Abstract:
The first rational theory to explain the settlements occurring in saturated clays was the 1-
D theory of consolidation proposed by Terzaghi (1925). One of the main advantages of the
theoretical modelling of consolidation is that it becomes possible to carryout laboratory
tests on thin samples of clay. a few centimetres thick (with one increment of load normally
maintained for 24 hours). and then from the laboratory results predict the settlements in the
field where the clay layer may be several meters thick and where the settlements may take
place over a long period of time.
