1.1. Plotting the Dial Reading

1. Plot the dial reading and square root of time i.e T for a pressure increment as shown in figure.

In this step, you need to plot the dial reading against the square root of time, which is represented as T. The dial reading typically indicates a certain measurement related to pressure increments, and plotting it against the square root of time helps visualize how these two quantities relate to one another over time. The resulting graph will help in understanding the behaviour of the tested sample under the applied pressure.

Think of this plotting process like plotting the speed of a car against time. If you wanted to understand how fast your car accelerates, you would note the speed at regular time intervals and plot those points. Similarly, plotting dial readings against square root time reveals how the material responds to pressure over time.

2. Draw a tangent PQ to the initial portion of the plot as shown in fig.

After plotting the data, the next step is to draw a tangent line (labeled PQ) that touches the initial steep part of the curve. This tangent will help illustrate the rate of change at that point. By observing the slope of this line, you can determine how quickly the material is consolidating at the beginning stages of the test.

Imagine you are studying how quickly a sponge absorbs water when you first place it in a bowl. The initial rate of absorption can be depicted as a tangent line on your graph. Just like you would measure how fast the sponge soaks up water right when it touches the liquid, the tangent helps visualize how quickly consolidation is occurring at the beginning.

3. Draw a line PR such that OR=1.15OQ.

Here, you need to draw another line (labelled PR) extending in such a way that the length of OR is 1.15 times the length of OQ. This mathematical relation helps in comparing the various segments of the graph and makes it easier to analyze the data points. It provides a specific reference to the slope and how it relates to the consolidation process.

Consider this action similar to measuring a piece of string that is exactly 1.15 times longer than another. If you have a short string (OQ), you find out what 1.15 times that length would be and mark it as OR. This step ensures that the relationships you draw on your graph accurately represent the changes observed in the material under study.

4. The intersection of the line PR with the second portion of the curve i.e point S is marked.

The final step is to find where the line PR intersects with the second section of the curve and label this point as S. This intersection is crucial because it indicates a significant point in the consolidation process. By marking this spot, you can understand how the material’s response changes in the consolidated phase.

Think of this intersection like finding the point where a runner catches up with another runner on a track; the intersection determines where their paths converge, signifying an important moment in the race, much like how point S highlights a key point in material consolidation.

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