Title

Consolidation Test
Objective
The objective of the oedometer consolidation test is to determine consolidation characteristics of soils
with low permeability. The test determines two important consolidation parameters of clays,
i.e. coefficient of volume compressibility, Mv, and coefficient of consolidation, Cv.
Introduction
The standard oedometer consolidation test for saturated clays is the main feature of this experiment.
The test is carried out by applying a sequence of vertical loads to a laterally confined specimen having
a height of about one quarter of its diameter. The vertical compression under each load is observed
over a period of time, usually up to 24 hours. Since no lateral deformation is allowed it is a onedimensional test, from which the one-dimensional consolidation parameters are derived. (Anon., 2011)
Apparatus
i.

Casagrande type oedometer, which includes;

A consolidation ring, internal diameter 66.45 mm, height 20 mm.
A fixed ring, consolidation cell.
A dial gauge reading to 0.01 mm having a travel of at least 10 mm.
A loading device.
ii. Glass plate.
iii. Apparatus for moisture content determination.
iv. Top pan weighing balance reading to 0.1 g.
v. Vernier callipers.
vi. Set of standard weights.
vii. Stop watch or clock readable to 1 sec.
(Anon., n.d.)

Figure 1: Details of consolidation cell & Section of a loading device

Figure 2: Test Setup; dial gauge & weight

(Anon., 2015)
Procedures
I.

Preparation of the sample

II.

The consolidation ring and glass plate were weighted separately to an accuracy of 0.1g.
The inside of the ring was lubricated with a thin smear of silicone grease or petroleum
jelly.
The height of the ring was measured to 0.05 mm at four equally spaced points using the
vernier callipers and calculate the mean height.
A small amount of soil from the compaction mould was extruded using the mechanical
extruder.
The cutting ring was pressed bevelled sharp cutting edge downwards, into the soil until
its upper most rim is just below the soil surface.
More of the soil was extruded, so that the bottom of the ring is well clear of the edge of
the mould.
The top of the soil with the palate knife was trimmed off.
The soil below the base of the consolidation cutting ring with the spatula was cut off.
The glass plate was placed on the top surface and gently slide the specimen clear using
a palate knife to assist the process.
The ring containing the soil sample was inverted and the upper surface of the clay level
with the bevelled edge of the consolidation ring with the spatulas was trimmed off.
Any voids were carefully filled with pieces of clay without compressing the sample.
The glass plate, ring the clay sample was weighted to the nearest 0.1 g.

Preparation and assembly of consolidation apparatus.

A wet filter paper was put onto the porous disc at the base of the consolidation cell and
the sample was placed contained in the ring, on it with the bevelled cutting edge of the
ring uppermost.
The top of the sample was covered with a second wet filter paper and the retaining
screws were used to secure the collar of the consolidation cell to the base to hold the
consolidation ring and sample firmly together.
The top porous stone and loading plate were placed on top of the filter paper.

III.

Assembly in load frame.

IV.

The consolidation cell was placed in position on the cell platform of the oedometer.
The loading yoke of the oedometer was connected with the top platen of the
consolidation cell and the counter balance weight of the beam was adjusted, so that it is
slightly above the horizontal position.
The compression dial gauge in to position was clamped, allowing space for swelling as
well as compression of the sample and record the initial dial gauge reading.
A 500 g weight was placed on the top pan of the weight hanger to give a very small
positive downward load on the sample in the consolidation ring (seating load).
The beam support jack was screwed up, so that the beam is held fixed, ready for the
start of the test.

Take measurements.
The timing device was checked (stop watch or clock)that is working correctly, the time
of day was noted and the timing device was activated while at the same time lowering
the beam support jack to allow the consolidation to begin.
Readings of the compression gauge at the following time sequence (minutes)0, 0.25,
0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 120 and a final reading, after approximately 24 hours were
taken. (Anon., 2014)

Conclusion

References

References
Anon., 2011. [Online]
Available at: http://www.uic.edu/classes/cemm/cemmlab/Experiment%2011-Consolidation.pdf
[Accessed 15 February 2016].
Anon., 2014. [Online]
Available at: http://www.bc.cityu.edu.hk/~soillab/exp/Download/EXPeriment-6.pdf
[Accessed 12 February 2016].
Anon., 2015. Wikipedia. [Online]
Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oedometer_test
[Accessed 20 February 2016].
Anon., n.d. [Online]
Available at: http://www.bc.cityu.edu.hk/~soillab/exp/Download/EXPeriment-6.pdf
[Accessed 14 February 2016].