Soil Consolidation Settlement (Terzaghi) Back EN · ZH
Geotechnical Engineering

Soil Consolidation Settlement Calculator

Real-time consolidation settlement and degree of consolidation calculation based on Terzaghi 1D theory. Set drainage conditions, compression parameters, and visualize time-settlement curves with pore pressure distribution.

Parameters
Presets
Layer thickness H 5.0 m
Drainage condition
Coeff. of consolidation c_v 1.00 m²/yr
Log scale (0.001–10 m²/yr)
Compression index Cc 0.35
Initial void ratio e₀ 1.00
Initial eff. stress σ'₀ 50.0 kPa
Applied stress increment Δσ 50.0 kPa
Check time t 1.0 yr
Log scale (0.01–100 yr)
Ultimate settlement S_ult [m]
t₅₀ [yr]
t₉₀ [yr]
Degree of consol. U(t) [%]
Time factor T_v
Degree of Consolidation U(%) vs Time
Settlement S(t) vs Time
Excess Pore Pressure Distribution at check time t

Terzaghi Consolidation Theory

Ultimate settlement:

$$S_{ult}=\frac{C_c}{1+e_0}H\log_{10}\!\left(\frac{\sigma_0'+\Delta\sigma}{\sigma_0'}\right)$$

Time factor: $T_v = c_v t / H_{dr}^2$ (double drainage $H_{dr}=H/2$, single $H_{dr}=H$)

Degree of consolidation (series solution): $$U(T_v)=1-\sum_{m=0}^{\infty}\frac{2}{M^2}\exp\!\left(-M^2 T_v\right),\quad M=\frac{\pi}{2}(2m+1)$$

Settlement at time t: $S(t)=U(T_v)\cdot S_{ult}$

Engineering Applications: Ground improvement design for roads and airports (sand drains, PVDs), construction schedule management for embankments on soft ground, differential settlement evaluation for building foundations.