Coefficient of Consolidation for Vertical and Radial Drainage

Abstract

The knowledge of the rate at which the settlement of clay layer takes place is very important in the design of vertical drain. The coefficient of consolidation, whether it is vertical or radial drainage (cv or cr) plays an important role in the design of vertical drains and it controls accurate prediction of rate of consolidation of soil. This paper presents an overview of different methods used in the past for finding the coefficient of consolidation, using vertical drainage (cv), as well as with vertical drains (cr) based on free strain approach as well as equal strain approach. It is noted that free strain approach is complex; a large number of methods were developed based on equal strain approach. In this paper, these methods for the determination of cv and cr are summarized and compared. This review will be useful for researchers or practicing engineers for estimating the rate of settlement in the clay layer with/without drains.