Coefficient of consolidation by end of arc method

Mohsen Abbaspout¹, Reza Porhoseini¹, Kazem Barkhordari¹, Ahmad Ghorbani²

(1. School of Technical & Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Yazd University,
University Blvd, Safayieh, Yazd, Iran;
2. School of Mining and Metallurgy, Department of Mine Exploration, Yazd University,
University Blvd, Safayieh, Yazd, Iran)

Abstract:One of the most important issues in geotechnical engineering is excess pore pressure caused by clay soil loading and consolidation. Regarding uncertainties and complexities, this issue has long been the subject of attention of many researchers. In this work, a one-dimensional consolidation apparatus was equipped in a way that pore water pressure and settlement could be continuously read and recorded during consolidation process under static loading. The end of primary consolidation was obtained using water pressure changes helping to present a new method for determining the end of primary consolidation and consolidation coefficient. This method was then compared with two classical theory methods of lg t and Using Terzaghi’s theory, the way of pore pressure dissipation for lg t, and the new method was found and compared with experimental results. It is concluded that the new method has better results.

Key words:one-dimensional consolidation of soil; excess pore pressure; end primary consolidation; consolidation coefficient; static loading