Consolidation Time Calculator
How long settlement takes: t₅₀/t₉₀ from c_v and drainage path.
Time scales with drainage path SQUARED — halving the path (sand drains/PVDs) quarters the wait. That's the entire business case of wick drains under embankments.
Formula
Consolidation Time Calculator is a free consolidation time 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 Time Calculator
How long settlement takes: t₅₀/t₉₀ from c_v and drainage path. The calculation implements t = T_v·H_d²/c_v (T₅₀ = 0.197, T₉₀ = 0.848) (Terzaghi time factors; ground improvement practice). Time scales with drainage path SQUARED — halving the path (sand drains/PVDs) quarters the wait. That's the entire business case of wick drains under embankments.
How to use Consolidation Time Calculator
- 1Enter Layer thickness in m.
- 2Enter Drainage (1 single (impermeable base) · 2 double (sand above & below)).
- 3Enter Coefficient c_v in m²/yr (Soft clays 1–10 m²/yr).
- 4Read 50% settlement, 90% settlement instantly — no submit button needed.
- 5Need US units? Flip the SI/Imperial toggle and every field converts.
Why use Consolidation Time Calculator?
- ✓Implements the standard formula — t = T_v·H_d²/c_v (T₅₀ = 0.197, T₉₀ = 0.848)
- ✓Reference cited on-page: Terzaghi time factors; ground improvement practice
- ✓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 Time Calculator use?+
It computes t = T_v·H_d²/c_v (T₅₀ = 0.197, T₉₀ = 0.848), per Terzaghi time factors; ground improvement practice. 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?+
Time scales with drainage path SQUARED — halving the path (sand drains/PVDs) quarters the wait. That's the entire business case of wick drains under embankments.
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 Time 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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