Validating Traditional Consolidation Testing and Interpretation Methods to Measure Secondary Compression of Peat in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta levee system is built upon highly compressible organic soil known as peat. Rise in sea level, land subsidence, and seismic ground motion all threaten the reliability of the levee system and safety of the delta. The delta is the main source of water for agricultural and domestic use throughout the state and is fundamental to the survival of California and its 37 million residents. Failure of the levees would halt water distribution in California for its citizens and for an agricultural industry which provides millions in revenue to the state economy. The goal of this research investigation is to determine whether traditional consolidation testing and data interpretation methods can reliably be used to measure peat properties. Primary focus of the project will be characterization of the transition from primary consolidation to secondary compression in peat to provide insight into its settlement behavior and stress history. Knowledge gained from these studies on the nature of consolidation of peat can aid in the implementation of changes to the levee system that may protect the delta from natural disasters and prevent a national crisis.