Consolidation Settlement Calculator
Primary settlement of a clay layer from Cc, e₀ and the stress change.
The log law means the SAME load increment hurts less on already-loaded clay — and explains preloading: squeeze the settlement out with surcharge before the building arrives.
Formula
Consolidation Settlement Calculator is a free consolidation settlement for geotechnical engineers and foundation designers — instant, accurate and 100% client-side, with the governing formula and reference shown next to the result so the number can be defended, not just quoted.
About Consolidation Settlement Calculator
Primary settlement of a clay layer from Cc, e₀ and the stress change. The calculation implements S = H·C_c/(1+e₀)·log₁₀((σ′₀+Δσ)/σ′₀) (Terzaghi 1-D consolidation; IS 8009). The log law means the SAME load increment hurts less on already-loaded clay — and explains preloading: squeeze the settlement out with surcharge before the building arrives.
How to use Consolidation Settlement Calculator
- 1Enter Clay layer thickness in m.
- 2Enter Compression index C_c (≈0.009(LL−10); soft clays 0.3–0.6).
- 3Enter Initial void ratio e₀.
- 4Enter Initial effective stress σ′₀ in kPa.
- 5Read Primary settlement instantly — no submit button needed.
- 6Need US units? Flip the SI/Imperial toggle and every field converts.
Why use Consolidation Settlement Calculator?
- ✓Implements the standard formula — S = H·C_c/(1+e₀)·log₁₀((σ′₀+Δσ)/σ′₀)
- ✓Reference cited on-page: Terzaghi 1-D consolidation; IS 8009
- ✓One-click SI ⇄ Imperial toggle — values convert in place, physics stays in SI
- ✓Live worked example: the substitution recomputes from your numbers
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser — nothing uploaded, free forever
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the Consolidation Settlement Calculator use?+
It computes S = H·C_c/(1+e₀)·log₁₀((σ′₀+Δσ)/σ′₀), per Terzaghi 1-D consolidation; IS 8009. The formula is displayed under the result along with a worked example substituted with your own inputs.
What should I keep in mind when using this calculator?+
The log law means the SAME load increment hurts less on already-loaded clay — and explains preloading: squeeze the settlement out with surcharge before the building arrives.
Can this replace a soil investigation?+
No calculator replaces boreholes and lab tests — but with investigated parameters in hand, this gives you the standard-method result instantly, with the formula shown so reviewers can check it.
Is the Consolidation Settlement Calculator free to use?+
Yes — completely free, no sign-up, no limits. It runs client-side in your browser, so inputs stay private and results are instant even on slow connections.
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