Question

In numerical integration of the equation, the total settlement of the layer is equal to _____________

(a) product of individual settlements of the various thin layers

(b) sum of individual settlements of the various thin layers

(c) difference of individual settlements of the various thin layers

(d) division of individual settlements of the various thin layers

This question was addressed to me in semester exam.

Question is taken from Consolidation Process topic in section One Dimensional Consolidation of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Right answer is (b) sum of individual settlements of the various thin layers

For explanation I would say: The numerical integration may be performed by dividing the total thickness H into a number of thin layers. The settlement of each thin layer is found and is summed up to give the final settlement. Therefore, the total settlement of the layer is equal to sum of individual settlements of the various thin layers.