A procedure to analyze a one dimensional compression test

Abstract

The subsoil of Mexico City (SMC) is highly compressible when loads are applied. This feature is associated with many uncertainties and complex issues during foundation design processes. The compressibility of the SMC has been investigated since the 40s by using oedometer tests in most cases. However, the importance of the results in interpreting compression test data requires a systematic method of determining the end of consolidation (EOC) under a load increment. This paper offers an alternative view to analyze a one-dimensional compression test, decomposing the time-compression curve into two curves, one due to consolidation and another due to volumetric creep, using numerical processing. This approach has several advantages: (1) Data reduction allows us to know the contribution of consolidation and volumetric creep at any time and for each load increment. (2) a systematic method of determining the end-of-consolidation (EOC) under a load increment, and (3) long-term strains (settlements) can be estimated at any time. Finally, an example of the results obtained using the suggested method is presented.