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 : BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (CIVIL) : PROF. DR. BUJANG B.K HUAT : MR. HOSSEIN MOAYEDI : 22nd NOVEMBER 2011 1 MATRIC NUMBER 152191 152864 153712 154612 154796 154936

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) Time, t (min) Time1/2 log time Dial gauge reading (mm)
0 0.8 0.92 1.13 1.22 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.29 1.29 1.29 1.3 1.31 1.31 1.31 1.31 1.31 1.31 1.31 1.311 1.312 1.312 1.312 2.155

0.5kg (25 kPa) Strain, %

0 4 0.6 1.05 0.45 0.2 0.05 0.05 0.05 0 0 0 0.05 0.05 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.005 0.005 0 0 4.215

H (mm)
0 0.8 0.12 0.21 0.09 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.01 0 0 0 0.01 0.01 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.84

Sample height (mm)

20 19.2 19.08 18.87 18.78 18.74 18.73 18.72 18.71 18.71 18.71 18.71 18.7 18.69 18.69 18.69 18.69 18.69 18.69 18.69 18.689 18.688 18.688 18.688 17.845

Dial gauge reading (mm)

2.3 2.42 2.43 2.44 2.45 2.46 2.47 2.48 2.5 2.5 2.515 2.52 2.525 2.53 2.545 2.56 2.57 2.575 2.582 2.595 2.62 2.62 2.62 2.621 3.511

H (mm)
0 0.12 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.03 0 0 0 0.89

sample height (mm)

17.845 17.725 17.715 17.705 17.695 17.685 17.675 17.665 17.645 17.645 17.63 17.625 17.62 17.615 17.6 17.585 17.575 17.57 17.563 17.55 17.525 17.525 17.525 17.524 16.634

Strain, %
0 0.672 0.056 0.056 0.056 0.056 0.056 0.056 0.112 0 0.084 0.028 0.028 0.028 0.084 0.084 0.056 0.028 0.039 0.073 0.14 0 0 0.006 4.987

0 1 1 2 3 4 5 7 9 11 13 15 20 25 30 35 40 50 60 90 120 180 1440

0 0.5 0.707 1 1.225 1.414 1.732 2 2.236 2.646 3 3.317 3.606 3.873 4.472 5 5.477 5.916 6.325 7.071 7.746 9.487 10.954 13.416 37.947

-0.6 -0.3 0 0.176 0.301 0.477 0.602 0.699 0.845 0.301 0.477 0.602 0.699 0.845 0.954 1.041 1.114 1.176 1.301 1.398 1.477 1.544 1.602 1.699

Thickness vs Time1/2
20.5 20 Thickness (mm) 19.5 19 18.5 18 17.5 0 5 10 15 20 Time1/2 (min) 25 30 35 40

t90

Graph 1: Thickness vs Time1/2 for 12.5 kPa

Thickness vs Time1/2
18 17.8 17.6 Thickness (mm) 17.4 17.2 17 16.8 16.6 16.4 0 5 10 15 20 Time1/2 (min) 25 30 35 40

t90

Graph 2: Thickness vs Time1/2 for 25.0 kPa

Thickness vs log time

20.5 20 Thickness (mm) 19.5 19 18.5 18 17.5 0 5 10 15 log time, t (min) 20 25 30

t50

Graph 3: Thickness vs log time for 12.5 kPa

Thickness vs log time

18 17.8 Thickness (mm) 17.6 17.4 17.2 17 16.8 16.6 16.4 0 5 10 15 log time (min) 20 25 30

t50

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

211.506 g 82.759 g 129 g

38.80 g 14.38 g 24.42 g

834.28 kg/m3 = = =
Initial dry density Weight of dry soil 20.95 g
( ) ( )

)(

715.75 kg/m = = 715.75 kg/m3

Moisture content (w)

16.56 %

= = 16.56 %

Soil particle specific gravity, Gs = assume to be 1.3 Weight of solid, = = 0.1107 kg Volume of soil, = =
( )
-5 3

Volume of water, Vw = Vo - Vs = ( = Initial void ratio,

) m
3

= 0.76 Degree of saturation, Sr = eowGs = 0.76(0.1656) (1.3)

= 0.1636

= 8.52 x 10 m

= 16.36 %

Table 3a: Coefficient of volume compressibility,

Pressure, P (kPa) 12.5 25.0 Change in thickness, H (mm) 2.155 1.211

determination for Organic soil

Pressure increment, P (kPa) 12.5 12.5 Coefficient of volume compressibility, 8.62 x 10 -3 5.43 x 10
-3

Initial thickness, Ho (mm) 20.000 17.845

Table 4a: Coefficient of consolidation,

determination for organic soil

Square root method Coefficient of consolidation, t90 (min) (mm /min) 2.69 1.97
2

Pressure range (Pa)

Average thickness, Ho (mm) 20.000 17.845

Drainage path length, d = Ho/2 10.00 8.92

Log time method Coefficient of consolidation, t50 (min) (mm /min) 4.925 0.640
2

0 - 12.5 12.5 -25.0

31.5 34.3

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 *Taking for pressure = 0.0050 kPa = 1.97(5.43 x 10-3)(9.81)
= 0.105 mm/min Void ratio after test

Equivalent solid height,

Final degree of saturation ( % )( )

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 0.6 Void ratio, e 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 log ' 1 1.2 1.4 1.6

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) 0 0.34 0.5 0.65 0.8 0.88 0.98 1.028 1.05 1.07 1.095 1.11 1.12 1.125 1.13 1.14 1.145 1.148 1.15 1.15 1.152 1.157 1.159 1.159 1.62 H (mm) 0 0.34 0.16 0.15 0.15 0.08 0.1 0.048 0.022 0.02 0.025 0.015 0.01 0.005 0.005 0.01 0.005 0.003 0.002 0 0.002 0.005 0.002 0 0.461 Sample height (mm) 20 19.66 19.5 19.35 19.2 19.12 19.02 18.972 18.95 18.93 18.905 18.89 18.88 18.875 18.87 18.86 18.855 18.852 18.85 18.85 18.848 18.843 18.841 18.841 18.38 Strain, % 0 1.7 0.8 0.75 0.75 0.4 0.5 0.24 0.11 0.1 0.125 0.075 0.05 0.025 0.025 0.05 0.025 0.015 0.01 0 0.01 0.025 0.01 0 2.305 Dial gauge reading (mm) 1.8 2.14 2.25 2.3 2.31 2.32 2.39 2.41 2.43 2.44 2.45 2.46 2.46 2.47 2.48 2.485 2.49 2.49 2.49 2.491 2.498 2.51 2.511 2.511 3.132 0.5kg (25 kPa) H (mm) 0 0.34 0.11 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.07 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0 0.01 0.01 0.005 0.005 0 0 0.001 0.007 0.012 0.001 0 0.621 sample height (mm) 18.38 18.04 17.93 17.88 17.87 17.86 17.79 17.77 17.75 17.74 17.73 17.72 17.72 17.71 17.7 17.695 17.69 17.69 17.69 17.689 17.682 17.67 17.669 17.669 17.048 Strain, % 0 1.849837 0.598477 0.272035 0.054407 0.054407 0.380849 0.108814 0.108814 0.054407 0.054407 0.054407 0 0.054407 0.054407 0.027203 0.027203 0 0 0.005441 0.038085 0.065288 0.005441 0 3.378672

0 1 1 2 3 4 5 7 9 11 13 15 20 25 30 35 40 50 60 90 120 180 24 hours

0 0.5 0.707 1 1.225 1.414 1.732 2 2.236 2.646 3 3.317 3.606 3.873 4.472 5 5.477 5.916 6.325 7.071 7.746 9.487 10.954 13.416 37.947

-0.60206 -0.30103 0 0.17609 0.30103 0.477121 0.60206 0.69897 0.845098 0.30103 0.477121 0.60206 0.69897 0.845098 0.954243 1.041393 1.113943 1.176091 1.30103 1.39794 1.477121 1.544068 1.60206 1.69897

12

Thickness vs Time1/2
20.2 20 19.8 19.6 Thickness (mm) 19.4 19.2 19 18.8 18.6 18.4 18.2 0 5 10 15 20 Time1/2 (min) 25 30 35 40

t90

Graph 5: Thickness vs Time1/2 for 12.5 kPa

Thickness vs Time1/2
18.6 18.4 18.2 Thickness (mm) 18 17.8 17.6 17.4 17.2 17 16.8 0 5 10 15 20 Time1/2 25 30 35 40

t90

Graph 6: Thickness vs Time1/2 for 25.0 kPa 13

Thickness vs log time

20.2 20 19.8 Thickness (mm) 19.6 19.4 19.2 19 18.8 18.6 18.4 18.2 0 5 10 15 log time, t (min) 20 25 30

t50

Graph 7: Thickness vs log time for 12.5 kPa

Thickness vs log time

18.6 18.4 18.2 Thickness (mm) 18 17.8 17.6 17.4 17.2 17 16.8 0 5 10 15 log time, t (min) 20 25 30

t50

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

167.400 g 83.361 g 84.039 g 543.48 kg/m

3

50.24 g 14.44 g 35.80 g

= =
(

( ) ( )

)(

=
Initial dry density
3

456.71 kg/m

Weight of dry soil

30.20 g

= = 456.71 kg/m3
Moisture content (w) 18.54 %

= = 18.54 %

Soil particle specific gravity, Gs = assume to be 1.3 Weight of solid, = = 0.0709 kg Volume of soil, =
( )

Volume of water, Vw = Vo - Vs =( = Initial void ratio,

) ( m3

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

= 5.45 x 10-5 m3

Table 3b: Coefficient of volume compressibility,

determination for Clay

Coefficient of volume compressibility, 6.48 x 10 -3 5.80 x 10
-3

Pressure, P (Pa) 12.5 25.0

Change in thickness, H (mm) 1.620 1.332

Initial thickness, Ho (mm) 20.00 18.38

Pressure increment, P (Pa) 12.5 12.5

Table 4b: Coefficient of consolidation,

determination for Clay

Square root method Coefficient of consolidation, t90 (min) (mm /min) 2.975 2.204
2

Pressure range (kPa)

Average thickness, Ho (mm) 20 18.38

Drainage path length, d = Ho/2 10.00 9.19

Log time method Coefficient of consolidation, t50 (min) (mm /min) 3.94 1.45
2

0 - 12.5 12.5 - 20.0

28.5 32.5

5.00 11.5

Coefficient of permeability, k (for log time method) *Taking for pressure = 0.0025 kPa
Void ratio after test

= 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 Final degree of saturation ( 16 % )( )

-3

Equivalent solid height,

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 1.4 Void ratio, e 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 log ' 1 1.2 1.4 1.6

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)
2.69 1.97

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

4.925 0.640

Coefficient of volume compressibility,

8.62 x 10 -3 5.43 x 10
-3

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

0.105

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

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

2.975 2.204

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

3.94 1.45

Coefficient of volume compressibility,

6.48 x 10 -3 5.80 x 10
-3

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

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

0.08

18

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

19