Prediction of the preconsolidation pressure and recompression index of soils

Based on the generalized compressibility equation a procedure is given to estimate the preconsolidation pressure and the recompression index of stress and time dependent overconsolidated soils. This is based on knowledge of (1) the in-situ void ratio, (2) the liquid limit of the soil, (3) the in-situ overburden pressure, and (4) the specific gravity of the soil solids. Estimates of these consolidation parameters, which often are sufficiently accurate, can be obtained without carrying out consolidation tests. The estimated values for specific soils are compared with published data.