1.3. Drawing Line PR

Try these first

1. 1.

   What do you plot on the y-axis of the consolidation curve?

   Hint

   Consider what measures pressure in soil samples.

2. 2.

   Why do we use the square root of time in plotting?

   Hint

   Think about how time relates to physical processes.

3. 3.

   What does the tangent PQ represent in a consolidation graph?

   • Rate of Change
   • Total Settlement
   • Elastic Limit

   Hint

   Think about how a tangent relates to slopes on a curve.

4. 4.

   True or False: The more extended the drainage path, the shorter the time for consolidation.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the implication of distance on drainage time.

5. 5.

   A soil sample shows a plotted tangent at an initial pressure of 50 kPa and a slope of 0.2. If the drainage path is 5 m, calculate the expected consolidation time.

   Hint

   Remember to square the drainage path and relate it to the established slope.

6. 6.

   Considering a curve with two distinct sections, how can you mathematically express the relationship between the rates of consolidation in each section?

   Hint

   Think en route about how pressure increments can reflect different characteristics across sections.