Consolidation testing of peaty clay

Abstract

The first rational theory to explain the settlements occurring in saturated clays was the 1- D theory of consolidation proposed by Terzaghi (1925). One of the main advantages of the theoretical modelling of consolidation is that it becomes possible to carryout laboratory tests on thin samples of clay. a few centimetres thick (with one increment of load normally maintained for 24 hours). and then from the laboratory results predict the settlements in the field where the clay layer may be several meters thick and where the settlements may take place over a long period of time.