A route for a proposed 8-m-wide highway crosses a region with a 4-m-thick saturated, soft, normally consolidated clay (CH) above impermeable rock. Groundwater level is 1 m below the surface. The geotechnical data available during the preliminary design stage consist of Atterberg limits (LL 5 68% and PL 5 32%) and the natural water content (w 5 56%). Based on experience, the geotechnical engineer estimated the coefficient of consolidation at 8 m2 per year. To limit settlement, a 4-m-high embankment will be constructed as a surcharge from fill of unit weight 16 kN/m3.
(a) Estimate the compression and recompression indices.
(b) Estimate the total primary consolidation settlement under the center of the embankment.
(c) Plot a time-settlement curve under the center of the embankment.
(d) How many years will it take for 50% consolidation to occur?
(e) Explain how you would speed up the consolidation.
(f) Estimate the rebound (heave) when the surcharge is removed.