Comparative study on horizontal coefficient of consolidation determined using Rowe and conventional consolidation cell

Vertical drains are extensively used to accelerate the consolidation of soft clay deposits when preloading is used as a ground improvement technique. Barron's theory is widely adopted for the design of vertical drains. One of the important input parameter required in Barron's theory is the coefficient of horizontal consolidation ch. The reliable estimate of ch is, therefore, necessary for the economic design. Rowe consolidation cell with inward radial drainage is commonly adopted for performing radial consolidation tests so as to determine ch. The radial consolidation tests can also be performed using the conventional consolidation apparatus with suitable modifications. This paper compares the results of radial consolidation tests carried out using both conventional and Rowe consolidation cells on three different soil samples. The experimental results show that the ch determined using both conventional and Rowe consolidation cells are in good agreement. The paper also brings out the relative ease of using conventional consolidation cell over Rowe consolidation cell for determining ch for all practical purposes. The results are applied for analysis of data from two field studies so as to evaluate the validity of determining ch using the conventional consolidation apparatus.