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Soil Mechanics - Consolidation


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 = settlement

H = layer thickness

= initial void ratio

= change of the void ratio due to the increase in vertical stress at the midpoint of the layer

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