Question

The coefficient of consolidation is given by ___________

(a) \(C_v=\frac{q}{m_v γ_w}\)

(b) \(C_v=\frac{1}{m_v γ_w}\)

(c) \(C_v=\frac{k}{m_v} \)

(d) \(C_v=\frac{k}{m_v γ_w}\)

This question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This key question is from Terzaghi’s Theory of One Dimensional Consolidation topic in section One Dimensional Consolidation of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Right option is (d) \(C_v=\frac{k}{m_v γ_w}\)

For explanation I would say: The coefficient of consolidation is given by,

\(C_v=\frac{k}{m_v γ_w}\)

where, k=coefficient of permeability

mv=coefficient of volume change

γw=unit weight of water.