In situ estimation of the coefficient of consolidation in clays

An investigation was conducted to demonstrate the applicability of cylindrical piezocone and flat piezoblade tests for providing reliable estimates of the coefficient of consolidation in clays. Coefficients of consolidation were calculated from piezocone dissipation tests for different degrees of consolidation using theoretical time factors to provide a comparison with laboratory oedometer tests. Three techniques were developed to calculate the coefficient of consolidation from piezoblade dissipation tests. Results from in situ pore pressure dissipation tests were compared with laboratory oedometer tests performed on undisturbed samples oriented in both the vertical and horizontal directions, to provide reference values of cv and ch. The results of investigations conducted at several clay sites are presented. Key words: in situ tests, piezocone, piezoblade, coefficient of consolidation, oedometer test, clays.