What does the soil consolidation test measure?

The soil consolidation test is specifically designed to measure the settlement of soil resulting from the expulsion of water from its pores over time. This process occurs when load is applied to the soil, causing the pore water pressure to dissipate and allowing soil particles to come closer together, thus leading to a decrease in volume and an increase in effective stress. The test provides crucial data about the time-dependent behavior of saturated soil, enabling engineers to predict how much settlement will occur for a particular loading scenario.

Understanding soil consolidation is vital for effective design and construction, particularly in foundation engineering, as it informs decisions regarding the timing of construction activities and the stability of structures built on or within soft, saturated soils. While other aspects of soil behavior, such as strength or elasticity, are important in engineering, they are measured through different tests and determinations, not by the consolidation test itself.