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Soil Mechanics – Consolidation
Source: http://www-odp.tamu.edu/publications/167_SR/chap_31/images/44_f01.gif
Consolidation is a form of settlement where the air and liquids in a soil (the voids) are removed due to pressures acting on the soil. Consolidation can occur over a long period of time and can destroy structures if not address soon enough.
The distance of consolidation is determined using this equation:
$$ s = H \varepsilon_v = \frac{H \Delta e}{1 + e_0} $$
Where:
s = settlement
H = layer thickness
\(e_0\) = initial void ratio
\(Delta e\) = change of the void ratio due to the increase in vertical stress at the midpoint of the layer
