water pressure has had time to dissipate.
A cylindrical specimen of soil enclosed in a metal ring is subjected to a series of
increasing static loads, while changes in thickness are recorded against time. From the
changes in thickness at the end of each load stage the compressibility of the soil may be
observed, and parameters measured such as Compression Index (Cc) and Coefficient of
Volume Compressibility (mv). From the changes in thickness recorded against time during a
load stage the rate of consolidation may be observed and the coefficient of consolidation (cv)
measured. In this experiment, the sample is in disc shape, constraint on its side and applied
with vertical load. Free drainage is allowed through top and bottom surface of the sample.

Time factor, Tv = cv. at degree of consolidation, U = 90% and 50% and time factor,
Tv = 0.848 and 0.197 respectively.

Using Taylor & Merchant method (square root method) and Casagrande method
(log method), we can find soil coefficient of consolidation, cv.
where, d = drainage path length = sample height (thickness) H/2

Soil coefficient of volume compressibility, mv

where,

= average void ratio

= initial void ratio
= change in thickness
= initial length (thickness) of soil sample
= load (pressure) increment (kN/m2)

Coefficient of permeability,
3

5.3 OBJECTIVE
To determine the magnitude and rate of consolidation for saturated soil samples.

5.4 EQUIPMENTS
1. Metal cutting ring

2. Perforated plates (porous disc) to be placed at top and bottom of soil sample
3. Consolidation cell (consolidometer)
4. Dial gauge with accuracy of 0.002mm and maximum travel of at least 6mm or equivalent
displacement transducer
5. Loading apparatus
6. Palette knife, wire saw, steel edge/ruler
7. Moisture content apparatus
8. Filter paper, silicone grease, evaporating disc

9. Stop watch
10. Tools for determining soil density

5.5 PROCEDURES
Sample preparation
1. Ring and glass plates are cleaned and dried. They were weighed and recorded. A
small amount of silicon grease is applied to the cutting ring.
2. The sample is placed on the glass plate. Some distilled water is added to the soil and
they are mixed thoroughly using palette knives.

Test procedure
1. Bottom perforated plate (porous disc) is placed at the centre of consolidation cell. A
filter paper is put on the plate then the cutting ring is placed with the sample in it.
2. The plate must first be saturated in water.
3. They are placed on the load hanger on the consolidation cell. The arm is ensured to
be levelled.
4. Load is gently placed on the hanger. Consolidation cell is filled with water after 2
minutes. Dial gauge is read for compression intervals of 6s, 15s, 1min, 2,25min,
4min, 6.25min, 9min, 12.25min, 16min, 20.25min, 20min, 25min, 36min,100min,
and 24 hours. First applied load is 250kN/m2. After 24 hours, the load is increased to
500kN/m2

5.6 RESULTS AND CALCULATION

a) Sample 1 (organic soil)
Table 1a: Dial gauge reading for organic soil
Consolidation Pressure
0.25kg (12.5 kPa)

0.5kg (25 kPa)

Time, t
(min)

Time1/2

log
time

Dial
gauge
reading
(mm)

H
(mm)

Sample
height
(mm)

Strain,
%

Dial
gauge
reading
(mm)

H
(mm)

sample
height
(mm)

Strain,
%

20

2.3

17.845

0.5

-0.6

0.8

0.8

19.2

2.42

0.12

17.725

0.672

0.707

-0.3

0.92

0.12

19.08

0.6

2.43

0.01

17.715

0.056

1.13

0.21

18.87

1.05

2.44

0.01

17.705

0.056

1.225

0.176

1.22

0.09

18.78

0.45

2.45

0.01

17.695

0.056

1.414

0.301

1.26

0.04

18.74

0.2

2.46

0.01

17.685

0.056

1.732

0.477

1.27

0.01

18.73

0.05

2.47

0.01

17.675

0.056

0.602

1.28

0.01

18.72

0.05

2.48

0.01

17.665

0.056

2.236

0.699

1.29

0.01

18.71

0.05

2.5

0.02

17.645

0.112

2.646

0.845

1.29

18.71

2.5

17.645

0.301

1.29

18.71

2.515

0.02

17.63

0.084

11

3.317

0.477

1.29

18.71

2.52

0.01

17.625

0.028

13

3.606

0.602

1.3

0.01

18.7

0.05

2.525

0.01

17.62

0.028

15

3.873

0.699

1.31

0.01

18.69

0.05

2.53

0.01

17.615

0.028

20

4.472

0.845

1.31

18.69

2.545

0.02

17.6

0.084

25

0.954

1.31

18.69

2.56

0.02

17.585

0.084

30

5.477

1.041

1.31

18.69

2.57

0.01

17.575

0.056

35

5.916

1.114

1.31

18.69

2.575

0.01

17.57

0.028

40

6.325

1.176

1.31

18.69

2.582

0.01

17.563

0.039

50

7.071

1.301

1.31

18.69

2.595

0.01

17.55

0.073

60

7.746

1.398

1.311

18.689

0.005

2.62

0.03

17.525

0.14

90

9.487

1.477

1.312

18.688

0.005

2.62

17.525

120

10.954

1.544

1.312

18.688

2.62

17.525

180

13.416

1.602

1.312

18.688

2.621

17.524

0.006

1440

37.947

1.699

2.155

0.84

17.845

4.215

3.511

0.89

16.634

4.987

Thickness vs Time1/2
20.5

Thickness (mm)

20
19.5
19
18.5
18

t90

17.5
0

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

35

40

Time1/2 (min)

Graph 1: Thickness vs Time1/2 for 12.5 kPa

Thickness vs Time1/2
18
17.8

Thickness (mm)

17.6
17.4
17.2
17
16.8

t90

16.6
16.4
0

10

15

20

25

30

Time1/2 (min)

Graph 2: Thickness vs Time1/2 for 25.0 kPa

Thickness vs log time

20.5

Thickness (mm)

20
19.5
19
18.5

t50

18
17.5
0

10

15

20

25

30

log time, t (min)

Graph 3: Thickness vs log time for 12.5 kPa

Thickness vs log time

18

Thickness (mm)

17.8
17.6
17.4
17.2
17

t50

16.8
16.6
16.4
0

10

15

20

25

30

log time (min)

Graph 4: Thickness vs log time for 25.0 kPa

Density/Moisture Content Determination

Table 2a: Moisture content determination
Density
(1) Weight of ring & soil
(2) Weight of ring
Weight of initial moist sample (M)
Initial weight density,

211.506 g
82.759 g
129 g

Moisture Content
Container number
Weight of container + moist soil
Weight of container
Weight of moisture

38.80 g
14.38 g
24.42 g

Weight of dry soil

20.95 g

Moisture content (w)

16.56 %

834.28 kg/m3
=
=

( ) ( )

)(

=
Initial dry density
3

715.75 kg/m
=
= 715.75 kg/m3

=
= 16.56 %

Soil particle specific gravity, Gs = assume to be 1.3

Weight of solid,
=

=
= 0.1107 kg

Volume of water,
Vw = Vo - Vs
= (
=

)
m

Initial void ratio,

Volume of soil,
=
=

= 0.76
-5

= 8.52 x 10 m

Degree of saturation, Sr = eowGs

= 0.76(0.1656) (1.3)
= 0.1636

= 16.36 %

Table 3a: Coefficient of volume compressibility,

determination for Organic soil

Pressure, P
(kPa)

Change in thickness, H
(mm)

Initial
thickness, Ho
(mm)

Pressure increment,
P (kPa)

12.5
25.0

2.155
1.211

20.000
17.845

12.5
12.5

Table 4a: Coefficient of consolidation,

Pressure
range (Pa)

Average
thickness, Ho
(mm)

Coefficient of volume
compressibility,
-3

8.62 x 10
-3
5.43 x 10

determination for organic soil

Drainage
path length,
d = Ho/2

Square root method

Coefficient of
consolidation,
t90 (min)

Log time method

Coefficient of
consolidation,
t50 (min)

0 - 12.5
12.5 -25.0

20.000
17.845

10.00
8.92

31.5
34.3

(mm /min)
2.69
1.97

(mm /min)
4.925
0.640

4.0
24.5

Coefficient of permeability, k (for square root method)

*Taking for pressure = 0.0025 kPa
= 2.69 (8.62 x 10-3)(9.81)
= 0.227 mm/min

Void ratio after test

Final degree of saturation

*Taking for pressure = 0.0050 kPa

= 1.97(5.43 x 10-3)(9.81)
= 0.105 mm/min
-

Equivalent solid height,

)(

10

For 12.5 kPa:

e =
(
)
= 8.62 x 10-3 (12.5)(1+0.76)
= 0.19
e = e0 e1
e1 = 0.76 0.19
= 0.57

For 25 kPa:
e =
(
)
= 5.43 x 10-3 (25)(1+0.76)
= 0.24

e = e0 e1
e1 = 0.76 0.24
= 0.52
Pressure, (kPa)
0
12.5
25

Log
1.097
1.398

Void ratio, e
0.76
0.57
0.52

Void ratio vs log '

0.8
0.7

Void ratio, e

0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.2

1.4

1.6

log '

Graph 9: Void ratio, e vs log

11

b) Sample B (clay)

Table 1b: Dial gauge reading for clay

Consolidation Pressure
0.25kg (12.5 kPa)
Time, t
(min)

log time

Dial
gauge
reading
(mm)

H
(mm)

Sample
height
(mm)

0.5kg (25 kPa)

Strain, %

Dial
gauge
reading
(mm)

H
(mm)

sample
height
(mm)

Strain, %

20

1.8

18.38

0.5

-0.60206

0.34

0.34

19.66

1.7

2.14

0.34

18.04

1.849837

0.707

-0.30103

0.5

0.16

19.5

0.8

2.25

0.11

17.93

0.598477

0.65

0.15

19.35

0.75

2.3

0.05

17.88

0.272035

1.225

0.17609

0.8

0.15

19.2

0.75

2.31

0.01

17.87

0.054407

1.414

0.30103

0.88

0.08

19.12

0.4

2.32

0.01

17.86

0.054407

1.732

0.477121

0.98

0.1

19.02

0.5

2.39

0.07

17.79

0.380849

0.60206

1.028

0.048

18.972

0.24

2.41

0.02

17.77

0.108814

2.236

0.69897

1.05

0.022

18.95

0.11

2.43

0.02

17.75

0.108814

2.646

0.845098

1.07

0.02

18.93

0.1

2.44

0.01

17.74

0.054407

0.30103

1.095

0.025

18.905

0.125

2.45

0.01

17.73

0.054407

11

3.317

0.477121

1.11

0.015

18.89

0.075

2.46

0.01

17.72

0.054407

13

3.606

0.60206

1.12

0.01

18.88

0.05

2.46

17.72

15

3.873

0.69897

1.125

0.005

18.875

0.025

2.47

0.01

17.71

0.054407

20

4.472

0.845098

1.13

0.005

18.87

0.025

2.48

0.01

17.7

0.054407

25

0.954243

1.14

0.01

18.86

0.05

2.485

0.005

17.695

0.027203

30

5.477

1.041393

1.145

0.005

18.855

0.025

2.49

0.005

17.69

0.027203

35

5.916

1.113943

1.148

0.003

18.852

0.015

2.49

17.69

40

6.325

1.176091

1.15

0.002

18.85

0.01

2.49

17.69

50

7.071

1.30103

1.15

18.85

2.491

0.001

17.689

0.005441

60

7.746

1.39794

1.152

0.002

18.848

0.01

2.498

0.007

17.682

0.038085

90

9.487

1.477121

1.157

0.005

18.843

0.025

2.51

0.012

17.67

0.065288

120

10.954

1.544068

1.159

0.002

18.841

0.01

2.511

0.001

17.669

0.005441

180

13.416

1.60206

1.159

18.841

2.511

17.669

24
hours

37.947

1.69897

1.62

0.461

18.38

2.305

3.132

0.621

17.048

3.378672

12

Thickness vs Time1/2
20.2
20
19.8
Thickness (mm)

19.6
19.4
19.2
19
18.8
18.6

t90

18.4
18.2
0

10

15

20
Time1/2 (min)

25

30

35

40

35

40

Graph 5: Thickness vs Time1/2 for 12.5 kPa

Thickness vs Time1/2
18.6
18.4

Thickness (mm)

18.2
18
17.8
17.6
17.4
17.2
17

t90

16.8
0

10

15

20

25

30

Time1/2

Graph 6: Thickness vs Time1/2 for 25.0 kPa

13

Thickness vs log time

20.2
20

Thickness (mm)

19.8
19.6
19.4
19.2
19

t50

18.8
18.6
18.4
18.2
0

10

15
log time, t (min)

20

25

30

25

30

Graph 7: Thickness vs log time for 12.5 kPa

Thickness vs log time

18.6
18.4

Thickness (mm)

18.2
18
17.8
17.6
17.4

t50

17.2
17
16.8
0

10

15

20

log time, t (min)

Graph 8: Thickness vs log time for 25.0 kPa

14

Density/Moisture Content Determination

Table 2b: Moisture content determination
Density
Weight of ring & soil
Weight of ring
Weight of initial moist sample (M)
Initial weight density,

167.400 g
83.361 g
84.039 g
3

Moisture Content
Container number
Weight of container + moist soil
Weight of container
Weight of moisture

50.24 g
14.44 g
35.80 g

Weight of dry soil

30.20 g

Moisture content (w)

18.54 %

543.48 kg/m

=
=

( ) ( )

)(

=
Initial dry density

456.71 kg/m

=
= 456.71 kg/m3

=
= 18.54 %

Soil particle specific gravity, Gs = assume to be 1.3

Volume of water,
Vw = Vo - Vs
=(
=

Weight of solid,
=

) (
m3

= 0.0709 kg
Initial void ratio,

Volume of soil,
=

= 5.45 x 10-5 m3

=
= 1.837
Degree of saturation, Sr = eowGs
= 1.837(0.1854) (1.3)
= 0.4428
= 44.28 %
15

Table 3b: Coefficient of volume compressibility,

determination for Clay

Pressure, P (Pa)

Change in
thickness, H (mm)

Initial thickness, Ho
(mm)

Pressure
increment, P (Pa)

Coefficient of
volume
compressibility,

12.5
25.0

1.620
1.332

20.00
18.38

12.5
12.5

6.48 x 10
-3
5.80 x 10

Table 4b: Coefficient of consolidation,

Pressure
range (kPa)

Average
thickness, Ho
(mm)

-3

determination for Clay

Drainage
path length,
d = Ho/2

Square root method

Coefficient of
consolidation,
t90 (min)

Log time method

Coefficient of
consolidation,
t50 (min)

0 - 12.5
12.5 - 20.0

20
18.38

10.00
9.19

28.5
32.5

(mm /min)
2.975
2.204

(mm /min)
3.94
1.45

5.00
11.5

Coefficient of permeability, k (for log time method)

*Taking for pressure = 0.0025 kPa
-

Void ratio after test

Final degree of saturation

-3

= 3.94(6.48 x 10 )(9.81)
= 0.25 mm/min
*Taking for pressure = 0.0050 kPa
= 1.45(5.80 x 10-3)(9.81)
= 0.08 mm/min
-

Equivalent solid height,

(

)(

16 %

16

For 12.5 kPa:

e =
(
)
= 6.48 x 10-3(12.5)(1+1.837)
= 0.230
e = e0 e1
e1 = 1.837 0.230
= 1.607

For 25 kPa:
e =
(
)
= 5.80 x 10-3(25)(1+1.837)
= 0.411

e = e0 e1
e1 = 1.837 0.411
= 1.426
Pressure, (kPa)
0
12.5
25

Log
1.097
1.398

Void ratio, e
1.837
1.607
1.426

Void ratio vs log '

2
1.8
1.6
Void ratio, e

1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.2

1.4

1.6

log '

Graph 10: Void ratio,e vs log '

17

5.7 DISCUSSION
In this test, we found out that we lack some information. Because of that, some data
demand cannot be fulfilled. This led to error in calculation and thus, affects the result for the
overall test.
From the result we get, we found out that consolidation and settlement is increase evenly
with time. From time to time, the sample is consolidated and settled. The further details can
refer to the graph (Graph 1 to Graph 10).
For determination of soil coefficient of consolidation, cv, we are using Using Taylor &
Merchant method (square root method) and Casagrande method (log method). While soil
coefficient of volume compressibility, mv can be found by using equation of:

And

Coefficient of permeability,

All of the calculation and result are shown in Table 2a/b, Table 3a/b and Table 4a/b.

5.8 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

We can conclude that this experiment is successful since we are able to determine the
magnitude and rate of consolidation for saturated soil samples. But there are some error occurs
since the value we get is not realistic.

A summary of the result is:

Pressure
(kPa)
12.5
25.0
Pressure
(kPa)
12.5
25.0

Organic soil
Coefficient of
consolidation,
cv for time1/2
(mm/min)

Coefficient of
consolidation,
cv for log
time(mm/min)

Coefficient of
volume
compressibility,

2.69
1.97

4.925
0.640

8.62 x 10
-3
5.43 x 10

Clay
Coefficient of
consolidation,
cv for time1/2
(mm/min)

Coefficient of
consolidation,
cv for log
time(mm/min)

Coefficient of
volume
compressibility,

2.975
2.204

3.94
1.45

6.48 x 10
-3
5.80 x 10

-3

-3

Coefficient of
permeability, K
for time1/2
(mm/min)
0.227
0.105

Coefficient of
permeability, K
for time1/2
(mm/min)
0.189
0.125

Coefficient of
permeability, K
for log time
(mm/min)
0.416
0.003

Coefficient of
permeability, K
for log time
(mm/min)
0.25
0.08

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Precaution that need to take care of:

1. Weighed the weight of sample correctly
2. Make sure we read the lab manual carefully and noted what we have to take
note in this test.
3. List down data needed properly

5.8 REFERENCE
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidation_(soil)
2. Bujang B.K Huat, Faisal Hj. Ali. (2008). Essential Soil Mechanics for Engineers.
Universiti
Putra Malaysia, Serdang: Malaysia.
3. C. Venkatramaiah. (2006). Geotechnical Engineering. 3rd Ed. New Age International
Publishers

5.9 APPENDICES

Figure 1: Sample preparation

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