A clay layer of thickness 4 m is subjected to a uniform load of 100 kPa. Coefficient of volume compressibility m v = 0.0004 m²/kN mv​=0.0004 m²/kN. Find the immediate consolidation settlement.

 A clay layer of thickness 4 m is subjected to a uniform load of 100 kPa. Coefficient of volume compressibility 

$m_v = 0.0004 \text{ m²/kN}$. Find the immediate consolidation settlement.

Solution:

Step 1: Settlement formula

$$S = m_v \cdot \sigma \cdot H$$

Where:

• $S$ = settlement

• $m_v$ = coefficient of volume compressibility

• $\sigma$ = applied pressure

• $H$ = thickness of layer

Step 2: Substitute values

$$S = 0.0004 \cdot 100 \cdot 4 = 0.16 \text{ m} = 160 \text{ mm}$$

✅ Answer: Settlement = 160 mm