Primary consolidation settlement due to ramp loading: Terzaghi (1943) method revisited

Terzaghi (1943) developed an empirical method for primary consolidation due to a load applied at constant rate (ramp load) until the end of construction at time tc. The method considers that the settlement at a time t during construction, can be evaluated admitting the load applied instantaneously at time t/2. In this research, two alternative modifications are proposed for this Terzaghi’s empirical recommendation. The first one is based on a variable fraction of time t and the second modification keeps Terzaghi’s suggestion (t/2) but makes reductions in the average degree of consolidation Uv. Computed results for different construction time factors Tv were compared to Olson (1977) analytical solution. The first approach yielded a maximum difference of approximately 2.40% while the second alternative gave results that are practically the same as those calculated by Olson’s solution. The validity of these new approaches was also proven by reproducing odometer test results with good agreement.