Extension of Terzaghi’s Graphical Method to Predict Settlement due to Stepped Load
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 18, Issue 12
Abstract
This paper presents an analytical solution that extends the graphical correction of the consolidation curve, proposed by Terzaghi, to account for linearly increasing load (Terzaghi, K. 1943. Theoretical soil mechanics. New York: Wiley.). Although simple, the proposed procedure can substantially improve settlement prediction. It considers the ratio of the area below the actual loading curve to the corresponding area due to an instantaneous load. As a result, any time-dependent loading can be interpreted. The accuracy of the proposed method was verified by analyzing two case histories of a large embankment constructed on compressible soils. As in Terzaghi’s graphical approach, the method provides approximate results, but it is efficient in reproducing general time-dependent loading and is easily programmed in spreadsheets.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank Dr. C. Vipulanandan for support as supervisor of the international scholar stage of the first author, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Texas. The authors also thank the Brazilian research agencies CAPES, CNPq, and FAPERJ for their continuous support.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 18 • Issue 12 • December 2018
Copyright
© 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 8, 2017
Accepted: Apr 16, 2018
Published online: Sep 20, 2018
Published in print: Dec 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Feb 20, 2019
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