1.2. Drawing the Tangent

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the first step in drawing the tangent for pressure increments?

   Hint

   Think about the axes of the graph.

2. 2.

   What does the tangent represent on the curve?

   Hint

   Relate it to the slope.

3. 3.

   What does the tangent PQ represent on the graphical plot?

   • The total pressure applied
   • The rate measured at a point
   • The average of all points

   Hint

   Think about what tangent lines do in relation to curves.

4. 4.

   True or False: The consolidation time is the same regardless of the drainage path length.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how drainage paths affect time measurements.

5. 5.

   You have a plotted curve of consolidation pressure readings. Explain how to determine where the tangent would touch and its significance for two different materials with varying permeability.

   Hint

   Consider how quicker drainage would affect the tangent's slope.

6. 6.

   Given a monotonically increasing curve for time and consolidation, choose a point to draw the tangent and a line PR. Explain how variations in your method might affect the accuracy of predicting consolidation time.

   Hint

   Think about what would happen with incorrect measurements.