GATE CE 2016 Set 1 — Question 52
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Geotechnical Engineering → Consolidation → Consolidation Settlement
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Question
An undisturbed soil sample was taken from the middle of a clay layer (i.e., 1.5 m below GL), as shown in figure. The water table was at the top of clay layer. Laboratory test results are as follows:
A compacted fill of 2.5 m height with unit weight of 20 kN/m is placed at the ground level.
Assuming unit weight of water as 10 kN/m, the ultimate consolidation settlement (expressed in mm) of the clay layer is ____________
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Natural water content of clay | 25% |
| Preconsolidation pressure of clay | 60 kPa |
| Compression index of clay | 0.50 |
| Recompression index of clay | 0.05 |
| Specific gravity of clay | 2.70 |
| Bulk unit weight of sand | 17 kN/m |
Correct answer
36 to 38
Solution
1.Initial void ratio () of clay:
(assuming saturated clay below GWT)2.Saturated unit weight of clay ():
3.Initial effective stress () at middle of clay (1.5 m below GL):
4.Final effective stress ():
5.Settlement calculation:
Since (), the clay is over-consolidated and stress crosses the preconsolidation pressure.Continue learning with Success Tracker
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