Question

The coefficient of consolidation in terms of voids ratio e and coefficient of compressibility is ____________

(a) \(C_v=\frac{k(1+e_0)}{a_v γ_w}\)

(b) \(C_v=\frac{k(1-e_0)}{a_v γ_w}\)

(c) \(C_v=\frac{k(e_0)}{a_v γ_w}\)

(d) \(C_v=\frac{(1+e_0)}{a_v γ_w}\)

I had been asked this question during a job interview.

The above asked question is from Terzaghi’s Theory of One Dimensional Consolidation in portion One Dimensional Consolidation of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) \(C_v=\frac{k(1+e_0)}{a_v γ_w}\)

The explanation: Since we know the coefficient of volume change \(m_v=\frac{a_v}{1+e_0} \)

and the coefficient of consolidation is given by,

\(C_v=\frac{k}{m_v γ_w}.\) Therefore, combining the two equations, we get,

\(C_v=\frac{k(1+e_0)}{a_v γ_w}.\)