Determination of the Time Rate of Radial Consolidation Using Laboratory Inflow Consolidation Testing

A simple, easily applicable correlation is proposed for the relationship between the degree of radial consolidation (U_r) and the time factor (T_r) based on the free-strain assumption and drainage to a central drain (inflow radial consolidation). The suggested correlation is successfully applied to the results of a series of tests on soft clayey soils from Louisiana using the incremental radial inflow test equipment developed and utilized by a series of R. E. Olson's former graduate students in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The proposed correlation is practical, yet powerful, and can easily/quickly be applied using spreadsheets. One can also conveniently and consistently determine radial consolidation coefficient (c_r) without the conventional graphical construction.