Consolidation

Definition

• 1. In Soil Mechanics (Engineering): Time-dependent volumetric change of a soil in response to increased loading, involving squeezing of water from the pores, decreasing volume, and increasing effective stresses

• 2. In Geology (Scientific): Process or processes whereby loose, soft, or molten earth materials become firm and coherent (Holtz et al. 2011; Herrmann and Bucksch 2014).

The engineering definition of consolidation is followed here.

Consolidation Process

During consolidation of a fully saturated soil, an isotropic stress state starts when an increase in total pressure (Δ σ ₀) is applied to a soil volume that was initially at equilibrium under the in situ stress state (σ ₀) and pore water pressure (u ₀). The increase in total stress is assumed to be initially transferred as an increase in pore pressure (Δu _t=0) (Fig. 1). This increase in pore pressure dissipates over time at a rate that is inversely proportional to the soil’s hydraulic conductivity. Dissipation of this...