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NPTEL- Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

Module 6
Lecture 38
Evaluation of Soil Settlement -4
Topics

1.3 PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT


1.3.1 One-Dimensional Consolidation Settlement Calculation
Method A
Method B
1.3.2 Skempton-Bjerrum Modification for Calculation of Consolidation
Settlement

1.3 PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT


1.3.1 One-Dimensional Consolidation Settlement Calculation

the settlement for one-dimensional consolidation can be given by:


= 1+ (from chapter 5 equation 76)

+
Where = log for normally consolidated clays

+
= for overconsolidated clays, o + c

+
= + for o < c < o +

When a load is applied over a limited area, the increase of pressure due to the applied load will decrease
with depth, as shown in Figure 6.18. So, for a more realistic settlement prediction, the following methods
may be used.

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Figure 6. 18 Calculation of consolidation settlement-method A

Method A
1. Calculate the average effective pressure on the clay layer before the application of the load under
consideration.
2. Calculate the increase of stress due to the applied load at the top, middle, and the bottom of the clay
layer. This can be done by using theories developed in chapter. 3. The average increase of stress in
the clay layer can be estimated by Simpsons rule, = 16( + 4 + )
(39)
Where ( , , and are stress increases at the top, middle, and bottom of the clay layer,
respectively.
3. Using the and calculated above, obtain from equations whichever is applicable.
4. Calculate the settlement by using equation.
Method B
1. Better results in settlement calculation may be obtained by dividing a given clay layer into n layers
as shown in Figure 6.19.
2. Calculate the effective stress () at the middle of each layer.
3. Calculate the increase of stress at the middle of each layer due to the applied load.
4. Calculate for each layer from equations, whichever is applicable.
5. Total settlement for the entire clay layer can be given by

=
= =1 = =1 1+ (40)

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Figure 6.19 Calculation of consolidation settlement-Method B

Example 3 A circular foundation 2m in diameter is shown in Figure 6.20. A normally consolidated clay
layer 5 m thick is located below the foundation. Determine the consolidation settlement of the clay.

Solution Divide the clay layer into five layers each 1 m thick.

Calculation of () . The effective stress at the middle of layer 1 is

(1) = 17 1.5 + 19 9.8 0.5 + 18.5 9.81 0.5 = 34.44 /2 .

The effective stress at the middle of the second layer is

(2) = 34.44 + 18.5 9.81 1 = 34.44 + 8.69 = 43.13 /2

Similarly

(3) = 43.13 + 8.69 = 51.81/2

(4) = 51.82 + 8.69 = 60.51/2

(5) = 60.51 + 8.69 = 69.2/2

Calculation of . For a circular loaded area, the increase of stress below the center is given by
1
= 1 [(/)2 +1]3/2

Where b is the radius of the circular foundation, 1 m. hence,


1
1 = 150 1 [(1/1.5)2 +1]3/2 = 63.59 /2

1
2 = 150 1 [(1/2.5)2 +1]3/2 = 29.93 /2

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NPTEL- Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

1
3 = 150 1 = 16.66 /2
[(1/3.5)2 +1]3/2

1
4 = 150 1 [(1/4.5)2 +1]3/2 = 10.46 /2

1
5 = 150 1 [(1/5.5)2 +1]3/2 = 7.14 /2

Figure 6.20

Calculation of consolidation settlement : The steps in the calculation are given in the following table (
Figure 6.21):
Layer no. , () , /2 /2

1 +
1 1 34.44 63.59 0.0727 0.0393
2 1 43.13 29.93 0.0366 0.0198
3 1 51.82 16.66 0.0194 0.0105
4 1 60.51 10.46 0.0111 0.0060
5 1 69.2 7.14 0.00682 0.0037
= 0.0793

() +
= ; = 0.16
()

So, = 0.0793 = 79.3 .

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NPTEL- Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

Figure 6.21

1.3.2 Skempton-Bjerrum Modification for Calculation of Consolidation


Settlement

In one-dimensional consolidation tests, there is no lateral yield of the soil specimen and the ratio of the
minor to minor to major principal effective stresses, , remains constant. In that case, the increase of pore
water pressure due to an increase of vertical stress is equal in magnitude to the latter; or

= (41)

Where is the increase of pore water pressure and is the increase of vertical stress.

However, in reality the final increase of major and minor principal stresses due to a given loading condition
at a given point in a clay layer do not maintain a ratio equal to . The increase of pore water pressure at a
point due to a given load is (Figure 6.22).

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NPTEL- Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

Figure 6.22 Development of excess pore water pressure below the center line of a circular loaded area

= 3 + (1 3 )

Skempton and Bjerrum (1957) proposed that the vertical compression of a soil element of thickness due
to an increase of pore water pressure may be given by

= (42)

Where is the coefficient of volume compressibility, or


= 3 + 1 3 = 1 + 3 (1 )
1

The preceding equation can be integrated to obtain the total consolidation settlement:


= 0
1 + 3 (1 ) (43)
1

For conventional one-dimensional consolidation ( condition)

1
( ) = 0 1+
= 0 1 1+
1 = 0
1 (44)

. Thus,

Settlement ratio, =
( )


1 [+(3 /1 )(1)]
= 0

0
1

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3
= + (1 ) 0

0 1

= + (1 )1 (45)

3
Where 1 = 0
(46)
0 1

The values of 1 for the stresses developed below the center of a uniformly loaded circular of diameter B
are given in Figure 6. 23. The values of settlement ratio, , , for various values of the pore water
pressure parameter A are given in Figure 6. 24.

Figure 6. 23 Variation of 1 with /

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NPTEL- Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

Figure 6. 24 Settlement ratio for circular loading [equation (45)]

For consolidation under the center of a strip load (Scott, 1963), of width B (Figure 6.25).

Figure 6. 25 Excess pore water pressure below the center line of a uniform strip load

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3 1 1
= 3 + + 1 3 (for v = 0.5)
2 3 2


So, = 0
= 0
1 + (1 ) 3
1
(47)

3 1 1
Where = 3 +2
2


Hence, settlement ratio, =
( )


1 [+(1)(3 /1 )]
= 0

0
1

= + (1 )2 (48)

3
Where 2 = 0
(49)
0
1

Figure 6. 27 Settlement ratio for strip loading [equation (48)]

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