GATE CE 2020 Set 1 — Question 58
Go beyond PYQs with Success TrackerAI-powered personalised practice and doubt support. Unlimited practice on eligible plans; AI usage limits apply.NAT+2 / -0HardTime Rate of ConsolidationConsolidationGeotechnical EngineeringConsolidation Settlement
Geotechnical Engineering → Consolidation → Consolidation Settlement
Last updated
Question
A thick clay layer is resting over a thick sand layer and is submerged. A fill of thick sand with unit weight of is placed above the clay layer to accelerate the rate of consolidation of the clay layer. Coefficient of consolidation of clay is and coefficient of volume compressibility of clay is . Assume Taylor's relation between time factor and average degree of consolidation.
The settlement (in mm, round off to two decimal places) of the clay layer, years after the construction of the fill, is ________.

Correct answer
18.4 to 19.5
Solution
1.Calculate the ultimate primary consolidation settlement ():
2.Determine the time factor () after 10 years:
The clay layer has sand on both sides (fill above and sand layer below), so it is double drainage.Drainage path
3.Calculate the average degree of consolidation ():
Since , use the formula (or )4.Calculate the settlement at 10 years ():
Continue learning with Success Tracker
A step still unclear? Work through it with support
Use Success Tracker to ask about the reasoning, then try another GATE CE question to check your understanding.
AI-powered practice· Unlimited practice on eligible plans
- PYQs with solutions
- Attempt available previous-year questions, then compare your reasoning with the worked solution. Coverage varies by stream.
- Practice that adapts
- Choose a topic, work on weaker areas and bookmark questions to revisit. Your attempts feed your progress tracking.
- AI doubt support
- Ask follow-up questions about a step or concept while practising, instead of stopping at the final answer.
Unlimited practice is available on eligible plans. Free practice and AI usage have limits; check the current plan allowances before choosing.
This page stays readable without an account. AI responses can be wrong; check them against the solution and source material.
More questions on Consolidation
2026 Set 1 Q18The name of a person in Column 1 is to be matched with the test mentioned in Column 2. | Column 1 |…2026 Set 2 Q21Based on the Casagrande’s plasticity chart, plasticity index (in ) of inorganic clays having a…2026 Set 2 Q22Information related to foundation design is provided in table below. | Column 1 | Column 2 | | :---…2026 Set 1 Q31For a liquid, the permeability of a sandy soil having a void ratio of was determined as…2026 Set 1 Q32To obtain undisturbed clay soil sample, an Area Ratio of needs to be achieved for a…