Consolidation is a process by which increments of load are shifted to the soil structure, initially being carried by the water in the pores. This process is accompanied by change in volume. Soils of similar strength may exhibit varying consolidation characteristics. Representative samples taken from the field when tested in the laboratory will give characteristics of the settlement conditions which are liable to occur at site. The accuracy of laboratory test results will mostly depend on the specimen preparation and the efficiency of the apparatus.

Consolidation is a process by which increments of load are shifted to the soil structure, initially being carried by the water in the pores. This process is accompanied by change in volume. Soils of similar strength may exhibit varying consolidation characteristics. Representative samples taken from the field when tested in the laboratory will give characteristics of the settlement conditions which are liable to occur at site. The accuracy of laboratory test results will mostly depend on the specimen preparation and the efficiency of the apparatus.