4. Terzaghi’s 1D Consolidation Equation
The chapter discusses the principles of Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory, focusing on the assumptions that the soil medium is saturated, isotropic, and homogeneous while following Darcy's law. It explains the concept of volume change in soil due to consolidation and outlines limitations of the one-dimensional model such as constant permeability and assumptions of three-dimensional flow. The chapter concludes with Terzaghi's solution indicating consolidation progress with time and depth, emphasizing the importance of average degree of consolidation in practical applications.
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What we have learnt
- The assumptions of one-dimensional consolidation theory include saturated, isotropic, and homogeneous soil conditions.
- Consolidation is defined as the volume change in soil due to expulsion of pore water, which relates to changes in stress and height.
- The limitations of the one-dimensional model highlight the dynamic nature of permeability and the realities of three-dimensional drainage.
Key Concepts
- -- OneDimensional Consolidation
- A theory describing how compressible soil deposits consolidate over time due to vertical loading and how this process is affected by pore water expulsion.
- -- Degree of Consolidation
- The ratio of the volume of pore water expelled to the original volume of voids, indicating how much of the consolidation process has occurred at a certain time and depth.
- -- Terzaghi’s Consolidation Equation
- An equation that provides the mathematical framework for predicting the consolidation behavior of saturated soils under applied stress over time.
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