U-chart method for radial and 3D consolidation

In an earlier study the first author and colleagues proposed a T-chart (or U-chart) to evaluate consolidation test results without plotting any compression–time data. The chart was developed for vertical consolidation from the slope of the U–√T curve, where U is the degree of consolidation and T is the time factor. A similar U-chart is developed for radial consolidation. It can be used for the determination of the coefficient of radial consolidation, corrected initial settlement and ultimate settlement without any plotting when time and settlement (both) at the beginning of load increment are known or unknown. The theory, preparation, procedure and usage of a radial U-chart are similar to the ones for the case of vertical consolidation. The use of a U-chart for coupled radial and vertical three-dimensional consolidation is also shown.