Question

The minus sign in the change expression for change in thickness ∆H = -mv Ho ∆σ’ denotes ______

(a) thickness decreases with increase in pressure

(b) thickness decreases with decrease in pressure

(c) thickness increases with increase in pressure

(d) thickness does not changewith increase in pressure

I got this question during an interview.

My question comes from Consolidation Process in portion One Dimensional Consolidation of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) thickness decreases with increase in pressure

Explanation: The minus sign in the change expression for change in thickness ∆H = -mvHo∆σ’ denotes that with the applied load, the thickness of the soil layer decreases. Thus, in the expression minus sign denotes that thickness decreases with increase in pressure.