Consolidation settlement due to embankment load and additional external load

Calculation Reference
Consolidation settlement
Geotechnics
settlement due to external load

Consolidation settlement is a process by which soil particles are rearranged under load and water is squeezed out of the soil. Consolidation settlement can occur due to an embankment load, which is the weight of soil placed on top of a layer of soil. In addition, consolidation settlement can occur due to an external load, which is any load that is applied to the soil after the embankment is constructed.

The analysis of consolidation settlement due to an embankment load and additional external load involves the following steps:

1. Determine the soil properties, such as the soil type, unit weight, and coefficient of consolidation.
2. Determine the dimensions and weight of the embankment load and the additional external load.
3. Calculate the total stress on the soil due to the embankment load and the additional external load.
4. Calculate the excess pore water pressure generated by the load using Terzaghi's theory of consolidation.
5. Calculate the rate and amount of settlement due to the load using the coefficient of consolidation and the thickness of the soil layer.
6. Calculate the final settlement of the soil after the load is removed.
7. Determine the safety factor against excessive settlement using a design standard or specification.

The analysis of consolidation settlement due to an embankment load and additional external load can be further refined by considering other factors, such as the effect of groundwater, the variation of soil properties with depth, and the time-dependent behavior of the soil. The analysis can also be performed using computer software or spreadsheet programs, which can provide more accurate and efficient results.

Overall, the analysis of consolidation settlement due to an embankment load and additional external load provides a systematic and reliable approach to design and construct embankments and structures on soil, and to ensure their stability and safety over time.