Under a given surcharge, a 5-m thick clay layer has a consolidation settlement of 305 mm. Assume C₂ = 0.003 cm²/sec. a. What is the average degree of consolidation for clay layer when the settlement is 75 mm? b. How long will it take for 50% consolidation to occur if the layer is drained at the top only? c. How long will it take for 50% consolidation to occur if the layer is drained on both ends?

Q: Q3: A normally consolidated clay layer is 5 m thick (one-way drainage). From the application of a…

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Calculation of Settlement

The vertical displacement of the structural foundation due to the loading from the superstructure is known as settlement. It is due to the reduction of air voids present in the soil. The amount of vertical displacement depends on the bearing capacity of the soil on which the foundation is laid. The effect of the settlement depends on the magnitude of settlement, uniformity, and the structural design of the structure. The maximum allowable settlement for residential and office buildings should be less than 18 mm, for industrial buildings, it is 38 mm and for commercial buildings, it is 25 mm.