Estimating Foundation Settlement by One-Dimensional Consolidation Tests

摘要

This monograph demonstrates the application of one-dimensional consolidation test data to foundation settlement analysis. Soil samples are tested in the laboratory to determine the settlement characteristics of the soil under load. These characteristics are used to estimate the amount of settlement of a structure which would result from the consolidation of its earth foundation because of the structure load. The test is also used to determine the settlements that will occur within dams and earth embankments. The consolidation characteristics of a soil mass are influenced by numerous factors. Some of these are size and shape of the soil particles, moisture content, permeability, initial density, and physical and chemical properties of the soil. Because these factors are so numerous it is usually not possible to describe the consolidation characteristics with a high degree of confidence by means of judgement and simple index values. For structures that are critical regarding settlement and those whose cost would justify such tests, it is advisable to analyze settlement from consolidation tests on the actual foundation material.