Consolidation in clay soil
Consolidation in clay soil
(OP)
We are building a 40' highway on A-7-6 (clay) over a railroad. The max embankment to the approaches of the bridge is 35' and will be using A-7-6 as well as embankment material. MSE walls as high as 20' will be built to hold the embankment on each side where the railroad goes underneath the bridge. Yes we have essentially floating walls and this bothers me. According to our geotech consultant, the assumption is that the embankment is not saturated and that primary consolidation is essentially compression and all settlement will occur during compression and that no secondary consolidation will occur. I am having a hard time believing this. can anyone explain this to me? Thanks a lot.





RE: Consolidation in clay soil
RE: Consolidation in clay soil
I'm not sure I'd be as generous for the clay below the foundation. I'd want to have some 1-d consolidation data and I'd want to consider the change in stress. If the stresses are below the preconsolidation pressure(s), then I'd be o.k. with compression. Careful thought on the modulus value(s) would be my biggest concern. That said, if you have the consolidation data, why not just use Cr and time readings to determine the magnitude and rate?
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
RE: Consolidation in clay soil
RE: Consolidation in clay soil
RE: Consolidation in clay soil
Oldestguy, that is the biggest concern since previous projects in the same geo area are bumpy in cut areas. It is recommended that we over excavate it and fill with ganular materials.
I guess the favor I am going to ask next is that if you have anything else to add on what to look for as I do have the CU and 1d tests I will research more about it so I can interpret the report correctly and understand the consultant. I cant argue my concerns as I cant support my logic.
Thanks a lot, appreciate it so much.