Question

In Terzaghi’s Theory of one dimensional consolidation, the time lag in consolidation is ___________

(a) due to permeability of soil and viscosity of water or fluid

(b) due entirely to seepage pressure of water

(c) due entirely to permeability of soil

(d) due entirely to viscosity of water or fluid

The question was posed to me during a job interview.

This intriguing question originated from Terzaghi’s Theory of One Dimensional Consolidation topic in chapter One Dimensional Consolidation of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) due entirely to permeability of soil

The explanation is: The time lag is the delay in consolidation due to slow drainage of water. This entirely depends upon the permeability of the saturated soil and not on the seepage pressure of the water between the soil particles.