in evaluating the hydraulic conductivity of soils used as foundation materials , would it be appropriate to use the parameters of a consolidation test ? And under what prevailing circumstances or moisture conditions ?
hi, yes i feel the hydraulic conductivity to be evaluated based on consolidation results are mainly depends on initial moisture content and the initial soil structure. Also, the results evaluated from this test is approximate and needs to verify by conducting field test for important projects. You may use optimum moisture content obtained from compaction test result for the preparation of consolidation specimen. Otherwise, use moisture content for preparation of consolidation specimen as per your design requirements. Ex. moisture content needed to use the soil for road construction is different than it is used for embankment construction..ok all the best..
I would like to make some contribution in addition to Karthigeyan . S .
Years ago, we have conducted some experiments to compare the k from permeability and consolidation tests for clayey soils. We have found that consolidation tests give lower k depending on the consolidation pressure (p). Because as p gets higher, void ratio (e) gets smaller. Remembering that k is significantly depends on e, as a result you get a lower k as function of the e and p.
Our study was published in Turkish, so I only add the graph here for a reference. It will give you an idea. The green mark from permeability tests. Others from two independent consolidation tests as a function of e.
You may estimate several k from consolidation tests considering p and e. Then fit a curve to estimate the k at natural confining pressure (green mark in the figure) of soil and the corresponding e as an estimate.
I must also state that my recommendation will only serve as an approximation.
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