Repeated Short-Term Consolidation of Peats

The behavior of peats under varying loading processes was noted by the authors while working on various geotechnical engineering projects. This paper gives the comparative results of repeated short-term loading tests and continuous one-load consolidation tests on peats. Peat samples were obtained from three separate sites. The test results show that peats undergo significant consolidation when subjected to repeated loadings, comparable to continuous loading. Loading times and frequencies do not significantly affect the rate and amount of compression.

The test results offer a possible explanation for uneven settlements of parking lots and storage areas of lumber yards, coal yards, canneries, etc.