Question

During a consolidation test, a sample of fully saturated clay 3 cm thick is consolidated under a pressure increment of 200 kN/m2 . When equilibrium is reached, the sample thickness is reduced to 2.60 cm. The pressure is then removed and the sample is allowed to expand and absorb water. The final thickness is observed as 2.8 cm and the final moisture content is determined as 24.9%. If the specific gravity of the soil solids is 2.70, find the void ratio of the sample before and after consolidation. (Assume Vs=1)

Answer 1

Calculations are started from final stage and proceeded towards start of consolidation.